Food Systems Work Group
Enhance access to healthy foods for all Missourians across the food system.
Goal
Support enhanced practices and utilization of federal food assistance programs.
Objectives
- Host at least two convenings (within the five-year period) of statewide agencies implementing federal food assistance programs (e.g. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC), Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), WIC Farmers Markets, Seniors Farmers Markets, State agencies, etc.).
- Conduct two advocacy activities per year to support federal food assistance programs for Missourians (e.g. policy platform statements, letters of support, engagement of advocacy agencies, communication with policymakers, etc.).
Evaluation Measures
- MOCAN year-end reporting
- Changes in federal food assistance policy or practice across the state
- Increased participation in federal food assistance programs across the state
Timeline
Each objective will be assessed annually. Utilization and enhanced policies and practices will be assessed at the end of the five-year strategic plan period.
Goal
Increase the consumption of healthy local food for all Missourians.
Objectives
- Conduct two advocacy activities per year to support the availability of and access to local foods (e.g., policy platform statements, letters of support, engagement of advocacy agencies, communication with policymakers, etc.).
- Engage partners from all sectors of the food system in MOCAN activities and events.
Evaluation Measures
- MOCAN year-end reporting
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) diet-related data
- State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) reporting
Timeline
Each objective will be assessed annually. Changes in healthy food consumption will be assessed at the end of the five-year strategic plan period.
Goal
Build a strong network of food system partners across the state of Missouri.
Objectives
- Conduct monthly meetings to convene food systems partners from across the state.
- Award an annual Food System Champion award to recognize individuals/organizations across Missouri for exceptional food system work.
- Collaborate with other MOCAN Work Groups on efforts to enhance access to healthy foods to increase consumption for all Missourians.
Evaluation Measures
- MOCAN year-end reporting
Timeline
Each objective will be assessed annually.