A central element of this research is the identification and removal (through engagement, extension, and outreach activities) of policy barriers in Communities of Opportunity.

In its early years, Growing Food Connections identified and ranked all urban and rural counties with the greatest proportion of food insecure people and where farmers are the least connected to the local market in the US. Using these and other indicators (e.g. total population size), Growing Food Connections identified 100 sites as Communities of Opportunity. In consultation with the inaugural National Advisory Committee, GFC selected 8 sites for in-depth case study research of policy barriers faced by underserved residents and farmers that received support through Planning & Policy activities of the American Farmland Trust.

GFC continues to provide technical assistance to communities aiming to use local government planning and policy to create more equitable, healthy, and sustainable food systems.