Potential contributions of planning to community food systems

Food system advocates have made attempts for over a decade to overcome the resistance of planners to the inclusion of food issues in their portfolios. Two recent surveys illuminate the reasons for this neglect: they range from turf problems, to a lack of perception that any problem exists, to a lack of funds. Given these barriers, the author suggests that food system advocates engage planners on specific, well-targeted issues at the local or regional level and join forces with other organizations that have common concerns, such as "sustainable communities," to approach planners for their collaboration and assistance.