CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: May 17th, 2021 Action Required: Report Presenter: Tamara Wright, Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network Community Advocate Lead Richard Morris, Cultivate Charlottesville Farm & Foodroots Executive Director Jeanette Abi-Nader, Cultivate Charlottesville Advocacy & Systems Executive Director Staff Contacts: Kaki Dimock, Director, Department of Human Services Misty Graves, Deputy Director, Department of Human Services Title: Mid-Year Report on Year 3 Charlottesville Food Equity Initiative Background: The Charlottesville Food Equity Initiative (FEI) brings together public, private, and non-profit partners working in unique and complementary ways to build a healthy and just community food system for all Charlottesville residents. The Initiative is cultivating community driven processes, resident leadership, and city partnerships to improve access to and quality of nutritious and affordable foods, addressing food equity barriers. City Council adopted the Food Equity Initiative for the first time in 2018 beginning a course of systemic efforts to reshape community health, wealth, and belonging through our food system. Currently in Year 3 of the Food Equity Initiative, Cultivate Charlottesville’s Food Justice Network recommends the following overarching strategic values, funding priorities, and concrete goals for City Departments to deepen their capacity for food equity. • The Power to Grow: Advancing Affordable Housing and Urban Agriculture • The Right to Good Food: Advancing Equitable Transportation and Neighborhood Food Access • Inspire Youth Choice: Advancing Healthy School Food • Food Equity & Justice: Advancing Systemic Change & Collective Movements • Build Community Wealth: Advancing Neighborhood Food Access & Markets • Restore Earth, Climate & Environmental Justice: Advancing Environmental and Climate Justice The attached reports include:  Overview letter to Council  Report against objectives  COVID Report  Appendix I: FEI Policy Platform  Appendix II. FEI Policy Platform Engagement Summary  Appendix III: Text Messaging Service engagement  Appendix IV: Comprehensive Plan Food Equity Recommendations & Wins Discussion: While food insecurity remains a prevalent issue in our city (16% for Charlottesville; 9.8% for Virginia) views of a healthy and just food system are in sight. During the third year, the Food Equity Initiative as directed by the Charlottesville Food Justice Network provides the attached information that includes an overview of the Policy Platform Proposal. Advancing systemic change requires close partnerships with city departments. The six policy platform chapters were selected in partnership and with feedback from the ten City Department leaders, over 35 Food Justice Network members, and community members. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: The Food Equity Initiative supports City Council’s “Community of Mutual Respect” vision. It contributes to Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan: a healthy and safe city and Goal 1: an inclusive community of self-sufficient residents specifically objective 1.5 intentionally address issues of race and equity. Community Engagement: Overall, the City Council’s Food Equity Initiative has leveraged community engagement, collaboration, and collective problem solving to respond to COVID-19 and to advance food equity initiatives defined as community priorities. During this report period (November 2020 – April 2021), a collection of highlights that demonstrate their values of community engagement and communications are detailed in their Report against Objectives, Appendix II and III. The methods of the Food Equity Initiative intentionally incorporate and amplify community voice and leadership. Most notable are the recent participation in the City’s Comprehensive planning process and the Climate Action Plans. Additionally, Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network developed, in partnership with community feedback, a food security text line that launched in January 2021. Most recently, on April 29, 2021 they hosted “A Seat at the Table” to review the Food Equity Policy Platform which included engagements from 85 people. Budgetary Impact: This report has no budgetary impact. The next phase of the Policy Platform Proposal will include an assessment of budgetary impacts to be included in the year-end report. If Council wishes to continue support, Charlottesville Food Equity Initiative would need to be added to the City’s FY 2023 Proposed Budget for discussion and consideration through the regular budget process for potential inclusion in the final FY 2023 Adopted Budget. Recommendation: Staff recommends continued support of the Policy Platform recommendations. Alternatives: N/A Attachments:  Overview letter to Council  Report against objectives  COVID Report  Appendix I: FEI Policy Platform  Appendix II. FEI Policy Platform Engagement Summary  Appendix III: Text Messaging Service engagement  Appendix IV: Comprehensive Plan Food Equity Recommendations & Wins DATE May 17, 2021 TO Charlottesville City Council FROM Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network SUBJECT Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year FY21 Report Dear City Councilors, Thank you for your partnership with implementing fiscal year 2020-2021 of the Food Equity Initiative (FEI), first th passed by City Council on October 18 , 2018. Enclosed is our mid-year report against objectives for November 2020—April 2021. The report is organized by the objectives outlined in the Food Equity Initiative proposal. Additional elements include progress of our emergency response to COVID-19, launch of the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform and integration of food equity language in the City Comprehensive Plan. Over the past six months we have worked to balance the continued need for emergency COVID-19 responses as well as pivot back to our core work of building a food equity foundation in our city, nonprofit, and community partnerships. The support of the Food Equity Initiative’s city partnerships and matching funding has allowed us to continue this focus on advancing food equity despite the disruptions to our work environment and the limited ability to gather as a community. Following are highlights of the FEI accomplishments: 1) Launched the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform (spring 2021 version) requested by City Council to summarize the community feedback and recommendations to date. 2) Gathered 85 community members and partners for A Seat At The Table roundtable to deepen understanding of the FEI Policy Platform and gather community feedback. 3) Elevated the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform to City leadership including 7 City departments, the City Manager and Mayor Walker, Charlottesville City School Board, and City Council including youth and community advocates sharing their perspectives on their priorities. 4) Expanded emergency food security supports and improved accessibility and ability to navigate resources via Food Security Text initiative. 5) Food Equity language and strategies incorporated across six Comprehensive Plan Chapters. 6) Continued network-wide racial equity capacity building with an Uprooting Racism workshop for 31 organizations and 143 participants, hosting two Racial Equity Accountability Circles for 12 organizations, and advancing Cultivate's anti-racism work with development of a 2-year action plan. 7) Selected for and participating in HEAL Food Alliance's School of Political Leadership 2021 Cohort to develop and advance Land Is Liberation urban agriculture campaign. Overall, the period for the City Council’s Food Equity Initiative has leveraged community engagement and collaboration to respond to COVID-19 and to advance community food equity recommendations. We are grateful for the partnership and investment by council. A brief description of our goals for the remainder of FY21 can be found at the end of the report. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tamara Wright Gabby Levet Daisy Mosqueda FJN Community Advocate Lead FJN Policy Associate FJN Messaging Intern tamara@cultivatecharlottesville.org gabby@cultivatecharlottesville.org daisy@cultivatecharlottesville.org Aleen Carey Richard Morris Jeanette Abi-Nader Cultivate Charlottesville Outreach & Cultivate Charlottesville Executive Cultivate Charlottesville Executive Resource Program Director Director Director aleen@cultivatecharlottesville.org richard@cultivatecharlottesville.org jeanette@cultivatecharlottesville.org Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 Charlottesville Food Equity Initiative Final Report Against Objectives November 2020 – April 2021 Purpose The Charlottesville Food Equity Initiative (FEI) brings together public, private, and non-profit partners working in unique and complementary ways to build a healthy and just community food system for all Charlottesville residents. The Initiative is cultivating community driven processes, resident leadership, and city partnerships to improve access to and quality of nutritious and affordable foods, addressing food equity barriers. The 2020-2021 Food Equity Initiative work is designed to support implementation of citywide strategies outlined in the FY21 proposal that align with goals established in the MAPP2Health Community Action Plan, the Local Food, Local Places Action Plan, and the specific City Departments food equity action plans. Additional focus areas this year include a) continuation and adaptation of emergency food responses due to COVID-19 and rising food insecurity, b) launch of the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform that summarizes the recommendations emerging from city department and community engagement conversations over the past two years, and c) efforts to integrate community food equity priorities into the City Comprehensive Plan update. The following information includes three sections: a report against our FY21 goals and initiatives to date, a COVID-19 update report on goals and initiatives, and plans for the remainder of the FY21 year. Activities and Progress towards Food Equity Initiative Objectives & Outcomes November 2020 – April 2021 A. Compile and disseminate research including an analysis of food system assessments that identifies gaps and opportunities for investment, current food access efforts, and communication strategies to engage stakeholders including community members, business owners, and elected officials. Food System Assessment ● COVID-19 Wrap Around Services Program Evaluation: Collaboration with ✔ 2 key evaluations conducted to Dr. Sherica Jones-Lewis of University of Virginia Equity to conduct COVID- assess Emergency food security 19 Wrap Around Services Evaluation; Shared findings at TomTom panel responses efforts *Find Executive Summary and Full Report at this LINK ● COVID-19 Lessons Learned Review: Partnered with UVA Global Policy Center to conduct Lessons Learned assessment of equity practices across food security response organizations *Find the report on Cultivate Charlottesville’s Resource page HERE. Communication Strategies ✔ 6 presentations on food equity ● Outreach and Education: Maintained robust communications strategy to ✔ 10 press articles & 11 videos engage community members across the Charlottesville area in a deeper ✔ 156 social media posts for 2,461 understanding of food equity issues. followers ✔ 1 FJN Blast to 534 people & 6 *See Cultivate Charlottesville Press Page for list of press pieces at Cultivate newsletters to 2,647 https://cultivatecharlottesville.org/stories/press/ ✔ 147 Food Justice Network list 2 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 B. Establish mechanisms for community voice including both formal and informal meetings with oversight by community stakeholders and community members on programs and broader food access issues. Formal Mechanisms Virtual Whole Measures Bi-monthly Roundtables ✔ 3 Virtual CFJN Whole Measure ● Gathered 30+ organizational representatives to provide input and design community meetings for Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform. These meetings are ongoing and ✔ 35 organizations engaged open to city staff departments and the public. ✔ 8 CFJN Planning Team meetings ● Hosted 8 monthly and special event FJN planning team meetings. ✔ 30 Planning Team members City Comprehensive Plan ✔ 7 Comprehensive Planning ● To date, FJN’s collaboration with city departments has opened the door for meetings attended deeper contributions to the City Comprehensive Plan within the ✔ 24 comprehensive plan transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability chapters with 24 recommendations approved specific recommendations adopted. ✔ 5 youth interns and community ● CFJN members attended nearly all comprehensive plan meetings and advocates advocated for Healthy shared information publicly on how to engage. School Foods at Council/School ● CFJN also has been engaging with the City’s Strategic Planning process, Board meeting sharing information and gleaning feedback from 22 partner members. ✔ 3 organizational partners Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform advocated for food equity in City ● Organized Weeks of Action to advocate for investment in CCS Nutrition Strategic Planning process Department and Food Equity Initiative strategic priorities. ✔ 2 articles featured Weeks of ● Hosted A Seat At The Table community roundtable and Prep Sessions to Action advocacy deepen understanding of Food Equity Initiative Policy platform across ✔ 85 community members and community leaders, advocates and partners. organizational partners engaged ● Hosted 7 roundtable practice sessions for 12 community members to in A Seat At The Table Roundtable engage with the policy platform issue areas and prepare for sharing their ✔ 7 Prep Sessions hosted to prepare perspective. 12 community leaders ● Hosted 4 presentations to organizational partners and 8 city staff to share ✔ 4 presentations to organizational Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform priorities partners and 8 city staff Informal Mechanisms ● Sign On Community members are signing on to express support for the ✔ 71 residents sign on to platform Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform (as of 4/30) ● Community Events The only in person event during the past 6 months was ✔ 516 attendees engaged in Food the Urban Agriculture Collective end of year garden harvest meal. Virtual Access work and Advocacy community events are listed in the Thought Leadership section above. C. Plan for sustainability by pursuing additional funding for long-term investment at the city, agency and community member levels. Matching Funds ● Funding Partners In addition to general operating funds raised for 2020- ✔ $155,000 matching funds raised 2021, Cultivate Charlottesville has secured $155,000 in funds for FY21 to for FY21 match the City Council Food Equity Initiative contribution from the ✔ $25,000 COVID-19 support funds national USDA Community Food Projects ($125K) and the state Virginia ✔ 27 volunteers for meal prep and Foundation for Healthy Youth ($30K) grants. delivery ● COVID-19 Emergency Funds Funding for COVID-19 efforts has decreased