Healthy Lifestyles Forum August 26, 2011 Gretchen Kunkel, President KC Healthy Kids

Who Are We? The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition is a coalition of individuals, organizations, businesses, and government representatives committed to ensuring that there is a healthy, sustainable, and affordable food system for Greater Kansas City.

Vision People of all ages, in all communities, and in all economic segments of the population in Greater Kansas City will have access to healthy, affordable food that nourishes individuals and nurtures communities, the local economy, and the environment. Mission To advocate for the Greater Kansas City food system and promote food policies that positively impact the nutritional, economic, social, and environmental health of Greater Kansas City. Vision and Mission

The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition advances policy, advocacy, and financing solutions that promote a healthy, fair, and sustainable food system within and around Greater Kansas City. The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition effectively raises awareness and knowledge on the regional impacts of food and the food system. The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition participates in partnerships or strategic alliances that increase cooperation on shared issues. Strategic Vision

1. How do we advocate for changes in food production that will positively affect local supply, distribution, and farming economics? 2. How do we advocate for changes that reduce physical and financial barriers to healthy foods? 3. How do we advance policy changes for distribution systems that support the availability of local, healthy food? Today’s Critical Issues

4. How do we educate and inform about the impacts of food and the food system to increase support and appropriate action by the community? 5. How do we structure the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition to achieve its mission financially, legally, and operationally? Today’s Critical Issues -continued-

Goal 1: Advocates for a sustainable food system that builds a spirit of cooperation among all food system components, connects local food producers to local consumers, and improves the health of Greater Kansas City. Goal 2: Promotes strengthening resources that sustain and improve our local food system. Goal 3: Educates and informs the community about the food system and the positive impacts of healthy food choices. Strategic Goals 1-3

Examines demographics, policies, economics, attitudes, and multiple facets of the food system through data, charts, and GIS mapping Food Habits Survey: –Surveyed approximately 4,000 residents across metro, reflective of income, ethnic and racial make up of the region. –Examined where people shop, whether they purchase produce, and food insecurity and hunger Food System Assessment

Food Deserts Initiative –Increasing access to healthy, affordable food in food deserts, especially in Kansas City, KS, and Kansas City, MO Institutional Purchasing of Locally Produced Foods Policy Initiatives

Developed 7 policy briefs –The Food System –Production –Distribution –Access –Schools –Institutions –Impacting Health through the Food System Policy Briefs

Steering Committee & Director Communications, Fundraising, & Membership Research SchoolsAccess Production & Distribution Institutions Executive Committee Organizational Structure Institutional Purchasing Initiative Schools CollaborationFood Deserts Initiative

Join a committee or policy initiative work team. Become a member & recruit others. Apply for a place on the Steering Committee. Attend Fall Membership Meeting on October 24, Sign up for our updates. Go to kcfoodpolicy.org. Get Involved!