EFOD organizations around the country have long sought to explain the transformative nature of their work to audiences that still see health equity, economic opportunity, and community leadership as distinct fields of practice. 

Beginning in 2015, organizations began meeting to discuss a research and evaluation agenda that would uplift the creation of community-led, food-based economies. Supported by visionary philanthropic leaders who saw the connection between community ownership and the success of place-based public health and economic initiatives, a formal group began to emerge.

Today, EFOD continues to evolve as a term and practice. That evolution is spearheaded by the EFOD Steering Committee, a group of EFOD practitioners and allies around the country. Convened by DAISA Enterprises, with the generous support of the Kresge Foundation, the EFOD Steering Committee is a place for practitioners to engage with each other, create a movement-building space, and carry forward the goals and unique practices of EFOD.

Steering Committee members include:

• Community Services Unlimited (Los Angeles, CA)
• La Mujer Obrera (El Paso, TX)
• Mandela Partners (Oakland, CA)
• Inclusive Action for the City (Los Angeles, CA)
• Planting Justice (Oakland, CA)
• Sankofa Community Development Corporation (New Orleans, LA)
• Communities in Partnership (Durham, NC)
• Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (Henderson, NC)
• La Semilla Food Center (Anthony, NM)
  
• Capital Impact Partners*
• Self-Help Federal Credit Union*
• The Wallace Center at Winrock International*

* Ally members representing national support organizations 

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