The most recent food system assessment conducted in Dane County is the 2023 Dane County Pandemic Food System Study. This study speaks to the need for a Dane County Food System Plan to look at the different pieces of the food system together in a connected way. For more information about the case for food system planning, see the American Planning Association Policy Guide on Community and Regional Food Planning.

Two entities that address development of local food system policies are the Dane County Food Council and Madison Food Policy Council. There are many ways to engage with these food councils, including: serving as a food council or work group member (or encouraging other community members to participate), providing public input at food council or work group meetings, and advocating to the food councils for specific community food systems needs to be addressed and funded.