Local Concepts worked with CFN leadership and stakeholders from 2015-2020 to support the development of the Network, and to manage the day-to-day operations. Initial efforts were focused on assessing needs and identifying areas of leverage, and then building connectivity to facilitate large-scale information sharing and action.
Local Concepts supported program development, working groups and a steering team, internal and external communication(s), convenings, proposal writing and fundraising.
Programming reached nearly 5,000 stakeholders, raising awareness around food system issues. Local Concepts supported three multi-state working groups that addressed specific food-systems challenges: food resource and recovery, community ownership and empowerment, and farm-to-institution.