Local Group Forms Food Policy Council

After two years of discussion and exploration as the Local Foodshed Working Group, a diverse group of farmers, gardeners, businesses, and individuals who want to strengthen the local food system have formed the Lincoln-Lancaster County Food Policy Council (www.facebook.com/letsgrowlincoln).

As part of the launch, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Food Policy Council is releasing its first report: The Lincoln-Lancaster County Community Food Assessment. This report provides a snapshot of what the local food system looks like today and what possibilities the group can explore to make the food system better in the future. Highlights of the report include the natural resources of our region, the changing agricultural landscape of Lincoln-Lancaster County, the economic benefits to our community, and data from local farmers serving the Lincoln community.

The Council’s stated purpose is to “develop integrated policies that promote a healthy and sustainable local food system” and the Council is actively seeking members from all aspects of the food system, from farmer to consumer. This independent community group will be a forum where policies impacting the food system can be debated and discussed. Partnerships between citizens, businesses, and government will be pursued to implement policies and projects that grow out of the group discussions.

In the early stages, the council intends to focus on three areas: assessing zoning and land use for urban farming, a media campaign to encourage gardening, and promoting the food assessment while identifying future research needs and innovative projects.

Meetings of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Food Policy Council will be held on the second Thursday of even-numbered months. Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Megan McGuffey, Coordinator at LincolnLancasterFPC@gmail.com.