This research project seeks to evaluate the success of rfsp funding in sustaining and enhanceing the local and regional food system through building partnerships

The research will onduct the following activities: 1) ripple effects mapping (REM) of outcomes with ten to twelve rfsp grant recipients 2) analysis of secondary quantitative and qualitative data reported by the rfsp recipients, and 3) online surveys of rfsp recipients, as appropriate, within OMB and WSU IRB guidelines the primary objectives of this evaluation are to: 1) examine the direct and indirect impacts of rfsp on the stakeholders and partners involved in local and regional food systems. 2) identify the impacts of the project on the grant recipient and its community. 3) identify the factors, both grant management and project implementation factors, that bolster and/or hinder rfsp success. 4) identify whether and how receiving previous grants, such as fmpp and lfpp, impact rfsp success. 5) identify whether and how receiving rfsp funding impacts future fmpp and lfpp funding. 6) provide recommendations for program improvement and future policy considerations based on the findings. A. The federal agency will: 1. Advise the cooperator in developing the project and timeline, recommending changes to scope and content of ongoing reports and P rojects, and reviewing all deliverables. 2. Provide input as appropriate throughout the project period. 3. Work with the cooperator to identify data sources, relevant research, and stakeholder contacts that may be useful. 4. Contribute to research activities as members of the project team. 5. Cooperate in attaining data and disseminating relevant data summaries for the rfsp grant program and specific rfsp projects as R equired. 6. Assist the cooperator with current and potential stakeholders, reports, and other information as may be necessary for completion of project. 7. Assist in the development of the data standards and in communicating them within the department and otherwise. 8. Provide input for creating a sample of previously awarded projects of lfpp, fmpp and rfsp projects. 9. Serve as connector between USDA partners and the cooperator 10. Provide the cooperator with a SUM not to exceed $76,244 B. The cooperator will: 1. Work with USDA-AMS and other stakeholders for input on the project. 2. Keep USDA-AMS apprised of all developments of the project. 3. Comply with all cooperative agreement guidelines 4. Manage and execute this project and all its activities. 5. Build a sample group of relevant awarded projects from rfsp grant programs. 6. Compile data and conduct research based on the approved guidance. 7. Develop the project final report that describes methodology, population, project's findings and recommendations for program impro vement. 8. Develop and execute online REM sessions, necessary analysis, online survey analysis and secondary data collection. 9. In collaboration with AMS, facilitate all meetings to design and develop ripple effect mapping for relevant grant projects within the respective communities. 10. Develop a summary of the project findings (two pages) 11. Coordinate all meetings, both virtual and in-person. 12. Create a communication program to disseminate results. 13. Coordinate all feedback and concerns.