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Case Study: Food Security Planning and Collective Impact in an Urban Region
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is an Economic Development District (EDD) based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania covering 9 counties across two states (Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and hundreds of municipalities; the EDD has a staff of 1.5 as of 2022, out of a larger staff of over 100. Their primary function continues to be as a federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) focused on transportation and related planning for the Greater Philadelphia region. As an MPO, DVRPC receives funding from a variety of sources, including the Federal Highway Administration, member contributions, and private grants.
Food systems touch many aspects of the regional economy and in 2007-2008, DVRPC’s MPO planners began to think more about the connection between food systems and transportation. DVRPC planning staff proposed a food system study, the Greater Philadelphia Food System Study (2010), primarily funded through federal transportation funding, which included analyzing the critical role of transportation systems on food systems. DVRPC planners also hoped to better understand the connections between environmental planning and potential farmland preservation plans, social equity through food access, health through nutrition, and the economy through entrepreneurship throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan region. This was one of the first instances of a large planning organization conducting a food system study.
Regional Food System Study and Plan
In 2008-2009, the Greater Philadelphia Food System Study was developed with the goal to understand where food was coming from in the region, how it impacts transportation systems, and what the economic impact was and could be. The study evaluated the natural, economic and social resources of Greater Philadelphia’s foodshed – the 100-mile radius around Philadelphia that serves as the source for much of the area’s food.¹ The supply of agricultural land was compared with demand (see table below), along with threats to local agriculture, competition, health considerations, and the local food movement. Part of that plan involved the development of strategies about what the area wanted its food system to look like, which became the FY 2011 Eating Here.
To build a sustainable and resilient food system, Eating Here outlined recommendations in the following areas:
As a result of this planning, DVRPC received funding from the William Penn Foundation to embark on regranting within the food system with the help of a coalition – the Greater Philly Food System Stakeholders – which was also the advisory committee for these studies. This group worked through 2014, convening, information sharing, and networking as food groups were started – at which point it transitioned into the Healthy Communities Task Force.
City of Camden, New Jersey
In 2015, DVRPC staff completed the Camden Food Economy Strategy. Funded by the Campbell’s Soup Company, the strategy built off Camden’s existing assets by identifying opportunities to increase food access and economic opportunities within the city. It analyzed the city’s current food system and food economy, and acknowledged the challenges that residents face in accessing healthy food. The report recommended growing food as an economic sector, increasing opportunities for food entrepreneurs, engaging Camden’s institutions, and supporting organizations already working to increase access to healthy food, healthcare, and job opportunities. Campbell’s invested $10 million over 10 years in their Healthy Communities initiative with the ultimate goal of reducing childhood hunger and obesity in Camden. Each year, they funded multiple organizations that were working in Camden to address this issue, of which DVRPC was one. Stakeholders including the Food Trust, Food Bank of South NJ, the Campbell Healthy Communities program, The Reinvestment Fund, DVRPC, and others, stayed involved as a collective impact group, continuing to be funded through the Campbell’s support. The collective impact model is a collaborative approach that involves multiple organizations and sectors working together to address complex social issues through five conditions:²
A critical piece of the collective impact model is that all partners are working together toward a common agenda.
The initial Campbells backbone funding of $10 million supported the collective impact group, the Camden Collective of Healthcare Providers, and each of the 10 member organizations received funds to manage their own food systems development projects. The collective impact group met at Campbells Headquarters every month, spurring strong relationships. Competition between the organizations was eliminated thanks to backbone funding to work together. The Camden Food Collective also engages community health workers to connect people to health services through corner stores.
Interesting developments have come out of the Camden Food Security Collective, including best practices like:
A 10-year report showcases the work done through the Camden Food Security Collective as supported by Campbells. Recently, the Camden Coalition stepped down as the backbone and The Food Bank of South Jersey is now filling the role of the lead organization.
CEDS and Food Systems
DVRPC has shown how a large metropolitan EDD/MPO can integrate a variety of its areas of expertise to have an impact on the food system.
Growing Greater Philadelphia, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Greater Philadelphia was adopted in 2019 and outlines four primary goals: Maximize Human Capital Potential, Attain Regional Growth and Global Connectivity, Strengthen Infrastructure, and Support Inclusive Growth to Empower Communities. Staff included projects within each of these goal areas using the food economy as both a regional and local economic driver.
In 2019, DVRPC staff from the Goods Movement Forum and the CEDS Committee addressed the need to build a resilient supply chain focused on small businesses as strong economic anchors. This forum also addressed the need to strengthen regional infrastructure, particularly the region’s ports and rail systems.
