The Local Food Policy Inventory: Process and Product Jill K. Clark, Ohio State University Funding: USDA/NIFA/AFRI Food System Program

Food Policy Audit Type of food system assessment – A systematical collection and dissemination of information on selected community characteristics so that community leaders and agencies may devise appropriate strategies to improve their localities Assesses the policy environment – Translates the vision of the group doing the audit – Identifies strengths and gaps in the policy environment to achieve that vision – Results in a scan of the environment, likened to a score card – Piloted in Virginia (O’Brien and Deckla Cobb, 2012) Refined in central Ohio (Marquis and Clark, forthcoming)

The Audit Process Vision Assessment Tool Document Scan Interviews/ Conversations ID Gaps and Strengths Recommend- ations

FCLFC and mission and priorities MISSION FCLFC seeks to expand, strengthen and maintain a resilient and local food system in Franklin County and the surrounding area. OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Community and Regional Prosperity and Resilience Equitable Access to Healthful Food Health-centered Food System Sustainable Agricultural Practices Social Justice and Equity Systems Approach to Franklin County Local Food Measurable Strategies

FCLFC Audit Process Created audit tool – 100 points divided into four broad categories and 18 subcategories. Promoting Local Food, Sustainability, and Community Food Security Fostering Social Equity Strengthening Zoning and Land Use Addressing Public Health and Food Access Document scan – comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, plans/strategies/programs, stand-alone ordinances, regional or state guidelines, school programming/wellness policies

FCLFC Audit Process Interviewed 15 stakeholders, including – Franklin County Economic Development and Planning – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency – Local Matters – Ohio State University Extension – Mid-Ohio Foodbank – Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security – Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Score of 51 FCLFC discussed strengths and gaps – which were translated in to recommendations Prioritized recommendations results into the final document

Policy Item Responsible Agency, Department or Organization Resource(s) Yes/No Notes

The Product

Other “products”: Policy environment outlined by audit An agenda Bench-marking for future evaluation

Other products of the process Translates mission to policy environment Illustrates the roles of members, local officials and local government staff – Increases technical knowledge Builds coalitions

Limitations Any assessment is dated once it is complete – For the audit document to live on, it must be revisited on a regular basis, perhaps during an annual evaluation that both checks progress and reprioritizes issues to develop a current platform As the coalition grows, new members will need to be indoctrinated into the audit process of translating beliefs to strategies The audit format of “yes” or “no” answers only illustrate what policies do and do not exist – Does not assess the potential impact of policies, weigh alternatives, or consider policies that may be in the development stage.

Vote with your vote. Socially equitable Sustainable Healthy Food System

Resources Getting Food on the Table: An Action Guide to Local Food Policy – 6/8/ /gettingfoodonthetable.pdf 6/8/ /gettingfoodonthetable.pdf Franklin County Local Food Policy Audit – 0b4d1ce2e0bcf/t/5306a8dce4b04d9d2fa96cbd/ /FCFPA%20Report%20Final%20w% 20pics.pdf 0b4d1ce2e0bcf/t/5306a8dce4b04d9d2fa96cbd/ /FCFPA%20Report%20Final%20w% 20pics.pdf

Thank you. Jill Clark Funding: USDA/NIFA/AFRI Food System Program