Food Connects is engaging in a strategic planning process with consultant Claire Wheeler. Claire helped write the organization’s current Strategic Plan, which is due to expire in June this year.

In light of our rapid growth and uncertainty with COVID-19, we are focused more on “planning” and less on having a “plan.” This planning includes building our internal capacity to engage in strategic thinking while focusing on a shorter 12-18 month timeframe. How do you plan beyond that time frame with all the changes and uncertainties?

We have also had a lot of catch-up work on internal conversations and systems due to doubling revenue during a pandemic! Additionally, some changes in the external environment (understatement of the year?) have caused us to slow down and think strategically about what Food Connects should or should not do. We are excited to be a part of several new initiatives with a wide range of partners and a lot of potential impact. Its been a fun challenge discussing how to continue growing while adapting to changes sustainably.

Of course, doing this virtually has its pros and cons. We hope to have an organizational-wide gathering (including staff, board, and food!) during the summer as a culmination of our work. Who knows, maybe we will all be vaccinated? We added several new staff and many of us don’t know what each other looks like without a mask!

Throughout the planning, it’s clear that our work is valuable and relevant to a wide variety of stakeholders in schools, fields, and throughout the community. We need to continue growing and maturing as an organization to be prepared to take on the increasing challenges and opportunities that are to come. We are all grateful to have such meaningful work during such challenging times. And we are thankful for all our stakeholders, from donors to farmers and farm workers to teachers and the school cafeteria staff.