HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2021-046-A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS PARTNERSHIP GRANT APPLICATION BY TRIANGLE J COUNCIL OF GOVERMENTS RES - 2021 -046
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE - REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS PARTNERSHIP GRANT
APPLICATION BY TRIANGLE J COUNCIL OF GOVERMENTS
WHEREAS , exacerbated by COVID , the fragmented realities of the Triangle region ' s
complex food system have solidified the need to cultivate a new narrative between
regional consumers and a regional food system community of practice ; and
WHEREAS , the Triangle , as one of the nation ' s fastest growing regions , needs a
collaborative , regional approach to growing a more consistent , resilient , and equitable
food system ; and
WHEREAS , through such practices as storytelling , capacity building , and creating a
shared framework for long -term planning , representation of marginalized populations
within the food system can be amplified and strengthened ; and
WHEREAS , to address all of these issues , the Triangle J Council of Governments is
leading the creation of a grant proposal to the U . S . Department of Agriculture to develop
a proactive and collaborative planning process for creating a regional framework for food
systems thinking in the region ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County representatives are part of the support team contributing to
the grant proposal ; and
WHEREAS , the proposal will outline a structure and process for creating regional
partnerships designed to coordinate the diverse entities working on various aspects of
regional food system work , proposing to involve entities not currently working on such
efforts but that should be doing so ; and
WHEREAS , a regional strategic plan will be proposed to focus on standardizing and
prioritizing goals and action plans , strengthening opportunities to augment regional
partnerships , leverage funding sources , reduce duplication , and offer economies of scale ;
and
WHEREAS , the strategic plan will promote equity and inclusivity , implementing strategies
to effectively address racial , income , and geographic disparities associated with food and
food systems planning in the region ; and
WHEREAS , the participation of Orange County and other local governments will help
address . equity as it relates to the intersections between food system planning and
economic development , housing , transportation , natural resources , and clean energy ;
and
WHEREAS , various storytelling , listening sessions , analysis , and education aspects of
the proposal promise to highlight the powerful witness of food system practitioners
(farmers and food entrepreneurs ) , consumers , and underserved communities through
reports , presentations , infographics , various media , and retreats/educational forums ; and
WHEREAS , with the growth of the Triangle region , planning for the effectiveness of the
region ' s food system as an economic driver will be imperative not only for the local and
regional economy , but also to support more resilient communities in the event of natural
and economic shocks ; and
WHEREAS , through careful tracking of outcomes and measurables and the creation of
other historical data , the work done under this grant will offer a model for the regions
throughout the country who may similarly need a regional partnership of food business
practitioners with government and institutional partners ;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County , North Carolina voices its support for the Triangle J Council of
Government ' s proposal to the U . S . Department of Agriculture and looks forward to a
successful outcome .
This the 15th day of June , 2021 .
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Renee Price , Chair
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