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Phases of Council Development

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Food councils are developing across North Carolina and the nation. Food councils form differently in each community; and we have found that these groups do follow a similar arc to becoming an established community coalition. Community Food Strategies developed a basic road map for food council development to support growing interest and to share lessons learned.  This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but does offer some best practices and a general order in which activities might happen.   Contact us with questions or for assistance in applying these concepts in your community.

These ‘food councils’ often progress in these stages.

During the SEED Phase, a community considers whether a food council might be worthwhile.cfs_icons_4phases_seed
During this phase, the idea of a council takes formation in a community.  Key stakeholders express interest in initiating a cross-sector group to address food and farm issues and form an organizing group or task force to consider the feasibility of council development.

  • Explore the idea of a food council
  • Host a meeting to gauge interest
  • Learn about past efforts
  • Identify community assets
  • Talk with local government
  • Listen to community interest

During the START-UP Phase, a task force begins to design the council while engaging the community.cfs_icons_4phases_startup
The organizing group learns more about food councils and engages the community to hear their experiences.  By the end of this phase, the community at-large, including its local government, has provided feedback and shown support for the council. A group has worked to create a structure for the council, members are identified, and the council is born.

  • Get educated
  • Share gathered information
  • Collect feedback
  • Enlist government support
  • Recruit members
  • Draft food council charter

During the GROWTH Phase, new council members finalize their structure and prioritize issues.cfs_icons_4phases_growth
Newly formed councils finalize or refine their council structure, finalize and/or approve their council charter, and initiate public communications. They build support systems and identify community priorities.  During this phase, the council is beginning to take action together and develop more strategic partnerships.

  • Affirm purpose
  • Finalize food council charter
  • Identify priorities
  • Deepen/expand partnerships
  • Build social capital
  • Engage the community

During the MATURE Phase, the council develops strategic plans and collaborates with other councils.cfs_icons_4phases_mature
Typically after the first 3 years, a council has developed systems to support changing membership, leadership, and priorities over time.  Evaluation and assessment become critical aspects of this phase.  Is the council doing what it set out to do? How can it improve?  Mature councils update their strategic plans, make adjustments to their systems, and both contribute to and rely on the network of food councils for support.

  • Update strategic plans
  • Evaluate progress
  • Support leadership transition
  • Contribute to the network
  • Continue relationship building
  • Make adjustments

Phases of Food Council Development – Handout