Building Local Collaboration Infrastructure

Strong food systems depend on strong local networks—but how do you build them from the ground up with limited resources?

This session dives into collaborative infrastructure: trust-based relationships between communities, organizers, and institutions that drive lasting, community-led change.

Led by Lindsey Scalera and Rachel Kelly of the Michigan Good Food Charter, we’ll explore how to build coalitions rooted in trust, align goals, and share resources equitably—using real examples from local food systems planning. Perfect for those starting or growing a network, this interactive session offers practical tools and insights for sustainable collaboration.