Benefits of a Strong Local Food System include improved
 
- 
local economy,  
- 
community health,  
- 
access to fresh food, and  
- 
food security   
 
A necessary step in strengthening our local food system is to evaluate policies and regulations to ensure that they are “local food friendly”. 
A local resource for food systems planning is the UP Food Exchange. Go to their site to learn more: upfoodexchange.com