Food Policy Entities in Washington State: A Qualitative Exploration of Social Capital

Abstract

Food systems—and the policies and structures that govern them—are complex, and food policy entities (FPEs) are one way that communities navigate this complexity. Efforts are underway to increase coordination among FPEs, and exploring how FPEs describe their structure, activities, and experience with social capital can support these coordination efforts. This thesis aims to characterize local FPE activity in Washington State, as well as to explore the ways in which FPEs engage with social capital. To address this, qualitative interviews and follow-up surveys were conducted with representatives of Washington State food policy entities. The interviews were then analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Participants viewed social capital, particularly bridging social ties, as core to FPE purpose and function. Participants also spoke about the importance of both time and intention when building relational social capital (i.e., trust between individuals) with internal and external partners alike. Finally, informality emerged as an intentional practice used by FPEs to allow space to promote inclusivity and facilitate collaborative efforts to build relationships and share resources to advance cognitive social capital. Investing in social capital can enable FPEs to increase their impact to further drive food systems change within their communities.