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Building a Statewide Movement for Food System Change
The Florida Food Policy Council (FLFPC) is a grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit working to advance a fair, healthy, and sustainable food system for all Floridians.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the State of Florida, with more than 150 members representing every sector of the food system including agriculture, academia, public health, hospitality, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies.
FLFPC was created from a simple idea: strengthening Florida’s food system requires collaboration across communities, sectors, and regions.
Timeline
2010
Early conversations begin among leaders across Florida about the need for a statewide food policy council to connect agriculture, health, and community food initiatives.
2016
The Council reorganizes and holds its first statewide meeting in Fort Myers alongside the UF/IFAS Regional Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, bringing together farmers, chefs, researchers, public health advocates, and community leaders.
2017
Regional meetings across the state inform FLFPC’s first strategic plan, ratified during a board meeting in Orlando.
2018–2020
The Council continues expanding its statewide network, hosting listening sessions, community forums, and collaborative policy conversations while responding to hurricanes, economic challenges, and growing food access concerns.
2021–Present
FLFPC enters a new phase of organizational growth focused on strengthening partnerships, advancing equity in food systems, and connecting community leadership with policy development.
Building a Statewide Network
Following the Council’s reorganization, participation quickly expanded across Florida.
Within the first year, more than 100 members joined FLFPC, supported by partners including:
Members helped shape the Council’s early structure through a participatory committee model that included Organizational, Policy, Communications, and Executive committees, ensuring decisions reflected the diverse perspectives of Florida’s food system.
These early conversations generated policy ideas and collaborative initiatives that continue to guide the Council’s work today.
Leadership Evolution From Rebuilding to Reimagining
When Erica “Erahyah” Hall became Chair in 2021, the Council entered a period of organizational reflection and renewal.
The COVID-19 pandemic had exposed deep inequities in food access, while communities across Florida were facing increasing climate pressures and economic challenges.
Under Erica’s leadership, FLFPC strengthened its mission and governance while expanding partnerships that center racial equity, food sovereignty, and climate resilience.
Drawing on her background in law, community development, and environmental justice, she helped position FLFPC as a statewide convener connecting grassroots leadership, research institutions, and policy networks.
Expanding the Ecosystem
During this period, FLFPC expanded its partnerships and programmatic work.
The Council deepened connections with universities, community organizations, and national networks working at the intersection of food systems, climate resilience, and justice.
FLFPC became connected to broader movements including:
New initiatives also emerged, including:
These efforts helped align Florida’s food policy work with broader conversations about climate resilience, public health, and economic opportunity.
Today, the Florida Food Policy Council serves as both convener and catalyst for food system change across Florida.
FLFPC works across the interconnected issues of food access, land stewardship, climate resilience, health, and economic opportunity, bringing together farmers, community organizations, researchers, and policymakers.
By connecting community knowledge with policy development and research, FLFPC continues to strengthen Florida’s growing food system ecosystem.
Our work reflects a simple principle: lasting food system change happens when community leadership, policy innovation, and cross-sector collaboration come together.
