Local, Healthy Food For All

Common Goals & Compromises A Shared Initiative Common Goals & Compromises

**Important Disclaimer** This presentation is ONLY for communities and individuals who have daily involvement with food systems!

Source: http://healthyfoodpolicyproject.org/crosswalk

What do these words mean to you? Wild Industrial Local Sustainable What do these words mean to you? Organic Fair Regenerative Conventional

Why is this conversation important?

Campaign to promote local food Funding guide for local growers Report Recommendations: Campaign to promote local food Funding guide for local growers Food regional food processing analysis and strategy Local grower training

What’s Happening in the Arrowhead What’s Happening in the Arrowhead? General Community 33% of participants reported that they are not able to afford healthy food options AEOA Senior Clients 37% of participants reported they were not able to afford enough food to eat 37% of participants reported they were not able to afford the food they wanted to eat December 2018 Community Needs Assessment

What does an equitable, local food system look like?

What work has been done?

Who is working on this?

Future of Arrowhead Grown Directory of Local Food Collaboration in Region Increased Farmer Support More Consumer Awareness Signs for Grocery Stores/Corner Stores Selling Local Food …and more!

Healthcare – Churches – Library - College Little Free Pantries Healthcare – Churches – Library - College

Essentia Health’s Role Focus on Social Determinants of Health Strong local food systems improve health “Today a person’s zip code is a stronger determinant of health than their genetic code.” - Karen DeSalco, Assistant Secretary for Health

Mission: The Northland Food Network supports regional food production, access, and education to improve the health and resiliency of the Northland’s people, economy, and environment. GOAL: PRODUCE AND CONSUME 25% LOCAL FOOD BY 2025 Action steps Improve Access to Capital Create a regional Vision Encourage More producers Increase Farm-To-School Impact Legislation Grown out of the Minnesota Food Charter. For more info, contact Betsy Johnson john3064@umn.edu Brian Bluhm bluhmb@stlouiscountymn.gov

Who in your network is interested in: Physical Health Economic Development Environmental Health Community Spaces/Community Building Agricultural Education

Source: http://healthyfoodpolicyproject.org/crosswalk

What areas can you support? Buy Local Farmers Markets CSA Local cooperative Grow Local Community Gardens Gardening Resources Sell Local It’s easier than you think! …and encourage institutions to purchase local food (and support those that do!) Schools Hospitals Restaurants + provide education to your community around buying, growing, preparing, and selling local food.

THANK YOU Kelsey Gantzer, Rutabaga Project Manager Kelsey.Gantzer@aeoa.org 218-404-8466 FIND US ON FACEBOOK: The Rutabaga Project