To improve Philadelphia’s food system and increase healthy, affordable food access by sustaining and expanding the project and policy work of the Food Policy Advisory Council.

Lessons learned about tools and tactics through the project that other sustainability directors could use to advance their work.

Discretionary funding is a potential place to start for projects that do not have dedicated funding. Discretionary grants often do not require a competitive application process and, while small, can open the door to larger grants and a longer-term funding relationship with local foundations. Many small grants add up, so sustainability directors should cast a wide net for funders, rather than focus on a smaller pool with larger funds.

Lessons for developing a collaborative process between a local government sustainability director and local place-based foundation(s).

Taking the following steps improved collaboration: expanding the City’s role as a convener to deepen relationships and collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders; inviting more and different voices to provide input on priorities and guidance on implementation; and understanding and addressing barriers to community participation in sustainability work. A Food Policy Advisory Council (FPAC) is a key model and resource for the Office of Sustainability to implement these recommendations. The FPAC has refined a model for a City-convened advisory body that facilitates successful collaboration between community members and City officials that can be replicated in other areas of sustainability. Acknowledging that equity is a critical part of sustainability work across the country, other sustainability directors can use this model of community engagement to ensure sustainability work is relevant to residents’ daily lives.