PROJECT TEAM: LISA IAB YAJ, JESSICA THOMPSON, HANNAH TRASSER, LEE VALENTYN

Imagining Future Food Systems was an initiative that engaged over 400 community members across 18 neighborhoods to shape a local food system that promotes social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Through 20 listening sessions over a 9-month period (October 2024 - June 2025), Milwaukee community members provided insights on food justice, community assets, and actionable steps toward a more equitable and sustainable food system.

The purpose of this initiative was to establish a long-term vision for the local food system grounded in community voice.

The following principles and objectives guided the listening sessions:

• Those closest to the problem are in the best position to solve it

• Communities drive the work of local food system change

• Identify goals and possible actionable steps

• Determine community capacity for long-term food system transformation