Giving Compass' Take:

• The Florida Food Policy Council (FLFPC) board members give Food Tank insight into the accomplishments achieved and unique challenges that the FLFPC has faced in the last few years.

• How can funders and philanthropists help support collaboration between people fighting for a better food system? 

• Here's why food policy is important for food security. 

The Florida Food Policy Council (FLFPC) is collectively tackling the gaps in Florida’s food system by bringing in diverse stakeholders and addressing policy and the needs of Florida residents. A grassroots organization founded in 2016 and now a registered 501(c)3, the FLFPC acts as a policy resource for food system stakeholders and a facilitator of collaborative and educational events. The FLFPC receives the help of volunteers from across the state and has members who offer a wide range of expertise in food systems topics.

Food policy councils, like FLFPC, can act as tools to help drive a mission into action, via policy change. Rachel Shapiro, chair of the FLFPC board of directors, explains to Food Tank, “We provide a statewide network and platform on which food system stakeholders can communicate and collaborate…and we are building a database of food-related laws throughout the state…in order to provide a sound foundation for any recommendations.”

To ensure an inclusive and productive food policy council, the FLFPC is starting from scratch by creating a food policy database and acknowledging that change takes time. “The approach we have taken as a group is to taste the flavor of the land and form relationships and connections before getting started on any initiatives…This facilitates the next steps of policy research and change,” Shapiro tells Food Tank.

Read the full article driving food change in Florida by Lana Chehabeddine at Food Tank.