Advocating for a hunger-free Marin
The Marin Food Policy Council, comprised of county staff, advocates from community based organizations, farmers and gardeners, as well as concerned community members, is the organization that grapples with the complexities of Marin County’s food system and makes policy recommendations to address disparities (scroll down for major accomplishments and publications). Currently, focus at the Marin Food Policy Council lies with improving access to grocery stores that sell healthy options, increasing enrollment in the CalFresh program, and strengthening the capacity for school and community gardens to grow food and engage stakeholders. All meetings are open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Attend a meeting
Meetings are always held on the third Tuesday of the month from 3:00-5:00pm, at the Health and Human Services building at 3240 Kerner Blvd, in San Rafael.
Visit the Marin Food Policy Council website for meeting agendas and minutes
More about the Marin Food Policy Council
Established in 1994, the Marin Food Policy Council was the second food policy council to convene in the nation to address food and farming policy. The Council reconvened in 2012 under the direction of Janet Brown, a local farmer, with the support and guidance of University of California Cooperative Extension, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, and the Marin Community Foundation. Today, the Council is a broad-based coalition of county agencies, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and interested residents who meet in a roundtable format to exchange information, explore issues, learn together, and make recommendations regarding local food systems planning, policy, and practical solutions.
Major accomplishments
In October 2015, the Marin Food Policy Council worked with the Marin County Board of Supervisors to pass a resolution declaring October 24th ‘Food Day,’ in an effort to raise awareness and gather support: ‘Food Day’ Resolution.
In October 2015, the Marin Food Policy Council released a preliminary report titled ‘Equitable Access to Healthy and Local Food in Marin County.’
Through 2014 and early 2015, the Council gathered information, heard expert testimony, convened three community food security tours, and engaged in focused discussion on the issue of equitable access.
In 2013, members of the Marin Food Policy Council identified equitable access to healthy and local food in marin City, the Canal Neighborhood in San Rafael, and West Marin as a top priority.
For a full history of major accomplishments pre-2012, visit the Marin Food Policy Council website
Links to reports and publications
Marin County Food System Assessment
Marin Countywide Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategic Framework