Rochester Food Policy Council (fiscal sponsor: Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, dba Common Ground Health)

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. These improvements have a positive impact on food security and health. In 2023, NYHealth awarded Rochester Food Policy Council (ROC) a grant to support the implementation of local food systems plans to make healthy, local food more available. In 2025, NYHealth awarded ROC a grant to continue implementing key provisions of its original 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, the ROC will work with State and local stakeholders to improve the healthy food retail environment and identify feasible policy mechanisms. ROC will partner with the City Council to support adoption of the Rochester Community Food Systems Plan, and advocate for recommendations on institutional procurement, healthy food access, and urban agriculture. ROC will also address barriers to urban agriculture, and connect local production with food pantries and emergency food programs. Findings and lessons will be shared with stakeholders to inform broader efforts and improve community food systems in Rochester. 

NYHealth is also supporting a complementary initiative with the Adirondack Food Systems Network.