Innovation Deep Dive

Innovation Deep Dive is a case study brief series that provides an in-depth exploration into the food systems plan and policy making process. Building upon the Stories of Innovation, the Innovation Deep Dive series explores the process of developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating food systems related plans and policies in four Communities of Innovation: Region 5, Minnesota; Lawrence/Douglas County, Kansas; Marquette County, Michigan; and Seattle, Washington.

In 2015, the GFC team conducted telephone and in-person interviews with government and non-government representatives in each community to better understand the food systems planning and policy making process and document lessons for local and regional governments interested in using plans and policy to strengthen food systems. Each brief explores how the local or regional government identifies and measures food issues, coordinates food planning and policy making processes within and outside of government, and engages the wider community in policy decisions. Furthermore, each brief provides an in-depth look into the development of a particular plan or policy, exploring the motivations for creating the policy, any challenges faced in developing and implementing it, as well as an overview of its impact on the food system. Finally, each brief concludes with a discussion section that highlights the lessons learned by the community.

Innovation Deep Dive Briefs: