ADOPTED - SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

                                                                                                                                                   Agenda Item No. 34

Introduced by the Human Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MICHIGAN GOOD FOOD CHARTER

RESOLUTION #10-309

WHEREAS, Michigan has the second most diverse agricultural production in the country and yet 59 percent of residents live in a place that has inadequate access to healthy and affordable food; and

WHEREAS, Michigan consumers’ interest in local foods is growing rapidly and yet mid-sized farms are disappearing at an alarming rate and many farms cannot support themselves without off-farm work; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of diet-related disease demands we address our system of growing, selling and consuming food; and

WHEREAS, Michigan’s $71 billion dollar agri-food economy creates unparalleled potential for economic development in the food system.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners supports in principle the vision of the Michigan Good Food Charter, including policy and practice changes in the following areas to advance a locally-integrated food system based on good food – food that is healthy, green, fair and affordable – as a means of achieving a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable state:

1. Expanded institutional purchasing of Michigan grown and produced foods.

2. Increased ability of farmers to profitably supply food to Michigan markets and

    pay fair wages to their workers.

3. Expanded generation of new agri-food businesses.

4. Increased access to good, Michigan food for residents.

5. Increased adherence of food in K-12 schools to Michigan Nutrition Standards.

6. Increased exposure to food and agriculture for Michigan youth through school

                curricula and through career development.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that individuals and organizations approving this resolution of support will be listed at www.michiganfood.org and this list will be presented to 2010 state and local candidates.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners is authorized to sign any documents consistent with this resolution and approved as to form by the County Attorney.

HUMAN SERVICES:  Yeas:  McGrain, Tennis, Nolan, Koenig, Vickers

Nays:  None          Absent:  Davis        Approved 9/20/10