Developing Food Systems Plans: Considerations for Getting Started

Developing Food Systems Plans: Considerations for Getting Started

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January 21, 2026 - Rich Pirog<$authorEmail> and Lindsey Scalera<scaleral@msu.edu>

What is a food system plan?

A food system plan is a set of interconnected goals and strategies that, if implemented, can help foster a healthier and more resilient food system for a targeted geopolitical area.

This resource provides a checklist of considerations to help community groups and coalitions lead their food system planning process. Examples from across the country are included to inspire ideas and find aligning efforts.

This resource was produced as part of a project coordinated by the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems to establish a National Community of Practice for Statewide and Regional Food Systems Plans.

This effort is supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Suggested Citation

Pirog, R. and Scalera, L. (2026). Developing Food Systems Plans: Considerations for Getting Started. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/developing-food-systems-plans-considerations-for-getting-started

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Center for Regional Food Systems