Throughout the community engagement process that informed this plan, we heard from focus group participants and interviewees about the need for coordination between food system partners (businesses, nonprofits, institutions) and the need for additional education (for consumers, farmers, and school children). These themes arose in each topic area represented by goals 1–4.

Focus group participants and interviewees emphasized the critical need for enhanced coordination among food system partners businesses, nonprofits, and institutions—as well as increased education for consumers, farmers, and school children. Effective coordination is vital for streamlining resources, reducing duplication of efforts, and fostering a collaborative environment that can better address the diverse challenges within the food system. This collaborative approach not only strengthens community ties but also ensures that initiatives are more effective and sustainable.

These themes emerged consistently across goals 1–4. In response, we established a fifth goal dedicated to enhancing community solutions that promote coordination and education within the food system. While the primary audience for this plan is local governments in Kent County, the actions outlined are relevant to all stakeholders. The Kent County Food Policy Council looks forward to collaborating with partners to advance coordination, collaboration, education, and awareness in our communities.