Methodology for Power Mapping for your Community’s Food System
DOWNLOADMay 11, 2026 - Olivia Henry Harris
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EmailWhat is power mapping?
Power mapping is a qualitative strategic exercise that helps to determine the power dynamics and relationships within a system or community.
This resource offers instructions to host a facilitated exercise for a group looking to examine the players and influences within a community’s food system. The results from this exercise can be used to categorize the power relationships of potential stakeholders in regards to a targeted issue.
This resource includes:
- Pre-work to prepare for Community Power Mapping
- Exercise Instructions
- A sample working agenda
- Sources
Suggested Citation
Henry Harris, O. (2026). Methodology for Power Mapping for your Community’s Food System. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/methodology-for-power-mapping
This resource was created as part of the Equitable Community Food Assessment Learning Cohort as coordinated by the Michigan Local Food Council Network with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
