Kspitz’s Weblog

During the Pollinating Our Future conference in Milwaukee, I attended a presentation on the development of food councils. The 90-minute presentation was a shortened version of a day-long workshop given by Mark Winne, author of Closing the Food Gap, and Martin Bailkey, vice-chair of the Dane County Food Council (Wisconsin).

            A food council is defined as “a group of stakeholders that provides support to governments and citizens in developing policy and programs related to the local food supply.” A food council is a relatively new concept, but it is quickly gaining attention as cities across the nation scramble to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Providing increased access to locally grown foods is a key factor in this process, and a food council can play an important role.

 Winne and Bailkey stressed the need for citizens to work with local governments in their efforts to create sustainable local food systems. Citizens can provide the grassroots desire, enthusiasm and even the foodstuffs, but it is government that holds the power to enact local ordinances that will ensure long term success and viability. The success of a local food system depends upon farmers having access to markets, gardeners having permanent land for gardens, and community programs targeted towards preventing food insecurity. Without government support these issues will remain unsolved.  

Over 70 food councils now exist in the United States, each with its own goals and objectives. Some food councils advise government officials on specific policy while others are more community oriented. Community oriented food councils will often be directly involved with local projects like establishing farmer’s markets and community gardens, coordinating education and outreach programs, and acting as an advisor and a resource for funding opportunities.

For citizen groups interested in establishing a food council, Winne and Bailkey offered the following suggestions:

o   Take inventory of the existing food programs and services in the area

o   Identify any crises that exist and link to how locally produced foods could alleviate them

o   Gather current data on public health issues in the area

o   Estimate the level of community engagement

            Organize this information into a formal paper or presentation for local public officials. At this stage, it is extremely beneficial to have at least one public official already committed to the idea of establishing a food council. This person can be called upon to speak positively about what the council can accomplish and can help navigate the often sticky world of public politics. Winne and Bailkey also stressed the importance of having patience. It takes time to educate the public – including public officials – and the political process often moves very slowly.

At this point, I am unaware of any established food council in Michiana, but the potential for developing one certainly exists. As more people become aware of the many benefits associated with increased consumption of locally grown foods, the establishment of a food council becomes the next logical step in creating strong and sustainable communities.