Food System Assessment
Food System Assessments (FSAs), sometimes referred to as Community Food Assessments (CFAs), evaluate the local food value chain, from inputs to agricultural production, distribution, processing, wholesale purchasing, consumption, waste management and the myriad of strategies and services that support the supply chain – such as marketing and branding, technical assistance and funding.
While many of our projects are focused on evaluating the viability of a specific enterprise idea or strategy, FSAs are conducted in the early stage of food systems planning and typically have no specific vision or strategy in mind. They help stakeholders fully understand the landscape, identify gaps and challenges across the value chain, and surface a variety of strategies to consider – ranging from new businesses to policy changes.
Our FSA projects often include two primary phases:
- Community organization: Great change can begin with a few individuals at work in their communities to plan and galvanize support for food systems development. We assist at this earliest stage by helping to form effective coalitions, conduct outreach to the broader community, build strategies and action plans for economic development and approach granting agencies for funding.
- Opportunity identification: Through an initial environmental assessment, which includes meetings with all stakeholders and potential project partners and secondary research, we begin to understand barriers and opportunities in the food system and determine potential strategies to address them. These strategies may shape the focus of a Feasibility Study which often follows an FSA when specific enterprise or programmatic solutions are identified.
New Venture Advisors works with clients to customize our FSAs by developing research instruments that align with your unique regional context. Our approach is to put forth insights, but more importantly, to recommend a concrete action plan of next steps.
About Us
New Venture Advisors is a team of business consultants specializing in local food system planning and new enterprise development.
Food System Assessment Projects
Learn how we have helped our clients with Food System Assessments below.
Utah Ag and Food System Study
Salt Lake City, UT
To strengthen Utah’s local food economy, the Department of Agriculture and Food engaged New Venture Advisors to lead a comprehensive statewide study. The project examines barriers to local food growth, production costs, and economic impacts while identifying funding pathways through grants and public programs. Advanced economic modeling and stakeholder engagement guide the analysis. The resulting recommendations will inform future policy and investment in Utah’s agricultural sector. (2026)
Milwaukee Food System Assessment
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Food Council (MFC) supports a locally-anchored food system that advances Milwaukee’s social, economic, and environmental well-being through collective action. Led by a diverse board, it is a network and movement to advance culture, policy, and practice towards a healthier and more equitable food system. To advance these initiatives, MFC recently received funding through Bader Philanthropies to complete a food system assessment conducted by New Venture Advisors. (2025)
Northern Arizona Food System Assessment
Flagstaff, AZ
Across northern Arizona, a five-county food system assessment laid the groundwork for regional planning. New Venture Advisors partnered with Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office to analyze every sector of the food system—from production to composting. The research informed the region’s upcoming Food Action Plan and highlighted key opportunities for collaboration. A social network analysis conducted by NVA identified vital organizations and connectors to strengthen the local food network. (2026)
Download the assessment. Download the social network analysis.
Northwest Indiana Community Food Access Plan
Crown Point, IN
The NWI Food Council led a multi-year, community-driven food planning process across a seven-county region in northwest Indiana. New Venture Advisors completed the Community Food System Assessment and authored the forthcoming Community Food Action Plan, identifying priorities to strengthen farmer livelihoods, expand access to healthy food, and build regional resilience—aligned with the statewide Indiana Food Vision, also developed by NVA. (2025) Download the assessment.
Rogue Valley Community Food Assessment & Action Plan
Medford, OR
The Rogue Valley Food System Network and its partners have been working for several years to identify current assets and gaps in the food system. They aim to address several areas of opportunity: 1) to increase food security and access in limited resource communities, 2) to stabilize production growth by identifying land and infrastructure access and marketing gaps, and 3) to support community outreach and education about food systems impacts. The result is a Community Food Assessment and Food Action Plan containing the network’s strategic directions for the next decade. New Venture Advisors provided strategic support to the network in completing the assessment and plan. (2025)
Kane County Livestock Market Assessment
Geneva, IL
Farmers and producers in Kane County face ongoing barriers to market access and processing. To address these challenges, New Venture Advisors conducted an agricultural market assessment focused on strengthening opportunities for regional livestock producers. The team facilitated producer meetings to co-develop market, policy, and operational solutions while engaging local cooperatives. NVA also identified innovative retail models to help operators adapt to changing consumer preferences and grow the local food economy. (2024)
Southwest Kansas Food System Assessment
Kansas City, KS
New Venture Advisors conducted a comprehensive food system assessment across 14 counties in Southwest Kansas for the Kansas Food Action Network and local partners. In one of the state’s highest-need regions, NVA analyzed food access, infrastructure, and equity, integrating resident interviews and roundtables to identify key barriers, opportunities, and priorities to guide policy and program investments. (2024)
San Luis Valley Community Food Assessment
Alamosa, CO
New Venture Advisors supported the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition in advancing an equitable, climate-responsive food system across Colorado’s six-county San Luis Valley. NVA led a Community Food and Agriculture Assessment and action planning process, centering local voices to identify shared priorities and deliver a regional roadmap for coordinated policy, programs, and food system resilience. (2024) Download report here.
