The Regional Food & Nutrition Network is a joint effort of partners working collaboratively to coordinate Farm to Community efforts throughout Merced & Stanislaus Counties.

Farm to Community empowers communities to make informed food choices that strengthen the local economy and contribute to a vibrant and engaged community and has cross-sectoral benefits which impact public health, the economy, education and the environment.

Our vision as stakeholders is to advance local, sustainable food systems. We plan to accomplish this by being true to our mission to increase knowledge of and access to fresh, healthy and local foods by leveraging resources and efforts of local food and nutrition stakeholders.

The connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local producers is strengthened by buying local.

The Regional Food and Nutrition Network has identified two areas of focus within our community – Farm to School and Farm to Community – that could benefit the most from access to fresh, local food. These priority areas support healthy lifestyles and boost the local economy.

• Increase knowledge of fresh, healthy, local foods
• Coordinate resources, strategies and partnerships for RFNN’s long term sustainable impact
• Increase access to fresh, healthy, local foods
• Educate decision makers to align policy, farm, institution and community

Regional Food & Nutrition Network promotes nutrition education in and out of schools to help children and families learn about and develop skills related to healthy eating. Our partners include individuals representing:

• Community Based Organizations
• Food Banks
• Food Procurement Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Local Farmers
• Preschools
• School Districts