Southcoast Food Policy Council Resources
1. Get Involved
Join the Southcoast Food Policy Council Stay informed on regional food system issues, activities, and meetings. Sign up here.
Join the Community Advisory Board (CAB) Help us solve real barriers in our local food system. CAB members are onboarded each January. Apply here, or email sfpc@marioninstitute.org to set up a quick conversation first.
2. Guides & Resources
SFPC FAQ New to the Southcoast Food Policy Council? This guide covers what we do, why it matters, and how to get involved. Download the FAQ.
Community Resource Guide Facing a crisis, supporting a neighbor, or looking for help for your family? This guide connects you to food, safety, and support services across the region. Download the guide.
Need Help Finding Food? Search for food, housing, healthcare, and more:
3. Training
Legislative Advocacy Training Learn how to advocate for a healthy, inclusive food system — from how a bill becomes law to making the ask with your legislator. Led by Rebecca Miller of the MA Food System Collaborative. Topics include:
- How a bill is passed
- The state budget process
- When to get involved
- Building a relationship with your legislator
- Lobbying vs. advocacy
- Getting buy-in from your community
Watch the training video or view the slides and notes. Want your organization trained? Email sfpc@marioninstitute.org.
Food Equity Training Built with the YWCA of Southeastern MA, this training grounds our work in equity and inclusion. It’s required for all new CAB and SFPC members. Watch the training.
4. Events
Upcoming Events See what’s next and how to register. View upcoming events.
Past Events (expandable/collapsed section)
- Legislative Breakfast — January 30, 2024: 130+ community members, legislators, and partners gathered in New Bedford to discuss the Farm Bill, food insecurity, and economic justice, with Congressmen Jim McGovern and Bill Keating joining virtually. View resources.
- Virtual Candidates Forum — October 23, 2024: View candidate responses.
- Virtual Food Summit — September 18, 2024: View keynote and panelist materials.
- Virtual Food Summit — October 25, 2023: View keynote, PowerPoint, panelist materials, resources.
- Virtual Candidates Forum — October 25, 2022: View forum details.
- Virtual Food Summit — September 21, 2022: Focused on food, transportation, housing, and healthcare. View details.
- Virtual Food Summit — 2021: View recording.
5. Stay Connected
Southcoast FoodAlert A listserv connecting local food providers to coordinate emergency food relief — surplus food, storage, delivery, and pickup. Email sfpc@marioninstitute.org to join. View posting guidelines.
Contact Christine Smith, Program Coordinator, csmith@marioninstitute.org | 508-748-0816 Ext. 110
Volunteer Southcoast
Volunteer SouthCoast is a FREE online tool that connects people interested in volunteering with volunteer opportunities in the area. Search by your interests, availability or zip code to find the right opportunity for you! Whether you are looking to give back or need to fulfill service hours, this tool is for you!
Volunteer SouthCoast is an initiative provided by United Way of Greater New Bedford and United Way of Greater Plymouth County.
