Research
To build the evidence base that will underpin the food system transformation ahead, we design and conduct publicly accessible research on the issues that matter.
Our research services include:
- Mapping, including (but not limited to) food retail environments, food systems, community food systems, artisinal farming, urban agriculture.
- Food price comparison research
- Food security + resilience scoping studies
- Food security impact measurement frameworks and action planning
- Surveys on topics such as community food + farming, and our Pandemic Gardening survey.
- Needs assessments
- Literature reviews
- Options papers
- Feasibility studies (e.g. food hubs)
- Case studies
Examples of our research services:
“The breadth and depth of this work across Council cannot be understated. This project and the reports provided by Sustain have helped us identify this diversity of work and explore ways of bringing it all together. It’s also unpacked the complexity of the food system and we’ve been able to draw on evidence-based work to help inform and shape our own work.”
— Janelle Phillips, Area Leader Community Development & Programs, Community Strengthening & Inclusion, City of Wyndham
Strategy, Policy and Action Plan Development
Strategy is the bridge from research to action. We’ll work alongside your team to analyse the data and develop the right strategic framework to make on-the-ground action happen.
Our services include:
- Food policy analysis
- Food Policy development
- Food Strategy development
- Food Security Framework
- Action Plan development
- Roadmap development
Examples of our strategy services:
“Sustain provided a high quality service that was delivered on time and in a professional manner. This was matched by their extensive knowledge on sustainable food systems and passion to make a difference by empowering communities to understand and care for the ecosystems that support our wellbeing.“
— Maria Plakourakis, Senior Policy Officer – City Safety, Health Promotion and Policy, Community Wellbeing, City of Melbourne
Community Engagement
Food systems transform from the ground up. Our community engagement services ensure that the voices of everyday people are put at the heart of our projects.
Our services include:
- Community asset mapping workshops
- Action planning workshops
- Consultation workshops to inform strategy and policy development
- Surveys
- 1:1 interviews
- Focus groups
- Kitchen table conversations
Examples of community engagement services:
“The work undertaken by Sustain during the contract was of high quality and they had strong knowledge of the role local government can play in influencing food security at a local level. The project was concluded in the timeframe provided and within the project quote. I would recommend Sustain as knowledgeable and reliable consultants that can lead work to influence local food systems work.“
— Marni Ford, Senior Health Planner, City of Casey
Capacity Building
Our capacity building services empower your staff to be food system champions, using ‘thinking in systems’ coaching, mentoring and professional development programs. Through exclusive networking opportunities, we also support food system change-makers across organisations to gather and learn from each other.
Our capacity building services include:
- Food systems 101 training
- Backbone and partnership facilitation
- Local food coalition or network development
- Facilitating cross-departmental communities of practice/working groups to support food systems work
