The State of Food Policy Councils: Findings from the 2025 National Census Se ofrecerá interpretación al español durante esta sesión.
Thursday, November 5 | 3:00-4:00 pm EST
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How are food policy councils (FPCs) across the United States organizing, advocating and adapting? Join members of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) as they present findings from the 2025 census of FPCs, the latest edition of their national survey of food policy councils (of which many of you completed in 2025!).
The presenters will compare the 2025 findings with results from the 2023 census, look closely at how FPCs are engaging in advocacy and policy work, and share results from newly added questions about how FPCs are being affected by, and responding to, actions taken by the current federal administration.
This webinar is timed with the release of three new resources drawing on data from the 2025 census:
A slide deck summarizing the survey methods and results
A report detailing the findings and comparing them with the 2023 census
An updated dashboard of active FPCs in the U.S., with a summary of their organizational characteristics and policy work
Whether you serve on a food policy council, support one, or work alongside them, this session will offer a timely look at the state of the field and how FPCs are navigating a changing policy landscape.
About the Speakers
Allie Wainer (they/them) has been a researcher at the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) since 2023, where they work with the community-driven food policy and aquatic food system teams. They are the lead data analyst for CLF’s research on food policy councils (FPCs) which includes white papers summarizing results from the biennial FPC survey and academic papers studying the factors that influence FPCs’ policy and advocacy work. Currently, they are co-leading a year-long qualitative research project on worker safety for fishermen, aquaculture workers, and seafood processing plant workers. They also conduct state and federal level policy analysis as a part of two federal agriculture coalitions.
They bring experience working with local governments and organizations as a climate resilience consultant, creating and implementing climate change plans and policies. They have also worked in positions to preserve affordable housing in New York City and conduct community-based participatory research with the City of Somerville’s (MA) Food Access Office.
Allie earned a dual masters degree at Tufts University in Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning, and in Food & Nutrition Policy. Their graduate thesis explored strategies that transportation planners can use to increase food access.