P008 → Measuring & Data
Monitor and grow your impact - Learning from what works
Monitoring impact isn’t about red tape, it’s about learning, improving, and showing the value of local food systems. Simple reflection helps you tell your story, attract support, and build stronger partnerships.
Why Measure?
• Helps identify what’s working and where improvements can be made.
• Demonstrates accountability and transparency to funders or partners.
• Builds confidence among your team and community.
• Highlights the wider value: economic, social, and environmental of your work.
Gathering data doesn’t need to be complicated. Use short surveys, meeting notes, or quick counts after events. The goal is to learn and adapt, not to overload yourself with paperwork.
Practical Tools for Tracking Progress
You can track impact across three simple areas: economic, social, and environmental. Choose a few indicators that make sense for your project and measure them regularly.
Core Indicators
Economic
• Sales growth over time
• Number of local suppliers or partners
• Percentage of produce sourced locally
Social
• Community participation numbers
• Volunteer hours or engagement
• Inclusion or diversity of participants
Environmental
• Waste reduced or composted
• Kilometres shortened in distribution
• Soil or biodiversity improvements
Prompt: Plot your strengths across these three areas, where are you strong, where can you grow?
A simple spider or bar chart can help visualise your balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Checklist for Reflection
Collect small bits of data regularly rather than one big report.
Combine numbers and stories, both have power.
Share results with your partners and network.
Celebrate small wins and adjust plans where needed.