Reasoning & Evidence
In a food system that can often anonymize the human relationships within and between its various parts, cross-sectoral partnerships help close gaps and shed light on how our food is grown, processed, and distributed. For example, the farm to school movement creates opportunities for students to learn about farming and nutrition directly from local food producers, simultaneously bringing fresh produce into school meals.(103) Local food procurement can extend to partnering with businesses, faith organizations who provide free meals, and healthcare facilities. On the other end of the food system, grocery stores, restaurants, and other private actors can partner with local food banks and other community organizations to donate surplus food. Such partnerships contribute both to food and nutrition security as well as new connections between various groups.
Examples of Community Implementation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Through its Healthy Corner Store Initiative, The Food Trust partners with local corner stores to provide nutrition education and technical assistance that increase the availability and sale of healthy products. These stores become educators on healthy eating, sparking conversation between businesses and customers.
Centre County, Pennsylvania: A partnership between the YMCA of Centre County and various groups at Penn State sought to address food insecurity among children in Pennsylvania’s Centre County by distributing food parcels to families in need. Students assist with bagging and delivering the parcels, strengthening their community ties and deepening their awareness of food insecurity in the community beyond the campus.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: Food and Nutrition Sector