HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05 Support Mendo Co Food Policy CouncilRESOLUTION NO. 2011-05
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH
TO RECOGNIZE AND SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
MENDOCINO COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, one in eight Americans sought food assistance at food banks last year,
representing an increase of 46% since 2006; and
WHEREAS, the number of U.S. seniors living alone who seek help from food pantries
and soup kitchens increased 81 % from 2006 to 2008; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, 18.5% of California's children age 0 to 17 lived in families that
struggled to put food on the table; and
WHEREAS, 38% of low-income Mendocino County residents were unable to afford
enough food in 2007; and
WHEREAS, food assistance organizations in Mendocino County are experiencing
unprecedented levels of demand for their services; and
WHEREAS, poverty and lack of access to nutritious food has been shown to result in
poor health among children as evidenced by high rates of nutrition-related diseases including
diabetes and obesity; and
WHEREAS, 63% of low-income Mendocino County adults reported being overweight or
obese in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Mendocino County farmers sell an average of $110 million of crops and
livestock while spending an average $128 million to raise them, creating an average loss of $18
million per year; and
WHEREAS, $65 million of farmers' expenses are going to sources outside the county for
farm inputs such as fertilizer and lime, petroleum products, and purchased seed, feed, and
livestock; and
WHEREAS, $210 million of the $233 million that Mendocino County consumers spend
on food each year goes to producers outside the county, resulting in a total potential wealth of
$293 million lost each year from the way food is produced and purchased; and
WHEREAS, research demonstrates that when healthy foods are affordable and
accessible people eat more of them, resulting in improved health and fewer chronic illnesses;
and
WHEREAS, Mendocino County has a rich history of growing its own food, a favorable
climate, arable land, and hardworking, knowledgeable farmers; and
WHEREAS, if every Mendocino resident buys just 15% of his or her food directly from
local farms, it will result in $20 million of new farm revenue each year; and
WHEREAS, promoting healthy local foods is a key strategy for economic recovery; and
WHEREAS, over 210 people attended four Local Healthy Food Summits in Mendocino
County in May 2010 and made commitments to grow and purchase more food locally;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ukiah
hereby recognizes and supports the establishment of an independent Mendocino County Food
Policy Council, which will advise the Council on food and farming matters at least once yearly.
The Food Policy Council's mission is to collaborate with institutions, businesses and the public
at large to create a sustainable local food system that reduces hunger, increases health and
expands economic vitality. The Food Policy Council will increase food security for all current and
future generations, especially the least served, by ensuring the availability and accessibility of a
wide variety of local, safe, sustainably-grown and nutritious foods.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February, 2011, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:Councilmembers Landis, Thomas, Crane, Baldwin and Mayor Rodin
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mari Rodin, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Anne M. Currie, City Clerk