Building a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable District food system

DC Food Policy Council Members

The members of the DC Food Policy Council are leaders in the DC food system and bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise to the Council. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the DC Council. All of our meetings are open to the public; you do not have to be a member to participate in any FPC meetings or events. Email dcfoodpolicy@dc.gov to learn more.

Staff Bios

Ona Balkus, Food Policy Director, DC Office of Planning

Ona Balkus was appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser as the DC Food Policy Director in August 2018. In this role, Ona advises the Mayor, District agencies, and DC Council and leads the DC Food Policy Council (FPC), a group of 13 Mayoral-appointed leaders in the District’s food system and representatives from 10 District agencies. The FPC have successfully proposed policies and programs to the District, including the creation of the Nourish DC Collaborative, a fund that supports local food businesses in underserved parts of the District, and the creation of the DC Office of Urban Agriculture, which provides grants and support to urban farmers and community gardens. Ona’s team is the hub for DC food system research and data analysis, publishing influential reports on food insecurity, the local food economy, and the development of a centralized kitchen facility to serve public institutions in the District. Previously, Ona served as Legislative Counsel for the DC Council, where she drafted several significant pieces of food-related legislation, including the Women, Infants, and Children Program Expansion Act of 2018 and the Healthy Students Amendment Act of 2018. Ona holds a J.D. and Masters of Public Health from Harvard University. Ona was raised in the DC area and currently lives with her family in Ward 5.

Tariq Sheriff, Food Policy Analyst, DC Office of Planning

Tariq Sheriff is the Food Policy Analyst at the DC Office of Planning. He works to support the DC Food Policy Council and Food Policy Director with strategic analysis and food policy development to further the local food economy, sustainability, and food access and equity within the District. Tariq has focused his career on nutrition for underserved populations and has utilized his skills in strategic capacity building and program and operations management for many organizations. Prior to coming to DC Government, Tariq worked as the Kitchen Operations Manager at DC Central Kitchen where he managed the contract food operations and meal preparation for DC Public Schools, the Healthy Corners Program, Fresh Start Catering, and Shelter contracts. He holds a Masters in Public Health from George Washington University and was born and raised in the DMV where he currently lives.

Ashley Stephens, Engagement Coordinator, DC Office of Planning

Ashley Stephens joined the DC Office of Planning in 2008 as the Administrative Coordinator to the Neighborhood Planning Division and Food Policy Council. Prior to coming to OP in March 2008, she worked for the Department of Small and Local Business Development for over four years. She graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies in 2010. Ashley has worked on several projects at OP many of which are located in Wards 7 and 8. Some of the projects & events she has worked on while at OP include: Start it in 7; If You Lived Here (Barry Farms); and the Comprehensive Plan (engagement assistance). Ashley currently lives in Ward 8.