The
2022 Local Food Action Plan Annual Report was adopted and launched by the City-County Local Food Board on Friday, April 14, 2023.
The Local Food Action Plan creates a fair and sustainable food system benefiting our economy, environment and all people. “Racism is a public health crisis and inequalities in food access continue to be defining social determinants of health in our community,” said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts.
The plan focuses on putting down roots of resiliency, centering racial equity, strengthening our networks and neighborhoods, enhancing our local food investments and infrastructure, and sourcing locally for long-term sustainability and food security.
“We continue to be reminded that this work must be accomplished with a focus on racial and health equity and by building effective local food supply chain infrastructure,” said Commissioner John O’Grady, president of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “I’m grateful to our City-County Local Food Board, our partners at the City of Columbus, and the Franklin County Local Food Council for continuing to invest in this critically important work.”
Food security inequities are stark. “In Columbus, almost 60% of Black households are food insecure compared to less than 25% of white households. All too often, low-income and limited resource households are located in food deserts,” said Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor. “The Local Food Action Plan’s focus on racial and health equity ensures all residents, regardless of background, have access to fresh, affordable and healthy food in our neighborhoods.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food supply system stalled, disproportionately affecting Black & brown households. “Supporting and expanding our local food system not only benefits our local economy but also bolsters our ability to recover from global economic shocks, supply chain crises, and extreme weather events caused by climate change,” said James Schimmer, director of Franklin County Economic Development & Planning.
To learn more about the 2022 Local Food Action Plan Annual Report, including a new interactive StoryMap with videos, photos and interviews from the community, visit: