Springfield Local Food Task Force

A Springfield Local Food Task Force is being formed to identify strategies to increase access to healthy foods by strengthening and building a local food system.  A local food system has been defined as the chain of activities connecting food production, processing, distribution, access, consumption, and waste management, as well as all the associated supporting and regulatory institutions and activities. Food issues significantly affect public health, local economic development, land conservation, and quality of life, which can all be improved by supporting locally-based food systems.

The Importance of Local Food Systems

Health: Availability of fresh, local, nutritious foods leads to healthier citizens.  The obesity rate in America is now over 60%, although minorities and the poor are overly represented in this group.  Healthy foods can reduce heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes, contributing greatly to quality of life issues.

Economy:  Buying directly from farmers keeps food monies in the local economy for a longer period of time, which can have a significant impact on local economies.  The multiplier effect holds that money spent in the local economy will circulate up to eight times.  Nearly all of the $48 billion spent on food in Illinois is imported, despite Illinois' status as a leading agricultural commodities producer.

Environment: Locally produced food is less dependent on fossil fuels, both in production and transportation.  Today's highly mechanized food system requires roughly eight calories of energy to produce one food calorie, as the average food item travels 1500 miles from farm to plate.  The Dead Zone in Mexico, the draining of aquifers, and frequent flooding in farming areas lends credibility to concerns of water and land use in current farming methods.

Quality of Life: Locally produced food tastes better, is healthier, and allows urban residents to establish and maintain a direct relationship with the farmer who grows their food.  As urban residents gain increased access to fresh local foods, healthier eating habits can be established, leading to an overall healthier citizenry and support for a vibrant rural culture. 

Access: With the trend of chain grocery stores moving to suburban areas, many residents of urban areas are likely to live in "food deserts".  A food desert is an area where fresh produce is often unavailable, although unhealthy processed foods from convenience stores or restaurants are often readily available.  Increasing access to fresh healthy food leads to better overall health and a better quality of life for urban residents.

Springfield Local Food Task Force Members

The task force will consist of community members from diverse sectors that represent various aspects of the food system who will work together to assess the current food system and collaborate with other organizations to propose recommendations to the broader community.  The task force is being initiated by locally-based organizations working to promote local and sustainable food production practices and healthy eating.  These organizations include: Buy Fresh Buy Local Central, Food Not Lawns Springfield, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Slow Food Springfield.

The goals of the Task Force are:

1. Conduct an assessment of the current food system.

            • Identify barriers to a functional thriving local food system.

            • Take inventory of what infrastructure exists (e.g. local processing)

            • Examine the potential for urban agriculture

            • Survey local food production and retailing opportunities

            • Investigate access to locally produced foods

            • Conduct targeted community surveys

2. Initiate dialogue about local food systems with those with a vested interest in a

    local food system.

• Government agencies

• Churches, Schools, Food Pantries

• Hospitals

• Grassroots citizens groups

• City Planners

• Health and environmental organizations

3.  Write a comprehensive report providing recommendations to improve and strengthen a local food system, with an emphasis on these target areas: health and nutrition, local economy, education, environment, and community building. Issues to consider include:

            • Farm to School Program

            • Job Development

            • Local Food Procurement

            • Community Gardens

            • Tax Incentives

            • Zoning