Montco Commissioners Unanimously Approve Food Policy Council to Foster Equity, Sustainability

North Penn Now Staff•

(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)

The Montgomery County Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to create a Food Policy Council aimed at tackling food systems and insecurity issues in the County.

"Everyone in Montgomery County should have access to healthy, safe, and affordable food choices,” said Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Jamila H. Winder. "The Food Policy Council will foster a more equitable and sustainable food system in Montgomery County by increasing coordination among County offices and community partners, improving communication among food systems stakeholders, and identifying collective goals and developing ways to achieve them.”

"Food insecurity is an increasing problem in Montgomery County,” said Neil Makhija, county commissioner. "Given the wealth and resources in the County, we can do more to eliminate hunger from our communities. The Food Policy Council is an important step in that direction.”

"This Council will unite stakeholders from across Montgomery County, from our County employees to new and existing partners, to find solutions and ways to elevate food production, alleviate hunger, reduce food waste, and strengthen our local food economy,” said Commissioner Thomas DiBello.

The Council will bring together representatives from different County departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Planning Commission, and the Commerce Department, as well as many different partner organizations working in agriculture, public health, education, environmental sustainability, social justice, and community development.

The Council will consist of three parts: a Leadership Team, Working Groups, and General Membership.

Applications for the Leadership Team are now open and will close on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Participation in working groups and general membership will be made available for anyone interested later this summer.

"We want to encourage a wide and diverse range of people to apply and participate. That will allow us to look across the whole food system and determine where we can make the most impact,” says County Food Policy and Program Coordinator Sam Applefield.

Applications and more information about the Food Policy Council can be found at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/FoodPolicyCouncil.