Food System Planning Packages

Food system planning is a multi-stage process that begins with understanding the current landscape—through research, data analysis, stakeholder input, and community engagement—and 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 services—from 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 needs—whether 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

In 2021, the Whatcom County Food System Committee conducted a community food assessment that pointed to key opportunities to build a more robust and resilient regional food system. New Venture Advisors partnered with Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee to draft a Whatcom County Food System Plan that builds upon these findings. This Plan focuses on five key goals for building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system, and was informed by an inclusive community engagement process. The Food System Plan will provide the county with a policy roadmap that will strengthen the local food system for years to come. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

The Whatcom Community Foundation invests in activities and organizations that improve the ability of people to help themselves, increase connections among people, and take cooperative approaches to community issues. WCF is exploring the development of a local food campus on a waterfront property that would become a multi-tenant site, anchored by a collaborative production kitchen benefitting food access, school system, and community organizations. The goal is strengthening Whatcom County’s local food system by promoting health equity, forging tangible strategic connections between food production organizations, and helping farmers connect with institutional markets. The facility will also feature an incubation kitchen, demonstration kitchen, event and classroom space, collaborative office and conference facilities, and housing.  New Venture Advisors developed the business case for this ambitious project and continues to support its development through engagement and operational development. (2023)