Community Food Strategies

Day 5: Intersection of Food & Policy

Policy should always be viewed as a living process—something we evaluate, revise, and improve over time. No policy will ever be perfect, but we can work toward creating policies that are thoughtful, equitable, and designed to benefit the greatest number of people in our communities.

Change happens when people engage, ask questions, and recognize where they already have power and influence.

What is one place where your community already has a voice or the ability to shape decisions?
What is one policy issue you wish more people understood, discussed, or organized around?

Recent cuts to programs like FarmShare and DUNC in the state budget highlight how important it is for communities to stay informed, connected, and involved in shaping the future of our food systems.

Our voices matter. Our choices matter. Our communities matter.

Day 4: Intersection of Food & Policy

The changes in funding across conservation, agricultural research, and farmer support are all over the map. We’re seeing new investments in some areas, limited access to others, and the elimination of programs that have long supported producers and communities.

Supporting local farmers shouldn’t be complicated, yet HR1 continues to prioritize large-scale agriculture over many of the people growing food in our own communities.

How might these policy changes directly affect where you live? What purchasing power or collective action can we use beyond policy to strengthen local food systems? And what opportunities exist in your community to help shape how long-term conservation dollars are invested?

The conversation doesn’t end with legislation—it continues with the choices we make and the voices we bring to the table.