Title
Food Security and Urban Agriculture Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing regarding food security and urban agriculture.
Report
Issue:
Whether to a briefing regarding food security and urban agriculture.
Staff Contact:
Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
Nora Carman-White, Thurston Conservation District, 360.999.3727
Tina Wagner, Thurston Conservation District, 360.764.6273
Mackenzie McCall, Thurston County Food Bank, 360.584.2402
Background and Analysis:
The 2023 Census data shows that in Washington population has increased while agricultural land has decreased. Food security and the costs of food were identified in the public engagement feedback as part of the Olympia Strong project as being a concern to Olympia residents. The diminishing access to locally grown food for a rising population is also a concern for the Thurston County Food Bank (TCFB) and Thurston Conservation District (TCD). Both the District and the Food Bank have been working on initiatives to support local agriculture and the distribution of food to low-income residents.
Climate Analysis:
The TCD provides farmer assistance with soil testing to reduce over application of fertilizer and guidance on a range of regenerative agriculture practices that can increase carbon sequestration while providing other benefits. Locally produced food requires less carbon-intensive transport.
Equity Analysis:
The work of the TCD and TCFB supports the health and wellness of marginalized community members by providing access to nutritious food.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Food security and the costs of food were identified in the public engagement feedback as part of the Olympia Strong project as being a concern to Olympia residents. Olympia residents who participated in recent surveys (2022 Parks Plan and 2023-24 Urban Farm Park Fe...
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