WNY Regional Food System Initiative
Understanding that food security has long been a major need in our community that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, a community-focused, regionally-coordinated planning initiative was launched in Western New York. The WNY Regional Food System initiative, to be known now as Food Future WNY, includes over one hundred partners representing the entire spectrum of the food system in our region including nine counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, Orleans and Wyoming). Led by the Western New York Foundation and the Southern Tier West Development Foundation, a national search was launched for best-in-class experts that understood the complexity of the food systems from rural to urban challenges and SCALE was chosen in early 2021 to complete an assessment and plan in partnership with a local Advisory Council. The final report from SCALE articulates a vision for a regional food system that can achieve resilience, equity, strong economic performance, and reduced food insecurity. The WNY Regional Food System Initiative was funded by the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund’s Moving Forward Together Initiative, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Western New York Foundation. |
Food Future WNY
WNY Regional Food System Assessment & Planning Initiative
Western NY is home to over 2 million people and hosts a rich and beautiful natural landscape where agriculture and food are central to both the culture and the economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s food and agricultural system has magnified the importance of having a strong and resilient regional food and farming system. A robust regional food system brings resilience and food security in an ever-changing world and offers jobs and wealth creation opportunities for rural and urban communities alike. We can reset the course towards a food system that provides healthy and fresh food for all, builds sustainability and resilience in our production and processing sectors, and grows businesses and jobs in Western NY.
In the face of COVID-19, climate change impacts, and other system shocks, this moment calls for visionary and bold structural change rather than fragmentary approaches across the region. The Western NY Regional Food System Assessment and Planning Initiative is the 18-month planning phase of a longer-term project designed to improve regional food systems. This assessment and planning process includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. In this process businesses, not for profits, local government and agencies, and others will collaborate closely to set a cross-county, cross-sector vision and actionable implementation plan. Project SummaryPhilanthropists in Western New York State have collaborated to fund a consultant-led assessment and planning process to establish a regional vision for an equitable, effective, efficient, and resilient food system. After a rigorous interview process, a consultancy team organized by SCALE has been retained to lead this comprehensive project. The team consists of Anthony Flaccavento from SCALE in partnership with Euneika Rogers-Sipp, John Fisk, and Michael Shuman. Each has notable achievements in food, farm, and equity development projects; combined, this consultancy team embodies the broadest diversity of knowledge and strategies that will inform the most impactful approaches for western New York food system stakeholders to build a vibrant, resilient, equitable, and profitable food system.
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PRESS RELEASE Food Future WNY Initiative to Address Food Security in Region Olean Times Herald, February 2, 2021 PRESS RELEASE Initiative Announces Regional Food System Assessment and Planning Effort Caroyln Human, February 2, 2021 |
Project Goals
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Process & ApproachThe SCALE team will lead a highly participatory 18- month process that meaningfully engages the full spectrum of WNY food system stakeholders, both rural and urban, across the nine counties. The engagement of farmers, businesses, food justice activists, nonprofits and others, will enable us to develop a plan that recognizes the many complex challenges, yet focuses on opportunities for real change. SCALE's approach will:
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Assessment & PlanningSCALE will focus on identifying opportunities for real change in the WNY Food System by embodying these principles:
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