Local Food Policy

Jane Shey is an active member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Food Policy Task Force and works with approximately 15 city Food Policy Directors from across the United States. She is also a participant in the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), another national organization which has a local food subcommittee. Both these organizations allow for national collaboration on food policy and access issues.

Homegrown Minneapolis 

From 2012 to 2014, Jane Shey worked as a consultant for the city of Minneapolis (Minnesota), coordinating its Homegrown Minneapolis local food program. Homegrown Minneapolis is a community-based program aimed at expanding the growing, processing, distribution and consumption of healthy local food.

As part of her role with Homegrown Minneapolis, Jane Shey staffed a 21-member Food Council, works closely with urban farmers and local food entrepreneurs, guides strategic planning activities, and coordinates with elected officials and city staff to streamline and modernize relevant city ordinances and policies.

As the Homegrown Minneapolis Coordinator, Jane also acted as a liaison with community members involved in gardening, urban farming and food entrepreneurial activities. Frequently, local food entrepreneurs need assistance navigating the city's regulatory system and at times may require ordinance changes to allow for important business activities (e.g., opening a mobile grocery store).

Another aspect of Jane's work at the city of Minneapolis was responding to requests for assistance or information from Council Members, the Mayor and members of the Congressional delegation. Communication included a monthly newsletter to interested members of the community, as well as extensive public speaking to a wide range of community organizations.

Local Food Policy: Articles and Presentations

Jane Shey and David Belis' article, "Building a Municipal Food Policy Regime in Minneapolis: Implications for Urban Climate Governance", was published in Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy's special issue on novel multisector networks and entrepreneurship in urban climate governance. View the abstract.

In October 2014, Jane Shey was invited to speak at the American Farmland Trust's national conference as part of a session on "Planning for Agriculture and Food Systems - Communities That Are Leading the Way: Growing Food Connections." View her presentation.