Food Policy Networks Project Commitment to Equity

We commit to supporting a just, equitable food system as a priority in our work to engage people in the policy process. Our commitment brings an equity lens to our strategic planning and priority-setting process. It provides guidance and resources to FPCs that currently are or hope to integrate equity in their partnerships, programs and policies.  

Historical and abiding inequities across race, class, and geographic areas have fueled many of the problems of the U.S. food system. Communities of color, people living in poverty, indigenous groups, rural communities, (im)migrants, and youth have traditionally been underrepresented in the policymaking process that has helped to shape the U.S. food system.  We believe our food system will be more equitable, resilient, and healthy with the leadership and engagement of missing voices in shaping public policy.  

The FPN project commits to: 

• Creating a welcoming space for racially and economically diverse participants to engage in and guide our work;  

• Providing opportunities for the FPN project to understand, recognize, and challenge inequities in the food system and take actions toward a more just and equitable food system for all; 

• Collaborating with, supporting, and seeking accountability from other organizations and coalitions working to advance racial and socioeconomic justice; and 

• Continually reflect on how our organizational structure and actions uphold this commitment and adapt our conduct to align with our goals. 

We recognize that in working toward an equitable and diverse food system in the U.S., we must also be mindful that policies at all levels can cause unintended harm to others, especially the most marginalized populations.