At the heart of the movements for a more sustainable, local food system and for healthier food retail options in historically marginalized communities is the desire for greater equity: equity in a producer’s income potential, in a consumer’s choice, in a food worker’s treatment, and in access and affordability of food for all.

Substantial policy interest in locally produced foods and food access culminated in the 2008 Farm Bill through a series of innovative policy options advanced by members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, as well as the House Congressional Black, Hispanic, and Asian Caucuses. These policies are a steppingstone for broader policy dialogue about equity in farm and food policy, including federal food assistance programs, farm support policies and participation, economic development in under-invested rural and urban communities, and social justice in historically marginalized communities.

Federal “Food Access” Policies and Legislation

Overview

• “Local” Foods Initiatives summary of policies in the 2008 Farm Bill
• Updates on USDA Implementation

Policies and Legislation

• Community Food Projects - Legislation
• Food Desert Study (USDA) - October 9, 2008, Workshop Information | Support Letters | Appropriations
• Locally Produced Foods Priority in the USDA Rural Business and Industries Loan Guarantee Program
• Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program - Legislation
• WIC Farmers’ Market Promotion Program - Legislation

Bills

• Local Food and Farm Support Act H.R.2364 introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) | Summary (May 17, 2007)
• Food Outreach and Opportunity Development (FOOD) for a Healthy America Act S.1432 introduced by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) | Summary (May 17, 2007)

Congressional Events and Briefings

• Improving Healthy Food Access in Underserved Communities through the 2007 Farm Bill (December 6, 2007)
• How the 2007 Farm Bill Can Support Local Agriculture and Public Health (May 21, 2007)
• Leveraging Local Food Systems for Healthy Farms and Healthy Communities (June 13, 2006)

Innovative Regional and Local Initiatives

• Farm to School/Cafeteria
• Federal Financing for Healthy Food Retail - Public Health Law and Policy
• Food Distribution - Vermont Fresh Network | Appalachian Sustainable Development
• Healthy Corner Store Network
• Supermarket Financing - The Food Trust, Pennsylvania