Why Food Policy?
When you begin to consider the source of food as a food system, it becomes clear that hundreds of decisions are made about food before it reaches the plate. Those decisions are determined and regulated through numerous government agencies at the national, state, county and municipal level. Food Policy helps to ensure that decisions affecting what we eat are made in a consistent and healthful way.
Food Policy can be created and implemented by institutions interacting in the food system. Any organization that serves food, such as schools or hospitals, can develop and and implement food policy. Food policy can be focused on what is served (fresh or processed), how and when it is grown (sustainable, organic or conventional, seasonal or preserved) or who grows it (local farms, small farms, industrialized agribusiness). Counties can implement food policies which support elements of the food system, such as local agriculture, restaurants and grocery stores. Food policy can make a difference in the food eaten and the quality of life in our community.
Food Policy Councils
To address the need for a cohesive food policy, Cass County has formed a Food Policy Council (FPC). This council will rely on the expertise of public and private stakeholders who make daily decisions which affect our food. These stakeholders include grocery owners, food providers, farmers, public health personnel, community based organizations and others in the community. These representatives will play a coordinating role for food policy within Cass County.
Mission
The Cass County Food Policy Council (FPC) is committed to bringing together community members and organizations to promote stable food systems and access to healthy, locally produced food for all.
The Cass County Food Policy Council is working to foster collaborative relationships and action in pursuit of its mission. The FPC goal is to establish a coalition of local organizations and individuals with experience working in agriculture, community organizing, nutrition, health services, food retail, public policy, food services, school districts, etc.
Values
Food is a vital part of everyday life and should be valued.
People need to understand the vital links between human health, fresh food and stewardship of our environment.
Public policies should promote the stability of our local food system and health.
Collaboration is needed for sustainability and community support.
The goal is to increase the consumption of healthy, locally produced food, while fostering more direct purchases between local farms, local businesses and institutions (schools, restaurants, hospitals, caterers and other food related institutions).
When you begin to consider the source of food as a food system, it becomes clear that hundreds of decisions are made about food before it reaches the plate. Those decisions are determined and regulated through numerous government agencies at the national, state, county and municipal level. Food Policy helps to ensure that decisions affecting what we eat are made in a consistent and healthful way.
Food Policy can be created and implemented by institutions interacting in the food system. Any organization that serves food, such as schools or hospitals, can develop and and implement food policy. Food policy can be focused on what is served (fresh or processed), how and when it is grown (sustainable, organic or conventional, seasonal or preserved) or who grows it (local farms, small farms, industrialized agribusiness). Counties can implement food policies which support elements of the food system, such as local agriculture, restaurants and grocery stores. Food policy can make a difference in the food eaten and the quality of life in our community.
Food Policy Councils
To address the need for a cohesive food policy, Cass County has formed a Food Policy Council (FPC). This council will rely on the expertise of public and private stakeholders who make daily decisions which affect our food. These stakeholders include grocery owners, food providers, farmers, public health personnel, community based organizations and others in the community. These representatives will play a coordinating role for food policy within Cass County.
Mission
The Cass County Food Policy Council (FPC) is committed to bringing together community members and organizations to promote stable food systems and access to healthy, locally produced food for all.
The Cass County Food Policy Council is working to foster collaborative relationships and action in pursuit of its mission. The FPC goal is to establish a coalition of local organizations and individuals with experience working in agriculture, community organizing, nutrition, health services, food retail, public policy, food services, school districts, etc.
Values
Food is a vital part of everyday life and should be valued.
People need to understand the vital links between human health, fresh food and stewardship of our environment.
Public policies should promote the stability of our local food system and health.
Collaboration is needed for sustainability and community support.
The goal is to increase the consumption of healthy, locally produced food, while fostering more direct purchases between local farms, local businesses and institutions (schools, restaurants, hospitals, caterers and other food related institutions).