Adirondack Food Systems Network (fiscal sponsor: AdkAction.org, Inc.)

Food systems planning is a collaborative process among farmers, retailers, consumers, nonprofits, health systems, and government to develop priorities and implement policies and practices that shape how local or regional food systems operate.

It can result in improvements, such as changes in food procurement at public institutions, revisions to urban gardening codes, and increased access to local food. NYHealth is currently supporting six food planning groups that are implementing tailored food systems plans across New York State. In 2023, NYHealth awarded the Adirondack Food Systems Network (AFSN) a grant to support the implementation of local food systems plans to make healthy, local food more available. In 2025, NYHealth awarded ASFN a grant to continue implementing key provisions of its original food systems plan and create a statewide food systems plan to provide a roadmap for more equitable, sustainable, and healthy food access in New York State. 

Under this grant, AFSN will create a statewide coalition of food planning groups, to share best practices, provide technical assistance and peer support, and build trust and collaboration. AFSN will cultivate deeper relationships with State agencies to align shared policy advocacy efforts. AFSN will develop a statewide food system plan to increase food access, strengthen coordination, and support local food economies, and improve public health outcomes. The plan will include recommendations for using existing assets, such as emergency food programs, nutrition programs, institutional procurement, and infrastructure for farmers and food hubs. 

NYHealth is also supporting a complementary initiative with the Rochester Food Policy Council.