The City-County Local Food Board has launched the 2023 Local Food Action Plan Annual Report which creates a fair and sustainable food system benefiting our economy, environment and all people.
“Food access is a basic need, and we must ensure that all residents have equitable access to healthy, affordable food regardless of where they live,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts.
The plan focuses on building resiliency, centering racial equity, strengthening networks and neighborhoods, enhancing local food investments and infrastructure, and sourcing locally for long-term sustainability and food security.
"The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is proud of the extensive new investments we made in 2023 to strengthen our local food system,” said Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady. “The new Franklin County Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Grant and the Mid-Ohio Farm at NBC4 demonstrate that Franklin County is committed, alongside our partners at the City of Columbus, to expanding food access, building a resilient local food economy, ensuring racial and health equity, and creating opportunities for those most in need."
“Addressing the food security gap requires collective action across all sectors - community organizations, local businesses, and local government,” said Columbus City Councilmember Shayla favor. “Columbus City Council is committed to working with Local Food Action Plan partners across the city and county to ensure all people have access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. In order to live happy and fulfilling lives, we must ensure all people, especially those from our most marginalized communities, have access to food.”
“Building a healthy, resilient, sustainable and equitable local food system that benefits our economy, our environment and all people remains a core commitment of Franklin County Economic Development & Planning. Franklin County’s innovative local food system investments in 2023 ensure greater access to resources for urban growers and new infrastructure to support food access throughout Franklin County,” said Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Director Ruchelle Pride.
To learn more about the 2023 Local Food Action Plan annual report, including a new interactive StoryMap with videos, photos and interviews from the community, visit:
2023 LFAP Annual Report - Executive Summary
2023 LFAP Annual Report - Community Updates
Interactive StoryMap