The Washtenaw Food Policy Council (WFPC), the County appointed food policy group, recently approved a 23 point agenda, aggressively prioritizing support for a viable, economical, and sustainable local food system. The policy agenda identifies changes needed at various levels, from schools and institutions, to municipalities and county government, to state and federal government.

The idea for a Washtenaw Food Policy Council originally came out of discussion during meetings of the Food System Economic Partnership’s Policy Committee meetings. After seeing the rise of Food Policy Councils around the country, committee members saw a growing need for a similar unifying structure in Washtenaw County. After gathering input from many community stakeholders and discussing with the Board of Commissioners, it was agreed to form a 15-seat volunteer Council that provides recommendations to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

The WFPC will present the agenda and recommendations to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at its Working Session scheduled for Sept 18 at 6:30 pm at 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. The public is encouraged to attend.

Of the agenda approval, WFPC Vice-Chair Amanda Edmonds said, “This agenda showcases our County’s ability to employ an economic development strategy that utilizes our immense local food resources while ensuring it’s developed in a sustainable and deliberate way.” She noted Washtenaw County’s unique opportunities and history, “Our County has many talented entrepreneurs that we should be supporting. Their hard work grows our food system and provides access to nutritious food to thousands that otherwise would have limited options.”

To develop the agenda, the Council went through an extensive stakeholder process that asked participants to envision a food system that was more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable. It includes input from four Policy Action Teams, appointed council members, and this year’s Local Food Summit, where a draft of the agenda was showcased. Additionally, the Council engaged a variety of stakeholders – from public health and emergency food, to institutional purchasers, farmers and experts in the field of food waste management.

Developing the agenda was possible with financial support from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.