________ is the process in which people concerned about an issue work to bring the issue to the attention of government officials.

Agenda setting is a critical process in the realm of public policy and community nutrition. It refers to the way in which certain issues are identified and defined, thus paving the way for discussions and actions by government officials and policy makers. During this process, concerned individuals or groups highlight specific issues they believe require attention, influence public awareness, and ultimately shape the political landscape.

This stage is essential because it sets the foundation for the subsequent steps in the policy-making process. It is through agenda setting that problems are recognized and elevated to a level where they can be addressed formally by government. Without effective agenda setting, important issues may remain unrecognized and unaddressed.

In contrast, the formulation of alternatives, policy making, and policy adoption involve stages that occur after an issue has gained attention and recognition through agenda setting. These stages focus more on developing solutions, creating policy proposals, and finalizing the policy decisions, respectively. Understanding agenda setting is fundamental for those seeking to impact community nutrition and advocate for effective changes.