eNEWS
December 2009 > Planning committees prepare to meet for community food planning project
Florida Organic Growers (FOG) received a USDA Community Food Planning Grant in spring 2009 to support the process of identifying Gainesville's needs for a more sustainable food system. The overarching goal for the planning project is to ensure that future efforts increase food security for low-income Gainesville residents.
To tackle various aspects of the food system, four focused community food planning committees have been established based on careful consideration of outcomes from public meetings hosted by FOG March 23, Sept. 23 and Sept. 29; FOG Community Food Assessment Survey; Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission recommendations; and the Alachua County Hunger Abatement Plan. The committees will discuss the food system as it relates to gardening, farms, education and farm to institution. Policies limiting Gainesville residents' abilities to produce and consume local foods will also be addressed.
Planning committees will meet three or four times in December and January to create goals, objectives and a road map that begin guiding Gainesville toward a sustainable local food system. If you feel you can contribute to one of the below planning committee meetings, please contact us.
Thursday Dec 3, Farms to Institution
Planning Committee, 6-8pm
Alachua County Headquarters Library Meeting Room A, 401 East University Avenue
Monday Dec 7, Farms Planning Committee, 6-8pm
Alachua County Admin Bldg. Community Treasures Room, 12 SE First Street
Monday Dec 14, Gardens Planning Committee, 6-8pm
Alachua County Admin Bldg. Community Treasures Room, 12 SE First Street
Tuesday Dec 15, Education Planning Committee, 6-8pm
First Missionary Baptist Church, 1515 SE 15th Street
For more information about FOG's Community Food Planning Project call 352.377.6345, email fog@foginfo.org or visit www.foginfo.org/usdacommfood.