Trainings
This specialized training curriculum, based on the book, helps Food Policy Council leaders build stronger and more effective organizations.
In Fall 2026 we are offering three online synchronous training modules. They are free for a limited number of US-based councils. Fill out an Expression of Interest form by September 1, 2026 to be considered.
Building a “Backbone Network”
FPCs are founded on the concept of bringing together diverse voices to find common interests and advocate for them effectively, but many struggle to fully represent the food system and engage members in a way that maximizes their potential collective power. Without a strong backbone network, FPCs can easily fail to meet their full potential. This module defines “backbone networks” and establishes that FPCs are “backbone networks” dedicated to the collaborative governance of food systems change. It shares foundational information about how FPCs can be structured and operated to ensure they provide a strong platform for moving the food system toward justice and resilience. Specific ways to invite participants, plan meeting logistics, set agendas, and facilitate meetings are detailed. Tools for ensuring equitable inclusion across socioeconomic, racial, cultural, power, and political differences are shared. The module also goes over common pitfalls encountered in structuring and operating a FPC.
HIGHLIGHTS
Create a simple, effective network structure
Call people in with equitable outreach methods
Develop agendas and facilitation methods that invite all voices to be heard
Hone collaborative decision making skills
Strategic Fundraising for FPCs
FPCs need funding in order to maintain staff, hold events, run programs, and mount advocacy campaigns, but most exist on a shoestring budget. Without adequate funding, and the staffing that enables, FPCs can easily fail to meet their full potential. This module shares statistics about the current state of FPC funding levels. It guides participants in constructing the primary building blocks that FPCs need in order to effectively raise funds. It points out that FPCs all have the raw materials they need to create those building blocks, and explains how FPCs can develop those blocks and start building. It shares tips and tools about how FPCs can find and cultivate funders who align with their vision and mission. The module also shares proven successful frameworks and templates for creating compelling FPC funding pitches and narratives.
HIGHLIGHTS
Form a Value Proposition, Theory of Change, and Logic Model
Build a project concept, partnership coordination
Keys for accessing private funding, public funding
Access tools like Punch Lists, Budgets, Narratives, and Letters of Support
Evaluation: Measuring the Impact of Your Network
Evaluation is an approach to understanding how well something is working and why. The process of evaluating involves a systematic assessment of the impacts of a program, policy, or intervention through the gathering and analysis of data to inform decisions and improve effectiveness. If an FPC does not evaluate the local food system and its own impact, it can’t fully understand or communicate the importance of the local food system or adequately justify its own existence. This module defines different kinds of evaluation (process, output, outcome, impact) and focuses on the challenges of evaluating the complex food system and the work of a network. A simple method for establishing indicators and selecting metrics is shared, as are tools and resources for FPC evaluation. The Rhode Island Food Policy Council’s evaluation products, including the ‘RI Food System Dashboard’, annual ‘RI Food System Factbook’, and biennial RI Food Policy Council Network Survey, are presented as examples.
HIGHLIGHTS
Why measurement and evaluation are important
Different types of measurement and evaluation
Establishing and collecting key indicators
Compelling communication