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11 <br /> <br />- Council members also represent the diversity of stakeholders/sectors in the food <br />system. Food Access/ security, Agriculture, Health, Economic Development, <br />Environmental stewardship/ justice, Planning, Public education, Wholesale/Retail <br />(grocers, restaurants), Waste management, Elected officials from municipalities, <br />UNC/area educational institutions, Faith-based, and Consumers (diverse including <br />across lifespan, ethnicity, etc.). <br />- Council members and the coordinator have participated in race-equity trainings. <br />- 2 community forums convened policy makers, area non-profits, public educators, and <br />community stakeholders <br />- Local Food Economy Workgroup / Food Access Workgroup <br />- Host at Carrboro Summer Streets on July 16th <br /> <br />2017-2018 Actions & Goals <br />- Mobilize workgroups (action plans in your packets) <br />- Develop an Action Plan (in your packets) <br />- Research and advocate <br />- Convene and coordinate <br />- Develop a racial-equity lens for the work that we do and how we do it <br /> <br />Accomplishments to Date <br />- Hosted 4 Community Forums <br />- Developed a baseline community food assessment <br />- Created action plans for council & workgroups <br />- Increased practitioner involvement in workgroups <br />- Developed strategic partnerships <br />- Help coordinate a statewide SNAP Campaign for the 2018 Farm Bill <br />- Local Food Economy Workgroup developed a 2018 policy agenda <br />- Presented to community groups <br />- 9 of 15 council members have attended at least 1 racial-equity training <br />- Working with Board of Health to research and propose healthy eating promotion policies <br />- Secured additional funding for community listening sessions and equity facilitation <br />- Convened regional Food Councils to seize opportunities with Durham and Wake <br />Counties <br /> <br />Ashley Heger said the primary challenge is the lack of staff. <br />Commissioner Ferguson said she is glad that the Council is looking to follow the <br />Partnership for Homelessness model. She said a concern is that the Food Council needs to <br />duplicate a structure that is already in place, leverage existing resources and structures. She <br />encouraged more coordination with Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG). <br />Ashley Heger said one desired outcome for tonight is to know with whom they can <br />connect. <br />Commissioner Weaver said she is the Town of Hillsborough’s representative to the <br />Food Council, and Commissioner Ferguson’s concern is one they all share. She said the <br />Council is here to convene all the great work being done in the food system, and to help close <br />the gaps. <br />Commissioner Ferguson said there are organizations that have much greater capacity <br />than the Food Council. <br />Alderman Chaney said the option of the position being a County position seems to make <br />sense, but this position is an advocacy role and asked if being a part of the County may present <br />any barriers.