About Us
The Kent County Food Policy Council brings together residents, organizations, agencies, and businesses to advocate for and promote a good food system in Kent County, Michigan. The council formed in 2021.
We envision a thriving economy, equity and sustainability for Kent County residents through a food system rooted in local communities and centered on good food – food that is accessible, equitable, fair, healthy, diverse, and sustainable.
What we do
& Why we do it
Kent County Food Policy Council exists to advocate for and promote a local, good food system.
Why?
Our food system is predominantly characterized by disconnection and inequity.
Some examples of this include lack of healthy food access, excessive foodwaste, soil erosion, loss of farmland, few opportunitiesfor BIPOC farmers and producers, fragile food chains, individuals lack connection to parts of the food system, and more.
A good food system is:
- Accessible
- Healthy
- Equitable
- Diverse
- Fair
- Sustainable
Kent County Food Policy Council has representatives from:
- Health
- Government
- Agriculture
- Business
- Education
- Non-profits
- Community residents
Actions and Strategies
Connecting
- Coordinate meetings & work groups
- Build relationships with decision makers and food system leaders
Data and Understanding
- Collect, share, or create articles, briefs, reports
Action and Advocacy
- Inform & influence public processes
- Call for policy change in institutions and government
Community Learning
- Hold events
- Share data and research with partners & community
Connecting
- Coordinate meetings & work groups
- Build relationships with decision makers and food system leaders
Data and Understanding
- Collect, share, or create articles, briefs, reports
Action and Advocacy
- Inform & influence public processes
- Call for policy change in institutions and government
Community Learning
- Hold events
- Share data and research with partners & community
The Outcomes
- Increased options for food recovery
- Development of local food markets in underserved areas
- Increased opportunities for local growing
- Increased number of Kent County schools growing food or purchasing local food
- Increased inclusion of nutrition education as part of school curriculum
- Development of a county-wide Food System Plan
- Improved conditions for farm workers
- Incentives for farmland preservation
- Living wage
Our vision is for everyone in Kent County to enjoy a thriving good food system. Want to help?