Ag Land Availability – Health and our Food System

California Food System Alliance Network

Santa Clara County Food System Alliance

Miriam Volat

June 16th, Gilroy

California Food System Alliance Network

Vibrant Food and Agriculture

Systems

Yolo

Sonoma

San Mateo

Santa Clara

Fresno

Ventura

Santa Barbara

San Diego

California Food System Alliance Network

Vibrant Food and

Agriculture Systems

Producers: Small,

Medium, Large,

Urban and Rural

Business and

Economic Develop-

ment

Outlets: Wholesale

Retail Direct

Institutions

Processors/Distributors

Food System Workers

Environ-mentalists

Health

Access and Food Security

Multi-stakeholder Collaboration

Santa Clara Food System Alliance Vision

Santa Clara County has diverse and vibrant agriculture production on its urban and rural lands that are protected and well stewarded.

This Agriculture provides healthy/affordable food for all residents in Santa Clara County and beyond, including those who currently do not have financial or geographic access. Retail, direct--‐marketing and institutional venues all have locally grown produce and value--‐added products in abundance.

 Farming in rural and urban areas is a viable endeavor and urban and rural agriculture work together to support a robust, integrated food system and viable local economy.

 All residents participate and have a deep understanding of the local food system.

The local ecosystem health is not compromised by agriculture, but is supported by it, as is social justice in our community.

Santa Clara Food System Alliance Goals

Enhance Community

Engagement and

Education

Improve Access to a Healthy and Affordable

Food Supply

Strengthen Agricultural and Food

System Viability

Advance Environmental Stewardship

Making the Connection

Public Health Challenges

Biggest Causes of Death is Nutrition Related:

Heart Disease and Cancer

Obesity is Epidemic:

Food Related

Physical Activity Related

Nature Deficit Disorder:

Lack of engagement with the outdoors and nature

Healthy Community Outcomes

* Improved Public Health Outcomes

* Access to Healthful Food by all Neighborhoods and Residents

* Open Space and Access to Nature

* Healthy Food Culture

* Food Security

Making the Connection Deeper

Needs of Producers

Stable Prices

Diverse Markets

Affordable Land and Water and Loans

Consistent Labor

Predictable and Reasonable Regulations

Cooperation from the Community

Economic Validity – Recognition for contribution

Government Services

Where is Santa Clara County?

Food System Activities that Connect

County and City Policies

WIC and Cal-Fresh

Education/Ag Curriculum Diverse Markets

Direct Markets Consumer Support

Food Desert Solutions Farm to Institution

Regional Infrastructure Regulatory Coordination

Summary

Santa Clara Food System Alliance

Santa Clara Food System Alliance

aginnovations.org/alliances/santaclara/

Tim Griffen - Facilitator