Local Food and Agriculture

FA 1: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a 50% reduction in food insecurity Region-wide by 2030.

FA 1-1 Conduct a detailed Food Security Assessment to determine food insecurity conditions within the region and areas with limited access to full service grocery stores and markets (particularly within communities of higher vulnerable populations). Identify areas within the region for improvement, and establish detailed strategies to increase food security within region.

Example: Stevens County Food Resilience Plan

FA 1-2 Work collaboratively with regional partners to establish a region-wide integrated food network to expand partnerships, increase reach, resources, and impact while supporting a credible decision-making body to guide resilient food policy. Support network by establishing a Local Food Coordinator position.

FA 1-3 Explore potential of collaborating with low cost produce providers, convenience stores, and food pantries to increase the distribution and availability of affordable, fresh foods within local food markets serving low income, vulnerable, and food insecure communities while addressing retail and commercial food waste.

FA 1-4 Create Food Forest / "edible walk to school" routes by planting edible trees, shrubs, and planting regionally native vegetables to existing public landscaping (apple, pears, plums, blueberries, strawberries, service berries, etc.) that eventually will allow students walking to school and other community members to pick fresh local food. Select an existing property for a pilot project.

FA 1-5 Establish a communication system, phone app, or social media group whereby local gardeners could donate or trade food (i.e. if one person has too many tomatoes, could offer them to trade or for free pick up).

FA 1-6 Develop an emergency food plan that includes a food needs assessment, scenarios for provisioning necessary food supplies during a range of anticipated emergencies, and a distribution and public communication plan that takes into account those most at risk for food insecurity. Work with local retailers, producers, and warehouses to implement food provisioning scenarios.

Example: Stevens County Food Resilience Plan

FA 1-7 Improve the availability of culturally appropriate food accessible to the region's populations of color, religiously diverse, and limited English speakers. Explore opportunities to expand local development of these goods through engagement with local food producers and promote information on locations and price ranges of uncommon culturally important produce and food products.

FA 1-8 Expand Farmers Markets (particularly year-round market opportunities), local food hubs and marketing of locally produced and organic foods. Efforts to focus on increased community equity and food security among at-risk populations.