About the Community Food Security Coalition

Click below to jump to the following sections:

• Summary of CFSC Programs and Services
• Join CFSC!
• CFSC Member Committees
• CFSC Staff Contact Information
• CFSC Board of Directors Contact Information

The Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) is a North American organization of social and economic justice, environmental, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, community development, labor, anti-poverty, anti-hunger, and other groups. The Coalition has 325 organizational members in 41 states, 4 Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia. We are dedicated to building strong, sustainable, local and regional food systems that ensure access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to all people at all times. We seek to develop self-reliance among all communities in obtaining their food and to create a system of growing, manufacturing, processing, making available, and selling food that is regionally based and grounded in the principles of justice, democracy, and sustainability.

The Coalition achieves its goals through a comprehensive blend of training, networking, and advocacy to further the efforts of grassroots groups to create effective solutions from the ground up. We provide a variety of training and technical assistance programs for community food projects; support the development of farm to school and farm to college initiatives; advocate for federal policies to support community food security initiatives; and provide networking and educational resources. (See below for links to more information about these programs.)

Summary of CFSC Programs and Services

Policy Advocacy and Organizing

• National Legislation: CFSC advocates for federal policies that promote community food security and provide resources for community-based initiatives. Past successes include creation and increased funding of the Community Food Projects grants, as well as support for the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
• Program Implementation: After policies are passed, CFSC works to ensure they are fully funded and implemented in accordance with their original vision.
• California Organizing: CFSC sponsors the California Food and Justice Coalition, which has developed and is advocating for a state policy platform.

Education and Networking

• Annual Conference: Each fall the CFSC hosts a dynamic three day conference that brings together hundreds of people working on CFS issues. Conference activities include challenging keynotes, interactive workshops, how-to short courses, exciting field trips, and great local foods.
• Newsletter and Publications: CFS News features profiles of innovative projects, tips and resources, analysis, and Coalition updates. CFSC also has published a variety of guidebooks and reports, some of which can be downloaded for free.
• COMFOOD Listserve: This nationwide listserve facilitates lively information sharing and networking between 1,000 subscribers.

Training and Technical Assistance

• Community Food Security Workshops: Trainers are available to offer participatory, action-oriented workshops that can be tailored to local needs on an array of community food security issues.
• Assistance to Community Food Projects Grant Applicants: A planning guide is available on the CFSC website to assist organizations with preparing strong proposals. During the annual grant application process, the CFSC offers free one-on-one technical assistance.
• Evaluation Program: Resources and support are available to CFP grantees and others interested in conducting effective and strong program evaluations.
• Community Food Assessment: Information and assistance are available to groups working in low-income communities who are interested in conducting community food assessments (especially in California).

National Farm to Cafeteria Program

• Farm to Cafeteria Conference: This biennial event brings together people from around the country to network and learn from each other's experiences, emphasizing initiatives in schools and colleges.
• Regional Workshops and Organizing Meetings: Experienced organizers are available to help groups design effective farm to cafeteria projects.
• Publications: Healthy Farms, Healthy Schools examines existing programs and related policy issues. The Farm to College Research Report provides in-depth information on 18 programs. An information kit is available with surveys for farmers and food service directors.
• Mentoring and One-on-One Assistance: CFSC staff can refer you to other projects in your area and help identify organizing strategies tailored to your situation.
• Listserve: The nationwide listserve facilitates information sharing among more than 300 subscribers.

Join CFSC!

By becoming a Coalition member, you help build a dynamic national movement and provide valuable support for innovative CFS initiatives. Members also receive a subscription to CFS News, discounts on Coalition publications and events, and other benefits.
Read more and join today.

View a partial list of current members

CFSC Member Committees

CFSC committees focus on various CFSC programs and other aspects of community food security work. Members are invited to join a committee and help shape this collective work.
Read more.

Staff Contact Information

2007-2008 Board Contact Information