2020 and 2021, were years like no other that we’ve experienced. While the COVID-19 pandemic and its related consequences placed unexpected strain on our food systems, councils, and partners – it has also helped spur creativity, innovation, and collaboration like never before.

Food councils across the state rose to the challenge, identifying collaborative solutions and advocating for creative policy change.  These groups have served as critical hubs for information, connection, and action during a global pandemic that has stressed our food system almost to a breaking point.

This report summarizes the work of the network to rise to the challenge of creating equitable and resilient food systems during a global pandemic.

While each food council faced these challenges during different points of their own growth and development, there is much to be learned from our collective successes.