Generating Change: Multisectoral Perspectives of Key Facilitators and Barriers to Food System Policy Making

Abstract

The objective of this research is to identify key contextual factors, facilitators, and barriers associated with food system policy making using a case study of Waterloo Region (Ontario, Canada). Participants were invited to discuss the development and adoption of food policies in the Regional Official Plan (ROP). Forty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with regional decision makers, public health and regional planning staff experts, municipal planners, and food system stakeholders. Grounded theory analyses identified key emergent themes associated with food system policy making and change. The strategic nature of food policy making was consistently identified. Planning's need for internal supporters to protect agricultural land from sprawl and Public Health's concern for farmer viability and food access forged a strategic partnership that was identified as an important contextual factor advancing the agenda developing the ROP. Key facilitators included food system groundwork, internal and external partnerships, and incremental transfer of knowledge to decision makers. Navigating a new area of practice, resource constraints and tensions with planners were discussed as barriers. A food system policy frame helped minimize tensions and led to greater support for food policies. This research suggests a positive shift in community planning considerations and offers new insight into the role of public health professionals in the development of supportive regional food policies. The GENERATE change model is presented as a guide for multisectoral engagement, dialogue, and action.