Bill Text: NJ AR214 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Encourages creation of local food policy councils.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-03-06 - Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading [AR214 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-AR214-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman PAMELA R. LAMPITT
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
SYNOPSIS
Encourages creation of local food policy councils
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution encouraging the creation of local food policy councils.
Whereas, Communities across the State face numerous food policy challenges such as hunger, nutrition, obesity, sustainability, access, and affordability, among other issues; and
Whereas, There are many established programs administered by both government agencies and private community organizations that work on different aspects of these myriad food policy issues; and
Whereas, The many different governmental agencies and community organizations often operate independently of one another on the various matters of food policy on which they focus; and
Whereas, A single local or regional organization dedicated to food policy issues could connect the various agencies and organizations working on these issues to foster greater collaboration, help these agencies and organizations maximize resources; and provide a unifying voice for improving local food systems; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper, and in the public interest, for this House to urge municipalities and counties to establish local or regional food policy councils that include private community organizations and other local governments with the goal of working together to develop and implement solutions to the many food policy challenges facing our communities; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The municipalities and counties of the State are urged to form and lead local food policy councils that include private community organizations and other local governments to work collaboratively on maximizing the use of available resources and developing and implementing food policy solutions.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Commissioner of Community Affairs, and the executive directors of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and the New Jersey Association of Counties.
STATEMENT
This resolution would encourage municipalities and counties to establish local or regional food policy councils. Food policy councils bring the various local actors engaged in food policy matters together to work on maximizing the use of available resources and on developing and implementing solutions to the myriad food challenges communities face such as hunger, nutrition, obesity, sustainability, access, and affordability.
Food policy councils established by municipalities and counties should include the various local governmental agencies and private community organizations engaged in food policy issues in order to ensure that a holistic perspective on food policy can be brought to bear on improving our food systems.
