Real Food Media Impact Reports 2018 Real Food Media Impact Report | Page 14

MOVEMENT STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
GOOD FOOD PURCHASING PROGRAM
CORE PARTNERS
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
In 2018, we continued providing communications strategy support to the
movement to pass the Good Food Purchasing Program with our partners at the
Center for Good Food Purchasing and the Food Chain Workers Alliance. This year,
we are delighted the Program has made major strides—more like leaps—forward.
There are currently 28 institutions in various stages of Program participation across
the country, representing nearly $1 billion in annual food spend. This year, we
celebrated the first county-wide adoption in Illinois, while Boston, Cincinnati, and
Washington D.C. are all primed for adoption in the coming months.
We’re inspired to be part of this movement to transform the food system through
our taxpayer funded institutions.
HIGHLIGHTS
Big Win for Good Food in Cook County, Illinois
In June, we received a big dose of energy as the Good Food
Purchasing Program was adopted in Cook County, Illinois—the
second largest county in the nation and the first county-wide
adoption. As a result of this policy, over $20 million dollars a year will
now be accountable to building a better food system. Cook County’s
policy also features an innovative equity-centered approach, which
focuses on increasing access to land and economic opportunities for
women, communities of color, and the formerly incarcerated.
Communicating Impact Webinar, Trainings, and Support
As part of the communications training component of this work,
Christina and Tanya developed and ran a webinar to help 45 local
coalition members take their organizing strategy to the next level,
focused on how to understand their audiences and tailor their
messages. Building on a previous webinar focused on measuring
impact, we presented strategies for communicating impact to build a
strong coalition and gain visibility and legitimacy. Another webinar in
this year's series showcased how the Program can be a tool for racial
equity. The recorded webinars are available to established and
emerging coalitions to share with colleagues.
In addition to the webinar series, we continued coaching and
communications strategy for all 14 local coalitions, while working
closely with six groups on everything from campaign strategy and
press for adoptions to slide decks and school board letters.
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