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

Co-Chairs:

• Winnie Huston, DC Greens
• Bridgette Acklin, DC Department of Human Services

2022 Projects:

1. Convene and engage residents on the No Senior Hungry Omnibus Act of 2021.
2. Develop and recommend a comprehensive “School Meals for All” policy. (Joint project with the Nutrition & Health Working Group)
3. Create database and map of legacy food businesses in the District and identify strategies to support these businesses. (Joint project with Entrepreneurship & Food Jobs)
4. Convene independent grocers to understand how government can support them in expanding healthy food access.

Accomplishments:

Advocacy for the Nourish DC Collaborative: The FPC advocated for an initiative since 2019 that will support DC small food businesses and entrepreneurs expanding food access in communities where structural racism and disinvestment have led to low food access. Mayor Bowser announced the creation of Nourish DC in January 2021 and the program is now providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to local food businesses in underserved areas.

Advocacy for new, locally-owned grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8: Four new healthy food retail options are developing in Wards 7 and 8, the Wards most underserved by fresh food options. Three of these businesses are locally owned. Check out our 2-page map and description of these businesses.

Emergency Food Response: The FPC has played a critical role in supporting District residents facing food insecurity during several emergencies, including the COVID-19 public health emergency and the 2019 federal government shutdown.

Advocacy Guides: The FPC creates advocacy guides for District residents to testify on bills that expand access to federal nutrition programs, including the WIC Expansion Act of 2018 (passed) and Healthy Parks Act of 2018 (passed), which expands the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program to all eligible Department of Parks and Recreation facilities.

Community Meals: The FPC has co-hosted three community meals in Wards 7 and 8 focused on discussion and engagement with residents most affected by food policies in the District. These meals focused on food access, urban agriculture, and food entrepreneurs.

Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Award: In October 2019, the District was internationally recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact for its approach for food as medicine programs. The District received the Highest Score Award for its Produce Plus and Produce Prescription programs. Read more about that award here.