Navigating Borders: The Evolution of the Cass Clay Food Partners

Abby Gold,Noelle Harden

doi:10.5304/jafscd.2018.08b.010

Abstract

The Cass Clay Food Partners is an integrated food network serving Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, through the combined work of a food policy council, action network, and steering committee. In this paper, we describe the evolution of the network from project-based work to policy development to a partnership that integrates both programs and policy for greater impact. We also highlight the many types of boundaries the network has navigated in order to attain success in advancing alternative food systems for the Red River Valley community. These boundaries include political borders such as the state line between North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as philosophical divisions between stakeholders and decision-makers. Lastly, we highlight the pitfalls faced and lessons learned by the network during this process. See the press release for this article.

Highlights

Like many communities, the Red River Valley region of Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, is on a path to intentionally create a healthier and vibrant food system
We propose that the evolution of the Cass Clay Food Partners (CCFP) demonstrates how a comprehensive food network can effectively navigate a variety of boundaries in order to advance systemic change at the local, regional, and state level
Building on the literature related to food networks and local food policy, we describe the evolution of CCFP and highlight key lessons learned along the way

Summary

Introduction

The Red River Valley region of Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, is on a path to intentionally create a healthier and vibrant food system. We reflect on the unique organizational evolution of the CCFP from initiative to commission to partnership, highlighting the role that the place-based network has played in building leadership capacity among food system stakeholders and in supporting the implementation of a formal food systems plan and associated policy blueprints.

Results

Conclusion