Definitions

Words mean different things to different people.  Here’s what we mean when we use the following words and phrases at the Better Food Policy Fund.

better food policy – practices, procedures, ordinances, laws, etc. of governing institutions that strengthen equitable community-based food systems

civic collaboration – people joining together at the intersection of community and government to address a public issue; work that is done publicly, that benefits the public, and is done in concert with others

collective action fund (CAF) – a participatory funding mechanism created by the Tides Foundation, this purpose-driven fund relies on an independent advisory committee to make recommendations for grants in support of a specific charitable purpose

community-based food system – A food system in which food production, processing, distribution, and consumption are geographically integrated and benefit the environment, economy, and social and nutritional health of a particular community

diversity – multi-faceted – including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds, who are located in areas with different geographies, demographics, population densities, etc.

equitable – fairness and justice, recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances. The process is ongoing, requiring us to identify and overcome intentional and unintentional barriers arising from bias or systemic structures.

food policy council – groups, councils, networks, coalitions, etc. working to effect better food policy through civic collaboration

independent advisory committee (IAC) – the governing body for the Fund

inter-tribal – existing or occurring between tribes; common or shared by two or more tribes

local or regional – tribes, municipalities, counties, states, and/or areas that span multiple jurisdictions

participatory grantmaking – an approach to philanthropy that cedes decision-making authority to the very communities affected by funding decisions

stakeholders – those who care about food policy councils and engage with the Fund, including subscribers to the Fund’s newsletter

unrestricted funding – funds which support the overall mission of an organization and do not have a specific use required for spending, allowing the organization the freedom of discretionary spending