The Fresno Food Security Network, launched, staffed, and facilitated by Fresno Metro Ministry, has been selected to participate in a community of practice focused on regional food systems development. 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, Fresno Food Security Network 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, the John 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 a need for more resources and information to support the work of food system practitioners at this scale.

In addition to the Fresno Food Security Network, the community of practice will include representatives from the Boston Food Access Council (MA), Cass Clay Food Partners (ND/MN), Columbia Gorge Food Security Coalition (OR/WA), Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council (OH), Hudson Valley Food System Coalition (NY), Just Foods Collaborative of Nash and Edgecombe Counties (NC), Metropolitan Washington Food Policy Directors/Food Security Coordinators Work Group (DC, MD, VA), Northwest Indiana Food Council (IN), Roanoke Foodshed Network (VA), and Western Prairie Food, Farm, and Community Alliance (KS).

The Food Champions program through Fresno Metro Ministry was developed around the Fresno Food Security Network policy priorities for elementary students. Educating and engaging students in their local food system through local action, food stewardship, food waste prevention, and improving food access in their communities all while meeting Common Core ELA and Math, CA Health Education, and Next Generation Science Standards.

• Forming healthy eating habits through MyPlate.
• Following carrots through the Food System.
• Discovering crops and commodities grown in California.
• Finding how different fruits and vegetables are grown.
• Reading maps and learning about Food Insecurity in their neighborhood.
• Sharing and learning about food cultures in the world and their classrooms.
• Experimenting with food preparation and storage.
• Preventing food waste at home and in their cafeterias.
• Connecting their schools to Fresno Metro Ministry’s Food to Share Food Recovery program.

The Future Food Leaders program through Fresno Metro Ministry was developed around the Fresno Food Security Network policy priorities for high school students. Students from Fresno Unified and Central Unified high schools take part in virtual meetups with other student leaders to become advocates for a healthier, more equitable, and just food system. As they learn about the current challenges, they develop a local solution through a project to support their school or community.