Kent County Food System Planning
Grand Rapids, MI
Strengthening the regional food system in West Michigan required a comprehensive, community-informed approach. New Venture Advisors led the Kent County Food Policy Council through a Food System Assessment, Policy Assessment, and Plan addressing access, agriculture, education, and equity. NVA conducted a policy scan to identify opportunities for alignment across local plans and zoning codes. Collaborating with the local health department, NVA also integrated food system questions into a community health survey to broaden engagement and representation. (2025)
Junction City and Geary County Food System Master Plan
Junction City, KS
The Live Well Geary County Food Policy Council developed a 10-year Food System Plan to guide the growth of its local food system, identifying policy solutions across the full food chain—from production to consumption. The Plan was unanimously adopted by both the Junction City and Geary County Commissions in July 2022. New Venture Advisors provided strategic direction and technical assistance, supported adoption, and continues to assist with early-stage implementation. (2022)
Regional Food System Data Collection
Austin, TX
New Venture Advisors supported the Central Texas Foodshed Collaborative, led by the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability, in strengthening data-driven food system decision-making. NVA established baseline metrics, identified data gaps, and designed a framework for ongoing measurement and learning—laying the foundation for the Central Texas Food System Dashboard launched in 2023. (2022)
Riley County and City of Manhattan, KS Food System Master Plan
Manhattan, KS
The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the City of Manhattan, Kansas partnered with New Venture Advisors to develop a comprehensive Food System Master Plan guiding a dynamic, sustainable local food system. The plan identified policy solutions across the full food chain—from production to consumption—and was shaped by community and stakeholder engagement. It was formally adopted by both governing bodies and funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas’ Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant program. (2022)
Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Enterprise Center Feasibility Study
Staunton, VA
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission explored an Agricultural Enterprise Center to help Shenandoah Valley producers diversify, bridge market gaps, and reach new buyers through aggregation and value-added services. New Venture Advisors conducted a comprehensive feasibility study—including input from 100+ regional farmers, ranchers, food businesses, and buyers—to define the optimal operating model, size, location, and components. The resulting Shenandoah Specialty Meat and Produce Hub included produce aggregation, meat processing and aggregation, and a commercial kitchen. (2021) Read the report here.
Norton County Food System Assessment
Norton, KS
New Venture Advisors conducted a countywide food system assessment for Live Well Norton, led by Norton Regional Health Foundation, to strengthen rural food access in Norton County, Kansas. NVA facilitated community meetings to interpret findings and assess next steps, identifying actionable opportunities—including early momentum toward a food aggregation hub at the regional correctional facility. (2022) Download report here.
Food System Planning for the Waukegan Food Ecosphere
Waukegan, IL
Adelante Center for Entrepreneurship operates multiple social enterprises creating wealth, living wage jobs, and food security in distressed communities. New Venture Advisors provided comprehensive business planning, financial modeling, and strategic coaching that shaped Adelante’s integrated food ecosystem, helping develop strategies for the organization’s Garfield Produce Company (hydroponic microgreens operation), Post Marketplace Cafe, Post Pantry food delivery program, and plans for a flexible commercial kitchen supporting both catering operations and community programming. (2025)
Northeast Market Assessment for Vermont Grain
Montpelier, VT
In 2019, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund led a team of partners to explore agricultural options for Vermont dairy producers facing an economic crisis threatening land and livelihoods. The group hypothesized that strategic investments in grain industry infrastructure could support production transition and expansion. New Venture Advisors conducted a Northeast market study and developed recommendations aligned with Vermont’s grain production strengths. (2020)
Food System Partners of McHenry County
Woodstock, IL
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) works to preserve natural and agricultural land in and around McHenry County, IL. TLC believes that agriculture can and should work with nature, not against it, to provide good food, clean water, healthy soil and a robust economy. TLC has been working in partnership with many local groups, agencies, farmers, landowners and others with the long-term goal of getting more people producing healthy food in a regenerative way in McHenry County and the larger foodshed. New Venture Advisors facilitated a summit inviting these groups to explore ideas for a shared vision and identified opportunities to work together toward a stronger, more resilient food and farm system. (2019)
City of Wichita Food System Master Plan
Wichita, KS
New Venture Advisors supported the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita and the City of Wichita in developing a 10-year Food System Master Plan that outlines a comprehensive framework for food policy, infrastructure, and community investment. NVA provided technical assistance, guided a broad collaborative planning process, authored the plan, and supported early implementation, including the launch of a healthy corner store initiative. (2021) Download plan here
Kansas Statewide Food Distribution Study
Topeka, KS
The Sunflower Foundation: Health Care for Kansans directs resources toward helping Kansans and Kansas communities achieve and maintain optimal health. Access to fresh food in the many rural communities across the state is of chief concern as rural grocery stores continue to close at an alarming rate. Together with the Rural Grocery Initiative at K-State, Sunflower and NVA assessed the food distribution landscape in Kansas to propose innovative, alternative strategies that will provide critical support to rural grocery stores throughout the state of Kansas. (2018)
Sustainable Food Center Visioning Initiative
Austin, TX
The Sustainable Food Center (SFC) works to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and increasing access to nutritious, affordable food. In 2018, New Venture Advisors worked with SFC to refresh its vision by helping to clarify its future role, structure and plans. Since that time SFC has been implementing the plan, and NVA has provided coaching support in defining the purpose, structure and work focus of the newly formed organization. (2021)
Linn County Food System Assessment
Cedar Rapids, IA
In 2020, The Linn County Food Systems Council had ambitious goals to improve Linn County’s food system from production to consumption. They focused on increasing access to and consumption of nutritious foods by boosting the volume and diversity of food produced within the county. The first step toward accomplishing this goal was to complete a comprehensive baseline food system assessment. New Venture Advisors worked with the Council to assess four factors that are foundational to food system development: production, procurement, processing, and barriers to entry and expansion of businesses working within the food system. (2020) Read the report here.
