O2 - The Role of Collaboration and Community Engagement in Improving Food Systems

Abstract

Objective: Community food networks vary widely, and as a result, efforts to improve local food systems will vary. In the midst of all this variety is one constant: people working together. In Whatcom County, the Whatcom Food Network (WFN) was established through an intentional process of building a coalition of food and farming community members-nutrition experts, food advocates, educators, farmers, and agency representatives-with a shared vision and commitment to understand and improve the local food system. WFN's mission is to build common understanding and facilitate collaborative efforts toward an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all. Initiating a community food assessment was an effective method in bringing together stakeholders to describe the local food system and better understand the interplay between the different sectors within the food system. This case study describes best practices followed in building a collaboration to move the dial on a community food system to impact policy and improve food access for all community members. The bumps in the road became lessons learned, informing next steps in the process. Target Audience: Food advocates, community food system workers, educators. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: Collaboration framework, Community Capital. Description: This case study describes the organizational framework and process followed by the WFN in completing an initial community food assessment and the establishment of a coalition representing all sectors of the food system. A review of the literature related to collaborations, a brief overview of Whatcom County, and a discussion of the factors adopted by WFN that influenced the success of collaborative efforts will be presented. Evaluation: The success of the WFN is reflected in member engagement, participation in bi-annual forums for learning and information exchange, and adoption of food policies documented in the Whatcom County 5-year Plan. Conclusions and Implications: The community food assessment can be an effective tool in marshaling energy and interest in local food systems; however, effective collaboration is critical to implementing and sustaining the desired changes. Funding: Sustainable Whatcom Foundation.