Community-based and community-driven organizations, particularly those led by individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC), have long advocated for food system changes that would promote equity, transparency, and participatory decision-making for the benefit of families, communities, food producers, and food system workers. However, transforming the way food is produced, distributed, consumed, and disposed requires advocates to navigate a complex food law and policy landscape.
Through this initiative, the Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC) seeks to promote a more sustainable and equitable food system and support community-driven food systems change by providing in-depth technical assistance to these organizations. Our students work closely with client organizations to identify their legal and policy objectives to increase food system equity and then assist clients in achieving those objectives through legal research and policy analysis, developing educational publications and resources, providing trainings, and supporting public communications (e.g., writing blog posts, op-eds), based on the client’s needs.
Our Approach
FLPC has worked with a number of organizations and communities over the years to advance their food system goals. Current and past partners include the Community Outreach & Patient Empowerment (COPE) Project of Navajo Nation, the HEAL Food Alliance, the Equitable Food Oriented Development Collaborative steering committee, and the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center.