Kane County Food Hub
Geneva, IL
Kane County Planning engaged New Venture Advisors to assist in the development of a food hub that serves Kane County residents as well as the greater Chicago foodshed. A feasibility study identified a multi-million dollar opportunity to aggregate from Kane County farmers and distribute to customers across the region. A unique business model ensured the hub’s products will reach Kane County low-income residents and institutions that serve these communities. An owner/operator was selected and the food hub piloted operations in 2018. New Venture Advisors developed a strategic plan and roadmap to guide the food hub’s first full year of operations. (2019) Read the report here.
Crawford County Community Food Assessment
Pittsburg, KS
Under the guidance of Eat Well Crawford County and with support from Kansas State University’s Center for Engagement and Community Development, New Venture Advisors conducted a Food Systems Assessment of Crawford County, among the lowest-income counties in Kansas. The goal of this study was to develop a prioritized action plan to focus Eat Well’s efforts with respect to local food systems development and health equity for the next several years. The Food Systems Assessment was conducted through interviews and a full day session with over fifty stakeholders across the county. (2015)
Far-Northern California Ag Cluster Study
Redding, CA
Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA) works to develop cost-effective transportation investment strategies that connect communities, people and goods. New Venture Advisors assisted SRTA and its project partners in evaluating the potential to develop agricultural clusters in far-northern California that coordinate and consolidate wholesaling and distribution activities to reduce greenhouse emissions, expand economic opportunity throughout the region and more effectively utilize California’s freight corridors. (2017)
Mohawk Valley Food System Assessment
Cobleskill, NY
New Venture Advisors conducted the Mohawk Valley Food System Assessment under the sponsorship of Empire State Development and in partnership with Cornell University Cooperative Extension. The purpose of the study was to determine the types of food businesses that could boost the agricultural sector and occupy a former textile mill in Cobleskill, NY. The team identified a number of high priority business to evaluate, and New Venture Advisors developed breakeven financial models to enable them to determine if and how to move forward. (2016)
Casper Community Food Assessment
Casper, WY
Bould Development aims to strengthen the local food system to increase the health and prosperity of the Casper community. The project’s ambitious leader is a medical student who believes that the food system is the nation’s primary healthcare system, and that building a better food system is foundational to better health for his community. Through funding from USDA, Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming, Casper Area Economic Development Alliance, Casper Community Greenhouse Project, and Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center, New Venture Advisors led a Community Food Assessment to identify barriers to and strategies for the development of a more robust food system for the Casper area. (2015)
Local Food System Assessment for Northern Virginia
Washington, D.C.
This study laid the groundwork for Blue Ridge Produce, a for-profit aggregation and distribution company serving wholesale customers in Washington, D.C. The report examined the agricultural and business landscape and identified the opportunity for business development. From this foundation the Blue Ridge team was quickly able to complete its feasibility assessment, adding the rigorous financial analysis typically conducted in a feasibility study, then its business plan, and raise capital for startup in May 2011. Read the report here. (2010)
Bridgeport Downtown Development
Bridgeport, CT
Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District is focused on the development and revitalization of downtown Bridgeport, CT. New Venture Advisors worked with Carmody Consulting on the development of an action plan to revitalize Bridgeport’s downtown district through food enterprise development, based on a series of interviews and a community planning session. (2015)
Ready to Grow: A Plan for Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Production
Illinois
The Ready to Grow study began with survey of Illinois farmers to better understand what prevented them from increasing specialty crop production. This barrier assessment provided strong evidence that food hubs could be successful in solving those barriers, and suggested the type of services and locations which might be most effective. FamilyFarmed.org initiated and secured funding for this study, and as an outcome of this work, two Illinois food hubs were launched in 2011. Read the report here. (2010)
