The Current State of Affairs

Ellie Litzinger interviewed several members of the Local Foods, Local Places steering committee to ask them what they thought was a success over the last year and areas where improvement can occur. The answers they provided are showcased in the table below.

SUCCESSES

Projects would not have been possible without significant volunteer and professional contributions Good supporting cast of professionals and volunteers who are passionate about local foods Clear objectives are being set Wide interest from the community and the news Steering committee members successful in matching needs to resources for those who need it Older residents taken into account, a demographic that is traditionally not engaged in projects involving community health The farmer ' s market had its first season

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Better communications with the public More support from the city via participation in Steering Committee-led events Increase event attendance Continue to engage community members across all demographics Co-creating educational opportunities with the public via the schools and Community Education

The Current State of Affairs (Continued)

There are several ways in which the LFLP Steering Committee plans on not only strengthening the relationships it has built over the last year, but building new ones where they have not existed in the past. The following list provides a snapshot of the areas in which the steering committee plan to work as a group in the coming year:

Encouraging more volunteers in this Initiative Increasing access to healthy foods via the farmer ' s market Engaging community members across a variety of demographics and social interests Engaging youth and recruiting a youth position to serve on the steering committee Developing meaningful and reciprocal relationships with community leaders across various demographics in our area to develop long-term partnerships and sustainable initiatives Improving our awareness of existing programs, initiatives, and resources Investing in our own leadership development and cultural competency Creating pathways to leadership and influence for economic and community development projects for Pelican Rapids Residents and Otter Tail County Residents