Food System Assessment
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FOOD SYSTEM ASSESSMENT The District’s efforts to support a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable food system 2018 Published Spring 2019 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.................................................................. 3 LETTER FROM THE DC FOOD POLICY DIRECTOR .....................................................................................................4 DISTRICT AGENCY ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 METHODOLOGY AND DATA COLLECTION .......................................................................................................................... 6 OVERVIEW OF THE FOOD ASSESSMENT..................................... ........................................................... 7 OVERVIEW OF THE DISTRICT’S FOOD SYSTEM GOALS AND PRIORITIES..................................... 8 SECTION 1: IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY AND HEALTH IN THE DISTRICT FOOD INSECURITY .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 FOOD INSECURITY AND HEALTH ..............................................................................................................................................................................11 FEDERAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................. 12 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 SECTION 2: IMPROVING THE DISTRICT’S FOOD PROCUREMENT AND SERVICE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 SECTION 3: EXPANDING HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN THE DISTRICT GROCERY STORES ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................28 FARMERS MARKETS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31 HEALTHY CORNERS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................34 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 SECTION 4: GROWING HEALTHY FOOD IN THE DISTRICT COMMUNITY GARDENS ...............................................................................................................................................................................................38 URBAN FARMS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39 SCHOOL GARDENS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... .... 41 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 SECTION 5: SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, ENTREPRENEURS, AND THE FOOD WORKFORCE FOOD SECTOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................................ 47 FOOD BUSINESS INCUBATORS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 47 COTTAGE FOODS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................48 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ...............................................................................................................................................................................................48 SECTION 6: REDUCING WASTED FOOD ZERO WASTE DC WEBSITE ...........................................................................................................................................................................................50 FOOD WASTE DROP OFF PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................................................................... 51 COMMUNITY COMPOST COOPERATIVE NETWORK.......................................................................................................................................... 52 ORGANIC RECYCLING PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS .................................................................................................................................................. 53 GOALS AND PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 55 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................................................................. 57 ............................................................................... ..................................................................................................................58 2 APPENDICES LETTER FROM THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Dear Washingtonians: We all play a part in the District’s food system—as consumers, gardeners, makers, and business owners, and as such, I am pleased to share with you the inaugural DC Food System Assessment. This assessment reports on key indicators related to food security, federal and local nutrition programs, food retail, urban agriculture, and the local food economy. Our Food Policy Council under the guidance of the DC Office of Planning developed this report. This Assessment shows that our food system is strong, resilient, and rapidly growing. Washingtonians from all eight wards can find fresh, healthy food at 41 large full-service grocery stores, 73 active community gardens, 62 farmers markets, 134 school gardens, and through school and summer meal programs for our youth. These community assets contribute to our vibrant neighborhoods and improve residents’ quality of life. I look forward to continuing to partner with business and community leaders to ensure that all District residents have equal access to these amenities. The important work of my Administration to ensure that DC is a leader across U.S. cities for implementing progressive, innovative food policies is key to our success. We have made significant investments through the Neighborhood Prosperity Fund to open new grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8, and increased access to fresh produce for low-income residents through programs like Produce Plus and Joyful Markets. In addition, as Co-Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Food Policy Task Force, I have shared best practices and collaborated with mayors from across the country to drive innovation and make our voices heard on important federal policies that affect our residents, including continued investment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition, in January 2018 I joined leaders from cities around the world in signing on to the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact to commit to strengthening urban food systems globally. I offer my great thanks to our Food Policy Council, including Chair Spike Mendelsohn and Food Policy Director Ona Balkus, for their leadership and efforts to advance food policies and programs in Washington, DC. Since my formulation of the Food Policy Council in 2015, this body has convened community leaders, agency representatives, and residents from across the District to listen, learn, and ensure that our food system is serving all residents. The Food Policy Council will update the DC Food System Assessment annually to show our progress and identify future priorities. As you review the DC Food System Assessment, I ask each of you consider how you can help us continue to make our food system more equitable, healthy, and sustainable. Sincerely, Muriel Bowser Mayor 3 LETTER FROM THE DC FOOD POLICY DIRECTOR Fellow Washingtonians, It is my pleasure to present the inaugural DC Food System Assessment, an annual report required by the “Food Policy Council and Director Establishment Act of 2014.” This