Background
In 2023, Reno Food Systems conducted a Local Food Assessment through a grant from the Nevada Department of Agriculture. This assessment mapped Northern Nevada’s local food system (link to food systems map) and identified five key gaps:
The need for food hubs to support aggregation, storage, and distribution of local food
Increased access to local food experiences
A regular Local Food Symposium for networking, learning, and resource sharing
Improved coordination of farmer support
Access to commercial kitchen space
Building on these findings and with encouragement and guidance from our neighbors to the south, the concept of the Northern Nevada Food Council (NNFC) was re-established. The Council was envisioned as a collaborative space to address the need for a local food symposium while working collectively on other identified priorities.
Following the presentation of the assessment findings, individuals and key organizations representing Northern Nevada’s food system convened to gauge interest and brainstorm next steps. In 2025, the group formally established the Northern Nevada Food Council and began a strategic planning process.
Our Work
Through strategic planning, NNFC identified four priority areas of work, now organized into Hubs:
Policy and Advocacy Hub
This hub works to ensure food systems issues are included in local and regional decision-making. Current efforts include developing a Policy and Advocacy Toolkit to support community partners in effectively advocating for food systems priorities.
Community Education Hub
This hub focuses on assessing local education needs and elevating awareness of Northern Nevada’s food system. Its work centers on communication, storytelling, and highlighting the impact of local food system efforts.
Data and Information Hub
This hub is responsible for vetting and sharing food security and food systems data, identifying reliable data sources, and addressing gaps in available information to support informed decision-making.
Connecting Hub
The Connecting Hub keeps people informed and engaged around food systems issues, events, and policy through internal and external communication channels. It also serves as the operational hub, coordinating and disseminating information developed across all other hubs.