Washington, D.C. — In a new issue brief, the Center for American Progress examines the best practices communities can implement to create a sustainable and equitable food system. The brief includes case studies on how both urban and rural areas can provide greater access to healthy, affordable food for low-income residents in their communities.
The issue brief is being released in conjunction with a discussion on the intersection of our national food supply and climate resilience. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will deliver keynote remarks at 10:00 a.m. Click here to RSVP or to watch the live stream.
“Given the scope of food insecurity in households across the nation, particularly among low-income communities and communities of color, it is critical to implement the initiatives and policies necessary to create a more equitable and sustainable food system,” said Ashley Blackwell, CAP Emerson Fellow and author of the issue brief. “The case studies and policies outlined in this brief provide a guide for leaders across cities and states to work together to create a food system that works to meet their unique needs.”
Successful community initiatives highlighted in the brief include:
- Bringing fresh produce to corner stores in Washington, D.C.
- Providing financing to bring nonprofit grocery stores to underserved areas in Pennsylvania
- Giving free grocery co-op memberships to low-income shoppers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities in Olympia, Washington
- Making sure schools have access to locally sourced food in Vermont
- Establishing more socially, environmentally, and economically friendly food procurement policies in Los Angeles
- Making it easier to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits at neighborhood farmers markets in Minneapolis
- Allowing city residents to use land for agriculture in Boston
CAP also outlines funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels that will help increase communities’ access to healthy food. These funding streams, in conjunction with collaborative programs with local businesses and nonprofits, can bring about improvements to the national food system and help eliminate food deserts.
Read the full issue brief, “Best Practices for Creating a Sustainable and Equitable Food System in the United States” by Ashley Blackwell.
Related resources:
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Liz Bartolomeo at [email protected] or 202.481.8151.