Food System Planning Packages

Food system planning is a multi-stage process that begins with understanding the current landscapethrough research, data analysis, stakeholder input, and community engagementand culminates in a shared vision with actionable strategies to build a food system with access and opportunities for all. 

We offer a suite of food system planning servicesfrom foundational landscape assessments to full plan development and implementation support. Whether you are seeking a simple yet powerful snapshot of your local food system or a comprehensive, community-informed food system assessment and action plan, we have the experience to help. Our services are designed to meet your unique needswhether you are a local government, a food policy council, a network working across multiple counties, or a statewide initiative, our scalable approach ensures that each project reflects the priorities, geography, and capacity of the communities you serve.

If your community is just beginning its venture into food system planning, let’s talk about options to get started. If you are somewhere along the path, let’s discuss how we can provide strategic and coaching support to help you achieve an actionable plan with strong community support.

To learn more, visit our blog and contact us about scheduling a demo.

About Us

New Venture Advisors is a team of business consultants specializing in local food system planning and new enterprise development. Meet the team

  Food Landscape Assessment Food System Assessment Food System Plan Plan Implementation Support
Description A Food Landscape Assessment provides a foundational analysis of the local food system using secondary data, existing research, and spatial mapping. It identifies key metrics within each sector of the food system to inform planning, policy, and investment decisions. A Food System Assessment offers a comprehensive evaluation of the entire food supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, access, and waste. It integrates secondary data, local research, spatial analysis, and input from stakeholders and community members to assess current conditions, challenges, and opportunities. A Food System Plan is a long-range framework that outlines core goals, objectives, and strategies to guide policy development, programs, and investments. Informed by ongoing stakeholder and community engagement, the plan reflects local priorities and supports coordinated action across the food system. Plan implementation support provides coaching and technical assistance to help translate a finalized food system plan into action. This includes identifying priority actions, developing a work plan, and offering guidance on funding opportunities and resources.
What is included Analysis of prior research and additional secondary research to identify important themes across food system sectors, presented with data visualizations in a 10-12 page report. Everything in a Food Landscape Assessment with a more extensive research scope, including maps and direct engagement with community members. Analysis is presented with data visualizations in a 24-36 page report. Builds from a Food Landscape Assessment or a Food System Assessment and adds a policy scan and an expansive community engagement plan. Strategic recommendations and action plans are presented in a 24-36 page report and summarized in presentation slides for public conversations and adoption. Plan Launch package includes 3-4 months of support in convening action plan stakeholders, creating an implementation work plan, and recommending sources to fund plan actions.
Options Up to 6 maps displaying important features of the food system 3 levels of community engagement 3 levels of community engagement Annual engagement to provide action-specific coaching and ongoing funding guidance
Timeline 3-4 months 8-10 months 8-10 months plus time to complete a Food Landscape Assessment or a Food System Assessment 3-4 months or annual option

Food System Planning Projects

Take a look at our recent Food System Assessments and Food System Plans.

Flagstaff, AZ

Read the assessment

 

Kent County, MI

Read the assessment

 

Kent County, MI

Read the plan

 

Maui County, HI

Read the plan

 

 Whatcom County Food System Plan

New Venture Advisors supported Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee in developing the Whatcom County Food System Plan, a 10-year roadmap for a more equitable and resilient food system. NVA led plan development, community engagement, and cross-sector strategy, integrating agriculture, fisheries and marine harvest, processing, distribution, and access to strengthen the regional food economy. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

Whatcom Community Foundation continues to partner with New Venture Advisors to guide the development of the Kitchens@Millworks —a bold project uniting health, equity, and market access. Building on previous work with the Farm to Freezer program, the team developed an operational model, financial analysis, and partner strategy. NVA is evaluating expansion of farm-to-institution efforts and their potential relocation to the new campus. Advanced financial models support a multi-operator facility encompassing production, aggregation, retail, and community programs. (2026)