A. Food Assessment/MFH
1. Schley provided a comprehensive update on the community food system
assessment, detailing upcoming initiatives such as tabling at the Hootenanny
event, the launch of an ambassador program, and the finalization of a consumer
survey. The discussion included feedback on additional surveys and the outreach
strategy, with a focus on avoiding overlap between different surveys targeting
consumers, retailers, and producers. The council members were encouraged to
contribute their expertise to enhance the outreach efforts, particularly in relation
to the ambassador cohort's influence on the strategy.
2. The conversation shifted to the survey strategy, emphasizing the inclusion of
diverse populations and producers in Boone County and surrounding areas.
Concerns were raised about adequately representing smaller communities, with
suggestions for focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of local needs. The
group aimed to identify weaknesses in the food system and potential policy
changes through the assessment. Insights from a call with food hub
representatives highlighted challenges in food distribution across the state,
underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
3. Schley presented a comprehensive strategy for distributing a consumer survey
targeting 2,000 respondents over a four-month period. The plan emphasizes
reaching underrepresented groups through diverse distribution methods,
including translations into multiple languages. Saunders highlighted the
importance of collaborating with retailers and considered the potential
involvement of food justice experts to enhance the project's insights.
Additionally, the city is partnering with the Columbia Center for Urban
Agriculture (CCUA) to apply for a grant supporting local gardening initiatives. The
Council unanimously approved the issuance of a letter of support for the grant
application, with Barnard making the motion and Meyer seconding it.
B. Other reports
1. Shikles provided updates on several key items. The city is currently
collaborating with the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) to apply for
the Childhood Obesity Prevention, Environmental Health,and Sustainability
Award, offered by the United States Conference of Mayors. If the application is
successful, the funds will be allocated to CCUA for three primary initiatives:
establishing a garden at Indian Hills, contributing to the ongoing Clary Shai
project, and supporting local outreach efforts during the upcoming election.
Saunders, Molitor, and Stokes recused themselves from the discussion. Jackson
moved to draft a letter of support for the Mayor's Council Award for Agreement.
Meyer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Johnson will sign the
letter.
