HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-05-2016 - 4-d - Orange County Food Council 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 5, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-d
SUBJECT: Orange County Food Council
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mike Ortosky, Agriculture Economic
Developer, 919-245-2336
PURPOSE: To receive an update on the status of the formation of the Orange County Food
Council and consider a request that one member of the Board be appointed to the Council
representing Orange County.
BACKGROUND: In response to changing demand for local food systems, healthier eating
habits, need for viable farming options, and food access issues, Food Councils are increasingly
becoming an instrument for input from local residents and for guiding businesses and policy
makers. A grassroots Task Force was formed and has been meeting regularly for over a year to
develop a local food council. The Orange County Economic Development Office funded the
facilitation of the initial formative meetings. Two public meetings have also been conducted and
a preliminary food assessment has been completed to further inform the process.
The Task Force has proposed 15 positions (from specific professional and community-related
positions to include elected officials) and plans for the first Council to meet within the next 60
days. Applications have been received from many sources and the Task Force is considering
those as it also asks for elected officials from Orange County, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and
Carrboro to be Council members.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Task Force, on behalf of the Food Council (soon to be formalized),
has made application for Outside Agency/Human Services funding via The United Way of the
Greater Triangle. No other funding is requested at this time. The Food Council will be
instrumental in supporting farm and food system economic development which is anticipated to
increase the number of farms, farm income, and food businesses located in Orange County,
thereby increasing and diversifying the tax base.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this agenda item:
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• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
The Orange Food Council intentionally seeks membership, guidance, and participation by all
people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender, or sexual
orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial,
residential, or economic status.
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
The Orange County Food Council promotes the creation of food and farm related businesses,
jobs, and training, and food access to all residents of Orange County.
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no
group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or
policies.
The Orange County Food Council promotes farmland conservation, environmentally sound
farming systems, and appropriate and equitable environmental policies in order to ensure
uniform environmental quality for all Orange County residents.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
The Orange County Food Council will provide an effective conduit for civic engagement
between Orange County residents and its political and administrative leadership.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the update and
consider appointing one member to the Orange County Food Council to assist in leadership of
the Council.