HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2021-005 Resolution in Support of NCACC Presidential Initiative to Promote Food System Resiliency RES- 2021 -005 v
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIOM: K
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF NCACC PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE
TO PROMOTE FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCY
WHEREAS , access to food is a basic human need and is vital to the well - being of a community ;
and
WHEREAS , all 100 North Carolina counties are committed to ensuring the needs of their residents
are met ; and
WHEREAS , food security , defined as reliable access to quality , affordable food , is vital to a thriving
community and food insecurity threatens the fabric of a healthy society ; and
WHEREAS , according to the annual Map the Meal Gap study by Feeding America , conducted to
improve understanding of food insecurity and food costs at the local level , the average food
insecurity rate across North Carolina is 14 percent , and Feeding America projects that the rate will
rise to 19 . 3 percent due to the pandemic ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County has a food insecurity rate of 10 . 8 percent , and this rate is predicted to
rise to 13 . 6 percent ; and
WHEREAS , the current pandemic is further exacerbating the issue of food insecurity , and
households are facing difficult decisions in making ends meet ; and
WHEREAS , the food insecurity rate in North Carolina is projected to rise to 19 . 3 percent due to the
pandemic and the child food insecurity rate is projected to rise from 19 . 3 percent to 28 . 6 percent ;
and
WHEREAS , according to state officials , agriculture and agribusiness account for 17 % of all jobs in
the state and an annual economic impact of $ 91 . 8 billion and is a vital aspect of the economy in
North Carolina ; and
WHEREAS , the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners ( NCACC) , under the direction
of President Ronnie Smith , is leading a task force to address food system resiliency to help counties
take actions to ensure that resources are getting to the people in need ; and
WHEREAS , the NCACC Task Force will be meeting to examine the various issues that go into
creating and sustaining a resilient food system for North Carolina residents ; and
WHEREAS , the Orange County Board of County Commissioners jointly funds and participates in
the Orange County Food Council , whose mission is to grow a sustainable and equitable local food
system in Orange County , North Carolina , guided by values of a community- driven economy , food
access , inclusivity , racial equity , and sustainability ; and
WHEREAS , by supporting our farmers , supply chains , agribusiness , food industry , and hungry
families , counties can help build resilient communities ;
NOW, THEREFORE , LET IT DE RESOLVED , that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
does hereby resolve to support the work of the NCACC Task Force and will commit to examining
the food system in Orange County and take steps to work in partnership with the Orange County
Food Council and other local initiatives to further efforts that strengthen the system in the service of
sustaining a thriving community .
This the 19th day of January , 2021 .
Renee Price , Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners