This week's readings explored the effects of policy on food. Clancy, et al claim that policy shapes food systems. The evidence for this provided by the reading include public health education affecting public understanding and participation, transportation systems affecting food access, and economic activity that may hinder or help food systems sustainability. Many of the readings discussed food policy networks as an answer to effectively and positively shaping food systems. Winne said that policy is too serious a matter to be left to special interest and advocacy groups, which I agree with. Policy making should be a collaborative effort that benefits all. Roberts felt that food policy councils were a way to address innovation and empowering the public to make changes to food policy. A food policy council is an excellent way to incorporate numerous stakeholders in the decision making process; which addresses the notion of including more than special interest groups as well as sparking innovation and empowering the public. The idea of collaboration leading to innovation and stakeholder empowerment has been cited numerous times in Dr. Butler's Collaborative Governance class.
Unfortunately, my understanding is that the current state of Tallahassee's local food system is rather lacking when it comes to social networks and policy that helps encourage food system sustainability and growth. I have been doing quite a bit of research on food policy in Tallahassee, and there do not seem to be many policies in place that help the local food system. The planning department is working on addressing the issue, but currently, it is quite difficult to sell (and therefore buy) locally grown produce. I think Tallahassee could benefit greatly from a food policy council. I believe this would also create a social capital that the local farmers feel is lacking in the city.
Great summaries on the article! However, I would counter your statement regarding the overall lack of social networks in Tallahassee. I may be a little bit biased, I have found that the Tallahassee Food Network and Sustainable Tallahassee (although there is tensions between them) have a substantial network of people moving and shaking in Tallahassee. Every month, the Tallahassee Food Network hosts Collards and Cornbread, a meeting that connects people to the local food movement. At these meetings, introductions are emphasized in order to increase the connections between members. These connections have the power to propel initiatives and ideas for change, like South Side iGrow. Although there is much more to be done in Tallahassee, a lot has happened as a result of collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI agree--I think we're lacking in regards to Tallahassee food's system. I think that if as a city we were able to organize a food policy council, it would do a lot to unite the multiple food movements that are rather disconnected at the moment. It would give our city more momentum to make a real difference in regars to food policies.
ReplyDelete