The Cass Clay Food Partners (CCFP) has been selected to participate in a community of practice focused on regional food systems development. Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) has been an instrumental partner in the CCFP since its inception over 10 years ago.
After a thorough review of over 50 applications by a team of project organizers, 11 food policy councils from across the country were selected for the 18-month project, reflecting a diversity of approaches to regional food systems work. Regional food policy councils are collaborative groups that seek to address food-related issues across county and/or state boundaries. As part of this community, the CCFP will help guide research and the creation of resources to support other councils in taking regional approaches to food system development.
The community of practice is a central part of a cooperative research project being led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS), Ohio State University, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, and Colorado State University that aims to better understand regional approaches to strengthening food systems. Regional food policy work has emerged as a promising approach to developing equitable, sustainable, and vibrant food and agriculture systems. Yet, there is need for more resources and information to support the work of food system practitioners working at this scale.
“To participate in this Community of Practice is an incredible opportunity for our community and local food system work. The mission of the Cass Clay Food Partners is to build a strong, healthy, diverse, and resilient food system; this experience aligns with our values and will only strengthen the work of the Food Partners,” said Michelle Draxten, co-chair of CCFP Steering Committee, council representative and FCPH Public Health Nutritionist.
The CCFP will be represented in the council by Draxten, along with Janice Tweet, Data Insights Manager at the Great Plains Food Bank, and Noelle Harden, Health and Nutrition Educator with University of Minnesota Extension.
Quick Facts:
• To learn more about the Cass Clay Food Partners, visit www.CassClayFoodPartners.com
• Additional participants in the Community of practice will include representatives from Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Washington DC area, Indiana, Virginia, and Kansas.