This tool offers a step-by-step approach to relationship building for policy change. We believe that effective strategy is essential for successful advocacy that can make a lasting, positive impact on your community. This toolkit is useful for groups just learning who the decision makers are in their community and for groups who are ready to create a full, printed advocacy plan building a case for change.

Currently, there is direct assistance available for a limited number of food councils that want to use this toolkit to:

• Engage in strategic networking with decision-makers and food system stakeholders,
• Draft and prioritize a policy platform,
• Give input on local and regional planning processes, and
• Create and implement strategic advocacy plans.

Some examples include:

• Advocating for the inclusion of food system related language to comprehensive plan updates,
• Advocating for the establishment of a Local Food Economy Fund,
• Advocating for changes to municipal rules around commercial crop production

For questions about the TA available, email team member Jaylen Cates at jaylen@carolinafarmstewards.org.