Policy & advocacy
Through our policy and advocacy initiatives, we aim to educate the wider public on food policy shifts at the local, state and federal levels; cultivate a community of food advocates who understand the historical and ongoing ways that policy affect our every day food choices and environment; and empower food advocates to inform and shape policy for an equitable food system. Below are ways emerging and experienced food advocates can get involved.
Join the food fight
Depending on your interests and skills, there are a number of ways that aspiring and experienced food advocates can engage in local food system issues.
Working Groups
Working groups are the backbone of our policy and advocacy work. They tackle challenges and advocate for equitable and data-driven policy across the food system, from farm to fork to landfill. Working group members consist of non-profit professionals and community food advocates who meet throughout the year to collaborate on events, share updates on local food policies, promote food system related programs, and work on campaigns. Working group topics have included business development, climate & disaster planning, food access, food production, and seafood. Email samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org for information on joining a working group.
Food Policy and Practice Meetings
Formally known as the New Orleans Food Policy General meetings, these sessions convenes a diverse group of emerging and established food advocates to discuss food policy developments, advance their advocacy skills, gain knowledge about the food system, and identify opportunities to promote long-term solutions to food challenges. Specific topics and discussion items will be shared in the coming weeks. If you are interested in presenting at an upcoming New Orleans Food Policy Council Meeting, please email the Regional Director at samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org
Onekitchen Collaboration
In collaboration with Wholesome Wave, the New Orleans Food Policy Council is proud to serve as the action partner for OneKitchen, a national education and mentorship program focused on getting chefs out of the kitchen and into advocacy by training them how to address the most important food-related issues in their communities. As the action partner, NO FPC will provide the context, historical knowledge, and strategy to support the chefs’ efforts to address a food-related issue in New Orleans. If you are a chef who is interested in joining the coalition, email samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org
City-wide food plan
In partnership with the City Planning Commission, New Orleans Health Department, and Sprout, we are launching the process to create the New Orleans Urban Agriculture and Food Access Plan (“the Food Plan”). This plan will be the first city-wide roadmap dedicated to developing a healthier, more equitable and climate-resilient food system. Through a two-year, community-driven planning process, this project will generate actionable policy recommendations, pilot innovative programs, and strengthen collaborations across community organizations, government and residents.
View reports from past campaigns here →
— Small Business Popup Permitting Navigation Guide, Small Box Retail Diversity Study