Title
Consider a Referral Regarding an Olympia Food System Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider a referral regarding development of a local food system plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider a referral to develop a local food system plan for Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McKee, Assistant to City Council, 360.753.8443
Presenter(s):
Dani Madrone, Councilmember
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s food system faces vulnerabilities highlighted by recent crises and long-standing gaps in addressing food security goals. While the City has made incremental progress, such as urban agriculture code updates and soil mapping, efforts remain fragmented. A coordinated food system plan would align initiatives, assess community needs, and build resilience to ensure reliable access to fresh, healthy food for all community members.
Councilmember Madrone, with support from Councilmembers Gilman and Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh, request that the City Council engage in a Study Session to review available research and discuss the feasibility and potential scope of developing a comprehensive food system plan for Olympia. The research should consider:
• The heritage and cultural significance of food in Olympia and its role in community identity.
• Current data on food system trends, including production, consumption, and challenges with access to fresh and local foods.
• Organizations currently engaged in food system work and opportunities for partnership.
• Planning efforts by cities of similar size and resources, as well as scalable concepts from larger cities.
• Community engagement strategies, including outreach to local organizations, neighborhood associations, the Squaxin Island Tribe, and immigrant communities to ensure culturally relevant food access.
• Opportunities to educate residence on the importance of a resilient food system and how they can contribute.
• Potential use of public land for community food production and pollinator habitat.
• Policy updates that could be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan via amendment.
• Clear next steps, resource needs, and partnership opportunities to advance this work.
The referral notes that developing a food system plan will require time, robust community engagement, and coordination across multiple stakeholders; therefore, initiating this discussion now is in the City’s best interest to strengthen food security and resilience.
Climate Analysis:
Creating a food system plan would reduce emissions by shortening supply chains, promote sustainable practices like urban agriculture and soil health, and minimize food waste. These steps would lower Olympia’s carbon footprint and improve resilience to climate-related disruptions.
Equity Analysis:
Gaps in Olympia’s food system disproportionally affect low-income households and immigrant communities. During crises, these inequities deepen as assistance programs and supply chains falter, leaving vulnerable populations at higher risk of food insecurity. A coordinated plan would expand access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant foods for all residents, especially low-income and immigrant communities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community members have expressed strengthen neighborhood connections through community gardens, urban farms, and educational opportunities. A local food system plan would build local autonomy over food choices and deepen community resilience and cultural ties.
Financial Impact:
The financial impact is unknown as this time.
Options:
1. Approve the referral to staff.
2. Postpone the referral to staff.
3. Do not approve the referral to staff.
Attachments:
Referral
Comprehensive Plan Goal PL29.16