History
The Cumberland County Food System Alliance was formed in September 2018 following a series of community roundtable discussions held in 2017–2018 under the guidance of Partnership for Better Health. The conversations focused on building a sustainable local food system that strengthens economic vitality, improves food security, promotes wellness, and supports community resilience.
Participants explored the impact of food insecurity in Cumberland County, reviewed successful programs and best practices, and identified strategies to support vulnerable populations and local agriculture. Through these discussions, members recognized the need for a collaborative network to coordinate efforts across the county, leading to the creation of CCFSA.
In October 2019, funding from Partnership for Better Health enabled the Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) at Shippensburg University to become the alliance's Backbone Organization, providing coordination and administrative support.
Purpose and objectives
The purpose of the Cumberland County Food System Alliance is to support a sustainable local food system that promotes economic vitality, increases food security, promotes wellness and advances community resilience in Cumberland County.
Current Objectives:
- Foster networking and food systems education.
- Coordinate local food systems efforts.
- Explore food systems collaboration and pooling of resources where appropriate.
- Stay apprised of important food systems health and access issues and serve as a repository of relevant data and resources.
- Advance food policy and advocacy work.
Guiding Principles
The Cumberland County Food System Alliance has three principles that guide work within Cumberland County and the surrounding area.
Food Security
All people have the right to food security, which means having reliable access to nutritious food. We seek approaches to addressing food insecurity that go beyond the immediate task of feeding people who are hungry to working toward developing sustainable, systemic solutions to end hunger.
Systems Change
Our pursuits will include systems change strategies that empower and educate people, build on strengths within families and communities, challenge mindsets and structural barriers to social equity with an emphasis on ending poverty and systemic racism, by offering alternatives to business as usual.
Sustainability
We will prioritize approaches and solutions that can be implemented and sustained over the long term and where possible, we will pursue solutions that coordinate with and support our local food economy and enhance the interconnectivity of our larger local food system.
Leadership Team
Updated on January 9, 2026
- Tracy Barone, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Dr. Heather Plumridge, PhD, Dickinson College
- Jennifer Crotsley, Shippensburg Produce and Outreach
- Glenn Franklin, Gleaning Ambassador
- Dr. Russ Hedberg, PhD, Shippensburg University
- Katie Kerr, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
- Xin Li, Shippensburg University, Center for Land Use & Sustainability (Project Management Support)
- Lisa Maddux, Project SHARE
- Matthew Moser, Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
- Shannon Twigg, LBSW, Sadler Health Center
- Stephanie Williams, Cumberland County Planning Department (Council Chair)
- Gail Witwer, Partnership for Better Health
We are in the process of developing work groups and looking to expand our community partners. Please contact us at: foodsystemalliance@gmail.com to learn how you can get involved!
