Food Systems Activities

All activities take a Policy, Systems, and Environment (PSE) change approach:

• Food Systems Policy. Develop and support food systems policies at state, regional, county, or municipal levels.
• Food Access. Enhance policies, systems, and environments that support no-cost food programs.
• Food Retail. Increase availability of healthy food retail by supporting sites to accept SNAP, Double Up, WIC and/or FMNP, to improve promotion of healthy foods, and encourage increased redemption of benefits.
• Farmers/Growers. Train and connect local farmers and food producers to support locally-based food access and food retail.
• Gardens. Support the implementation and sustainability of community and home gardens.
• Community Engagement. Engage residents in the process and planning using consulting, involving and collaborating techniques.

Evaluation of Food Systems 

All Food Systems strategies are evaluated using a mixed methods approach:

STORE.  The Store Tracker for Opportunities in the Retail Environment (STORE) tool measures the availability, promotion, and appeal of nutritional food supports in food retailers such as grocery and convenience stores.

FACT GO. Using the Food Systems and Active Living Goals (FACT GO) tool, identify and measure progress toward Active Living or Food Systems Policy goals.

HFPAT. The Healthy Food Pantry Assessment Tool (HFPAT) helps food pantry partners to identify strengths and ways to improve the overall healthfulness of the food pantry environment.

DIG in Community. The Developing Integrated Gardens (DIG) in Community tool helps garden partners  measure the integration of a garden into the community.

If you are looking for evaluation trainings and their certification quizzes, proceed to the Trainings page.