From Governance to Convergence

The Food System and Sustainability

S. Garrett and G. Feenstra

“Growing a Community Food System”

Food is key to the climate economyFood travels 1500 miles

before reaching our plates

17% of our fossil fuel use is for growing and distributing food

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

20%

80%

Agriculture

All other Human Caused Emissions

Meeting more of Seattle’s food needs with locally and sustainably grown produce can significantly reduce our

greenhouse gas emissions and prepare us for the climate economy.

The Core QuestionFrom a government vantage point, how do

you look systemically at the local food system and apply a set of values and goals to that system?

ChallengesIdentifying the values and common goalsDesigning and implementing appropriate

actions to meet those goals Creating and sustaining the commitment to

act upon the challenges and opportunities partnership between different governmental

agenciespartnership between public and private entities

More Challenges…Disconnection between urban consumers and

rural producersMyriad of farmers, small businesses and

community efforts not connected Lack of smaller scale local processing and

warehousingMeeting the increased demand for local and

homegrown foodA greater understanding of the connection

between public health and good food

Even More Challenges…An increased need for food banks and

emergency foodRegulatory and policy impediments to

meeting goalsNo systemic policy approachA food system goes beyond political

boundariesDon't have all the analysis we need

The ProjectLocation: Seattle City CouncilMission

The Local Food Action Initiative is a series of actions meant to promote local and regional food sustainability and security.

The intent is to improve our local food system and in doing so, advance the City of Seattle's interrelated goals of race and social justice, environmental sustainability, economic development, and emergency preparedness.

The ProjectActivities

Set the goals and develop the initial framework for actions through discussions and voting on a City Council resolution (with a focus on getting our own “house” in order)

Stimulate community partners and collaborations through outreach and visibility of the initiative

Align city and regional policies and regulations with the goals stated in the resolution

Convene and build relationships among and between a variety of participants in the local food system

The Project ImplementationActing in Support of Specific GoalsThree Examples:

Increase opportunities for urban agricultureIncrease access for all of Seattle’s residents

to healthy and local foodsPromote and identify permanent locations for

farmers markets

Urban AgricultureSurveyed public lands available for community gardeningApplied for a community food grant focused on the needs of

low income residentsIncluded $2 million from the 2008 Parks Levy for

community gardens – planned 4, have actually created 17 by focusing on land the City already owns

Convened meetings to create new partnerships and initiatives:A website linking private land owners with interested

gardenersSeattle Central Community College developed a certificate

program in urban agricultureRemoved regulatory impediments to gardening in planting

stripsCreate "learning gardens" at community centers

Food AccessIncreased City funding for food banksEstablished an alliance with the United Way to

develop a strategic plan to reduce hungerFunded an outreach staff to help people sign up

for SNAP (food stamps)Directed the City of Seattle's Human Services

Department to improve data collection about hunger and emergency food

Requested the City of Seattle's Parks Department to provide better quality food at after school programs and vending machines

Farmers MarketsStreamlined the permitting process and

reduced feesAdded a new farmers market at City HallAdvocating for the needs of farmers markets

with other government agenciesCollaborating to establish permanent homes

Lessons LearnedBy creating the vision and aligning the values

and goals we have ignited creativity and the possibility for cultural shift

Seattle is exploding in opportunities ; new businesses, new initiatives, volunteers, connecting projects, student projects, etc.

More Lessons LearnedBy providing a container we have given

visibility and support to existing organizations and projects

The region has all the pieces - land base and natural resources , an active citizenry, involved farmers, organic growers, academics, awareness and leadership among elected officials, business innovators, strong NGOs, and consumer demand

Core Actions in 2010Declared 2010 as the Year of Urban Agriculture.Launched a web portal to provide information

and coordinate activities.Continued the work on a $300,000 Community

Food Grant from the US Department of Agriculture in support of actions to provide local, healthy foods in low income neighborhoods of SE and West Seattle - Healthy Corner Store initiative in Delridge, - new food bank garden at Rainier Vista, - Clean Greens Farm and Farmers Market in the Central Area.

More 2010 TasksDeveloping a Food System Policy Plan for Seattle.Launching teaching gardens and community

kitchen projects at Community Centers, community greenhouse project in Rainier Beach.

Using Parks Levy and other funding to continue to expand the P-Patch program.

Working with King County to adopt Transfer of Development Rights program to protect farms that serve Seattle’s Farmers Markets.

Established Regional Food Policy Council authorized by the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Still More 2010 WorkDeploying Health Department “Communities Putting

Prevention to Work” grant to support community kitchens and market gardens and take steps to provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables in ‘food deserts’.

Worked with Health Department to extend and expand nutritional labels in restaurants (Pre-empted – in a good way – by the Health Care Bill).

Assisting neighborhoods to include community food planning in the neighborhood planning process.

Adopting the Food and Beverage sector as a core sector for economic development.

And Finally for 2010Working with community –led projects to

coordinate and strengthen their effectiveness.Developing a strategic plan for expanding

economic activity and jobs in the local food economy, in conjunction with Regional Food Policy Council.

Adopted land use code changes that define ‘Community Garden’ and allow them outright in all zones, define ‘Urban Farm’ and allow specific appropriate models in each zone, allow people in residential zones to grow and sell unprocessed produce on their property, etc.

Where Will We Go in 2011?Focus on economic development.Strengthen urban agriculture.Protect farmland through foodshed initiatives.Expand long-range campaign for healthy food for all.Create indicators of success.Developing urban farms and gardens on City land.Take Seattle Farm Bill Principles around the country.Build partnerships, Regional Food Policy Council.Consider how to take local food work to

transformative scale.

Constraints and ChallengesMoving to a systems perspectiveFood system not identified as an essential serviceInsufficient structure to support the opportunitiesBudget crisis leads to layoffs and scarce new

resourcesEducating elected officials Temporality of elected officials and staffPolicy making can be slowInstitutionalizing change Making economic opportunities glamorous

Key to SuccessEmpower, embrace and harvest the collective

wisdom of the community!