Supporting Local Food Systems by Improving Access to Healthy Food Risa Waldoks The Food Trust October 28 th, 2014
Video: Everyone Deserves Access
Overview of Presentation The Food Trust’s Comprehensive Approach Farmers Markets and Farm to School Small Store Programs: Corner and Convenience Stores Healthy Food Financing Healthy Food Incentives The Farm Bill: FINI Sharing successes from your community: access and local food systems in Idaho
9/14/20154 “Ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food and information to make healthy decisions”
The Food Trust’s Comprehensive Approach Farmers markets Nutrition education Farm to School Healthy corner stores Night market Healthy Food Financing
Data Source: Robbins, et al. Prevalence, Disparities, and Trends in Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Students in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, School District, 2006–2010. Prev Chronic Dis, Sept “Something’s Happening Here”
Farmers Markets
Farm to School The Food Trust is the Regional Lead Agency for the National Farm to School Network
Access to Healthy Food: A Review of the Research Available at: Accessing healthy food is a challenge for many Americans – particularly in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and rural areas. Better access corresponds with healthier eating and lower risk for obesity and other diet-related diseases. Healthy food retail creates jobs and helps to revitalize communities.
Mapping the Problem
Empowering Stakeholders
Identifying Barriers Why aren’t retailers locating in these areas? Financing Land assembly Regulations Workforce Security Transportation Supply Chain
Public-private partnership FAO and CDFI Flexibility Clear implementation: case by case eligibility analysis PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative
Lancaster Central Market
Impact 88 projects 5,000 jobs $ 165 million in total investment 400,000 people with improved food access
Replicable Model
Healthy Food Financing Program Model Fresh Food Retail Projects in Underserved Communities SupermarketsSmall grocery stores Co-ops, farmers markets, and other “non-traditional” formats Community Development Financial Institution & Food Access Organization Raise private capitalProvide financing Determine applicant eligibility Market program, advocate for community Government or Foundation Provide seed fundingOversee program implementation
Policy recommendations to support local food systems: New York HFHC
Types of Projects Supermarkets Corner stores Co-ops Farmers Markets Mobile Markets
Example: Growing Green Mobile Market Buffalo, New York
Example: Circle Foods New Orleans, Louisiana
National HFFI National HFFI
The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is supporting local food systems through innovative projects all around the United States
HFFI Project: Fields Foods Grocery & St. Louis Food Hub St. Louis, Missouri 100 new jobs $15 million in project costs 29,000 sq. ft. food hub facility 37,000 sq. ft. grocery store 9/14/201528
HFFI Project: Northern Girl Food Hub Limestone & Van Buren, Maine 12 local farms supported New 5,000 sq. ft. food hub facility 300 lbs. of carrot sticks for student lunches per week! 9/14/201529
HFFI Project: South Memphis Farmers Market Memphis, Tennessee Small grocery store & permanent outdoor farmers’ market facility Education & community kitchen 40 new jobs 9/14/201530
Increasing healthy food access at small corner and convenience stores
Philadelphia Healthy Corner Store Initiative
Phases & Activities
Healthy Food Incentives: Access and affordability
First statewide incentive program 150+ sites permission from USDA to pilot in 3 grocery stores in Detroit “Moving Double Up into groceries across the state means we will reach more low-income families and help more Michigan farmers sell more produce to their neighbors.” - Oran Hesterman (President and CEO, Fair Food Network)
The Farm Bill Healthy Food Financing through USDA: $125 million authorized Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Program new competitive grant program to provide incentives to SNAP participants to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables
Resource: Healthy Food Access Web Portal
Discussion How do food access and local food systems connect in Idaho? Are similar models underway in your state? Would any of these approaches work here?
Thank you! Risa Waldoks x