Which Cities Are Leading the Way in Integrating Food Planning?

Integrated food systems planning is a cornerstone of efforts to create healthy and sustainable communities across America. Kimberley Hodgson summarizes recent research conducted by the APA that evaluates which communities are leading the way.

2 minute read

June 20, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Access to food is a basic human right, and a critical aspect of building a sustainable healthy community. However a recent APA study has revealed that "only 105 jurisdictions in the U.S. explicitly address an aspect of local or regional food systems in their comprehensive plans or sustainability plans,"

In an effort to spotlight those communities that have taken, "important steps to connect local food system–related issues to economic, social, and ecological goals," recent APA research has focused on identifying which communities are leading the way in food systems planning and the ways in which their work can inform the many cities who will follow their trailblazing path.

According to research conducted by APA's Planning and Community Health Research Center, "The top five highest-scoring plans included Marin County, California's comprehensive plan; Philadelphia's sustainability plan; San Francisco's sustainability plan; Sacramento's comprehensive plan; and Baltimore's sustainability plan."

"All of these plans included explicit goals and policies to improve food access equity within the context of the larger community food system, but also addressed how to implement each food-related policy outlined in the plan and how to monitor and track progress in achieving the plan's food goals."

In her summary of the research, Hodgson shares the 10 main steps a local government can take to effectively plan for healthier, more sustainable local and regional food systems.

This summer, APA will publish a policy report to share the complete results of the study.

Monday, June 18, 2012 in APA Sustaining Places

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing