Cultivating collective action: The ecology of a statewide food network

Abstract

In order to continue to foster and grow a sustainable partnership with food network leaders across the state, Health and Nutrition educators explored the opportunities and challenges presented by the emergence of a statewide food network in Minnesota and the role of Extension within it. This report provides a summary of the findings from interviews with leaders of other statewide and multi-state food networks, and highlights opportunities, challenges, and best practices that emerged through 10 categories that describe the different phases and key activities of a network. Additionally, the report findings are presented through an overarching concept of understanding networks as ecosystems (see infographic on p age 3), because the processes at play within food networks mimic many of those found in nature.