Evaluating the impact of a network is hard, especially a network that is focused on collective action and channeling all its energy into supporting that work without getting replicating the oppressive systems that often hold back transformation.

This spring, we had the great honor of working with colleagues at CURA who know what we’re up to, why we’re doing it, and how evaluation can support us in keep doing it. They created a survey for MFJN members to tell their own stories and then set up an incredible spreadsheet where we can track both qualitative and quantitative data. We know that stories are impactful and numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but we’re grateful to have both available to help us give context to the work of our Action Teams.

There’s more to tell, but here’s a snapshot of how we’re doing in 2026 on the network goals the Leadership Team identified together back in 2024!

Goal #1: Provide care and development for members

Prioritize the well-being of food justice leaders

• 89% of recent survey responds affirm that we are doing this!
• “Having the support of MFJN helps me feel stronger, safer, and more resilient.”

Convene members quarterly for information sharing, relationship building, learning and personal/professional development

• “MFJN has been critical to building my connections…but also for my personal development. Without the connections all three of us had with MFJN this workshop wouldn’t have been possible. Seeing the joy that was had at this workshop is a reminder that this work and collective are doing something bigger than any of us.”

Create a resource library for the work (space, trainings etc)

• No physical or digital hub exists, but “being part of MFJN, we were also able to share when there was a resource we needed, and we had a broader audience that could help us find that resource.”

Goal #2: Transform systems of power

Raise $500,000 to support budget needs

• We’re still working toward $500k, but one Action Team says, “We were able to hire a staff person [with MFJN collaborative grant funds] to help relieve the burden on a ragtag group of volunteers and help shape better solutions so we could work more sustainably for everyone.”

Transition to fiscal agent management of funds

• MFJN was fiscally sponsored by African Career, Education, and Resources, Inc (ACER) from 2024-2026 and is now proud to be sponsored by Indigenous Roots!

Clarify structure and practices through completion and implementation of Policies, Practices and Procedures Guide

• Our Sustainability Team documented these in a living document in 2024. We continue to “shift the social context” together…
• “They gave me a space that I can be like, I don’t like that, and I don’t understand that. And y’ all just gonna have to keep saying it in different ways until I understand it or come up with something different… Or just be okay with the fact that I don’t like it. But to be in a space where you can disagree and still do the work, that’s super healthy.”

Goal #3: Sustain and support the local food justice ecosystem

Create an MFJN food justice policy platform

• Check out the Policy Action Team’s Food Justice Policy Platforms for 2025, 2024 plus how they got there. 

Connect and engage youth in policy work

• “The most magic moment I remember was around the campfire at Philly Farm where our youth at Urban Roots were diving deep into discussion with youth from Urban Ag Initiative about what food access looks like in the Twin Cities and what youth role is in that, and imagining what a youth ambassador program with unlimited resources could look like.”

Direct more resources to BIPOC-led food initiatives

• “The stipends have helped alleviate the cost of mileage for foraging foods. I have gathered close to 600lbs of wild foods that have gone directly back to Indigenous youth.”

Convene two Plenums/year

• Spring and Fall Plenums have hosted 50-120 people at each event since 2023. The 2026 MN Food Justice Summit convened 200 people from 63 different zip codes, ages 16-77, and 16 different racial categories came to the Summit. Over 35 people facilitated workshops and skillshares. Thanks to sponsorships, 56% of attendees came for free.
• “It’s a place to focus in on the how do we do this work, how do we sustain and care for ourselves, rather than the typical focus on the what. I think we need more of that in the world.”

What’s your MFJN impact story? How have you been part of living into these goals with us? 

This impact doesn’t happen without the love, joy, and commitment of community. Two steps you can take today to nourish that:

1. Donate $5 once, $5/month, or maybe even $500 today: bit.ly/3RayFif 
2. Share your own story of MFJN impact and tag us on instagram or facebook! Here’s a helpful partner toolkit created by fabulous TA providers, Gish and Co.