From Setbacks to Smarter Strategies
In food systems work, change is the only constant. Partners, funding, and community needs all evolve in unforeseen ways. What appears to be a setback—a stalled project, a lost funder, […]
Seeing Your Food System Clearly: Why Visuals Matter
In almost every planning process, there’s a moment when the room goes quiet. It usually happens when a map, diagram, or floorplan goes up on the screen. Suddenly, the conversation […]
A Guide to USDA LAMP Grants for Food System Projects
Local Agriculture Market Programs (LAMP) are transformative grants in the good food sector. They provide an influx of money for large-scale projects that support the development, coordination, and expansion of […]
Beyond Buildings: Place-Based People-Powered Infrastructure
When “infrastructure” topped Merriam-Webster’s most significant words of 2021, it signaled more than just a trending term – it marked the beginning of a transformative era in America’s food system. As […]
USDA Regional Food Business Centers: Strengthening Local Food Systems
News Update: On July 16, 2025, the USDA announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers initiative. No information has been provided about the future of other related efforts. […]
Case History: RG Foods Cooperative Food Hub
A collaboration between RG Foods, Food on the Move, FreshRx, the Tulsa Farmers’ Market, and Oasis Fresh Market identified that supply chain challenges present significant obstacles for small grocery stores […]
Feasibility Studies Made Easy: Navigating Your Role in a Food Business Feasibility Study
In a previous blog post, we reviewed the purpose and power of a food business feasibility study. In this follow-up, we will explore what to expect once you embark on […]
Feasibility Studies: Their Purpose and Power in Food System Developments
A feasibility study is an analytical tool used during the development of a new project to evaluate how it would operate under a set of assumptions. It explores an idea’s […]
Food Systems as Economic Development
The field of economic development utilizes programs, policies, and commercial activities to improve a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. The field of food system planning can bring together […]
Building Programs: The Secret to Successful Food Facility Development
Building programs are one of the most dynamic aspects of introducing a new food-focused facility. Building programs are how a community connects to the mission of a facility and experiences […]
