The Franklin County Food Council (FC2) is driven by shared commitment to cultivating a positive future. With a focus on facilitating access to affordable, delicious food, the Council will function as a county-scaled hub through which food economy stakeholders can efficiently collaborate and engage. A successful Council will catalyze relationship development among the network of stakeholders. The general public will have means of demonstrating engagement and support.
Goals
- Franklin County farmers, food entrepreneurs, and consumers benefit from the Franklin County Food Council’s local food advocacy work.
- The Council effectively communicates and collaborates with existing food and farming organizations within the Pioneer Valley while avoiding the duplication of efforts.
- The Massachusetts Food Policy Council and the Franklin County Food Council exchange ideas and information that mutually reinforce work efficacy on the state and county levels.
- Access to abundant local food increases across sectors and within households in Franklin County.
Focus Areas
In 2019, the Council voted to produce and pilot an inventory of the work done by member organizations towards the goals and recommendations outlined in MA Local Food Action Plan. Click to view a summary of results.
In 2016, the Council voted to create a steering committee which would focus on an initiative called “Plus 10” which works to increase local food procurement by local institutions by 10%. The committee’s work resulted in training conducted for food service/procurement directors in Franklin County.
History
The Franklin County Food Council was formed to help facilitate evaluation of a three-year USDA/NIFA Community Food Project grant which was awarded to a collaboration between the FC-CDC, Just Roots, FC-REB and GCC in 2013. Over the course of its history, the Council has re-visioned itself as a hub for collaborative cooperation among food-sector stakeholders.
Membership
Member organizations/businesses elect one representative to attend quarterly meetings.
