Harden, NoelleBain, JamieHeim, Stephanie2015-12-042015-12-042015-11-02Harden, N., Heim, S., & Bain, J. (2015). Cultivating collective action: The ecology of a statewide food network . St. Paul, MN: Health and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Extension.https://hdl.handle.net/11299/175654This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu.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.enReport