In 2021, DVRPC staff worked closely with staff at the U.S. EDA, Philadelphia region and EPA Region II and III, to develop a multi part webinar series, the Intersection of Food and the Local Economic Development. This webinar series was developed to chart pathways within the emerging sectors of urban agriculture, between small businesses, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and government agencies. Held virtually in March 2021, the webinar series brought in experts from a variety of agricultural sectors, addressing the need to prepare a local workforce in the agricultural sector as well as understanding the need to build a more local food supply to mitigate potential economic shocks (note this was pre-COVID).
Lastly, DVRPC staff were able to ensure the goals of the CEDS and their long-range regional plan were aligned with the development of the Cultivating the Homegrown Economy Tool. This Municipal Implementation Tool (MIT) discusses the shift toward greater support for local economies, local goods and services. This tool define relevant terms to know; identify key attributes and benefits of the homegrown economy; provides specific strategies; and highlights a successful and resilient local economy. Over the past two decades, society has demonstrated a shift towards support for homegrown economies through increased consumer prioritization of local goods and services. This tool highlighted the elements of successful local economies-appreciation of resources, citizen participation, government leadership, and inter-community cooperation. This tool directly addressed strategies and objectives related to building strong communities, as outlined in the CEDS.
Lessons Learned:
¹ Eating Here: Cultivating a Robust Food System in Greater Philadelphia. https://www.dvrpc.org/reports/10063a.pdf.
² Collective Impact Forum. What is collective impact. https://collectiveimpactforum.org/what-is-collective-impact/
³ Collective Impact Forum. What is collective impact. https://collectiveimpactforum.org/what-is-collective-impact/
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Regional Development Researcher Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
At NADO, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.
Andrew is one of our Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.
Jack Morgan came to the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia. Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.
As a NADO Senior Program Manager, Jack leads capacity-building and peer-learning work supporting energy communities in economic transition, regional resilience, and recreation economies. He also helps with the EDA-Austin training program Emerging Leaders.
Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) in the Regional & Intergovernmental Planning division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.
Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.
Karron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Karron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.
Karron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.
Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Karron’s interests and hobbies.
Deputy Executive Director Laurie Thompson has been with NADO for 25 years. Laurie helps keep the NADO and NADO Research Foundation wheels turning through management of the daily operations of the Research Foundation, securing financial resources and overseeing grants management, and helping execute NADO’s Annual Training Conference each year.
Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.
When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.
Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow first in 2019, then moved into her current role as Legislative Associate in 2021. As Legislative Associate, Jamie keeps NADO members apprised of any policy and regulatory issues and communicates NADO’s policy priorities to federal stakeholders and partner organizations. She is also the first stop for members with inquiries on policy issues. The planning and execution of NADO & DDAA’s annual Washington Conference is also managed by Jamie.
Jamie holds a dual bachelor’s in political science and international relations from The State University of New York College at Geneseo and a master’s in international development studies from The George Washington University. In addition to her roles at NADO, Jamie also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.
Outside of her NADO work, Jamie is an active volunteer with the VOLO Kids Foundation and a fundraiser for YMCA youth programs. She is also NADO’s resident baker regularly providing treats for those in NADO’s D.C. office. Traveling, taking her pup on walks, and hiking in the northeast keep Jamie busy.
Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.
Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.
Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children.
Communications Manager Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.
An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie has worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete. Katie has also completed Vision Henderson County, a comprehensive leadership development program that promotes informed and committed civic volunteerism.
Katie stays busy trying to keep up with her two young sons whom she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with. Traveling to new and favorite places and cheering on the Atlanta Braves are some of her family’s favorite pastimes.
Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.
When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.
Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 when she began as a Research Fellow. She later moved into the roles of Program Manager in 2006, and then Associate Director in 2011. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. As Associate Director, Carrie oversees NADO’s work in rural transportation and rural wealth creation. She provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues and develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.
Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and secretary of TRB’s Rural Transportation Issues Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology.
Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies, and she organizes and facilitates a DEI/social justice-focused book club in her community.
Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Regional Development Researcher since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role as a Regional Development Researcher. Melissa provides in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.
Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer. In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.
A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.
Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.
She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.
In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.
Krystal DeLeon joined the NADO team in October of 2020 as Database & Grants Manger, but in January of 2022 transitioned to her current role as Operations Manager. Krystal keeps NADO running through behind the scenes work of invoicing, solving any database issues that may arise, producing membership reports, and much more. Her organizational skills and thorough knowledge help the NADO team operate more efficiently across all departments.
Prior to NADO, Krystal was the Conference Services Coordinator for State Services Organization. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a licensed realtor, and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University. When she’s not keeping NADO’s operations in order, Krystal enjoys running and rock climbing, and adventuring with her husband and son.
Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.
An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.
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Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.
Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.