over the past 6 months, although Cultivate has leveraged $25,000. ● COVID-19 In-Kind Support Partners have contributed $13,000 in support for providing meals to Charlottesville City School youth during 2021 winter and spring break, coordinated by the Food Justice Network. Diversified Multi-year Funding ● No new multi-year funding at this time 3 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 D. Contribute subject matter expertise to discussions on transportation, zoning, and other planning and policy development to ensure that the City, the University of Virginia, community organizations and citizens are aware of the impact of policy on food equity. City Comprehensive Plan ● Steering Committee: Two Cultivate staff sit on the Steering Committee of ✔ 3 FJN Planning Team members the City’s Comprehensive Plan where we work to integrate food equity working with UVA Sustainable language and priorities. Food System Coalition ● Conducted Comprehensive Plan food equity language analysis of food ✔ 25 recommendations to City equity language recommendations included and provided additional Comprehensive Plan to recommendations to incorporate food equity strategies. incorporate food equity language ● Community Input UACC hosted weekly community markets to distribute ✔ ‘Environment-Climate-Food food grown and engage in conversations on redevelopment, garden design Access’ Chapter included in 2021 and healthy communities, and the city comprehensive plan. IRC hosted Comprehensive Plan proposal target small group sessions with Comprehensive Planning team ✔ 6 Chapters included food equity consultants to glean immigrant perspective. IRC promoted participation in language the online surveys through its social media channels. ✔ 6 Vision Statements incorporated ● University of Virginia Sustainable Food System Coalition is developing a food equity language multi-year sustainability plan for the university and community. Six ✔ 3 Progress Measures included network partners are deeply engaged in the process, serving on food equity language subcommittees and engaging broader inclusion on goal definitions. ✔ 13 Strategies included food equity language ✔ 2 Key Goals included food equity language FEI Recommendation Implementation ● Food Equity Implementation: Equity & Inclusion indicators developed for ✔ 20 Equity & Inclusion Indicators advancing progress in the 5 FEI focus areas. Indicators are linked to city for 5 sectors and community partners implementation of action plans. Thus far, 24 of ✔ 24 of 32 City Department 32 city department recommendations were implemented. Recommendations Implemented ● City Department FEI Support: Hosted meeting with City departments to review the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform and glean feedback. D. Implement opportunities to highlight the City’s food equity work statewide & nationally. Statewide ● Provided Thought Leadership in conferences, panels, and presentations: ✔ 6 Focused presentations and Presented at six local, regional, state and national venues including VA trainings engaging a collective 385 Food Security Summit, VA Roadmap to End Hunger, UVA Health Systems, people at those presentations VA Equitable Food Oriented Development, Building Racial Equity in the Food System. Regional ● Regional Coalitions CFJN leaders are engaged with multiple regional ✔ CFJN Team engaged in 5 Regional coalitions including: Chesapeake Foodshed Network-Community Coalitions Ownership, Empowerment & Prosperity Action Team | Virginia Tech ✔ Profiled in Virginia Roadmap to Center for Community Food Systems & Transformation Steering End Hunger as model Hunger Committee | VA Farm to School Regional Planning Teams | VA Children’s Action Coalition Cabinet for Food Security | VA Food Access Innovation Steering Committee National ● National Coalition: Jeanette and Richard were selected as part of the ✔ Cultivate team selected for HEAL Wallace Center’s Food Justice Leaders program School of Political Leadership 2021 ● National Coalition Building: Cultivate team selected as part of HEAL School Cohort of Political Leadership 2021 Cohort to advance urban agriculture / Land Is Liberation campaign. 4 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 Food Equity Initiative: COVID-19 Response The Charlottesville Food Justice Network has been a centralizing stakeholder in the immediate food security response to the Covid-19 Pandemic in Charlottesville and surrounding areas. We have developed and continue to define a short-term emergency food security communications structure and short-term operational plan support among our 30+ networks organizations including non-profits, local government and others. The City of Charlottesville Human Services has worked closely with Charlottesville Food Justice Network to take a central role in developing a longer-term food security strategy for the Charlottesville community. While the extent and duration of the disruption that the pandemic has stretched on, Cultivate has begun to work with City and other institutional partners to pick up implementation of COVID-19 initiatives. Two evaluation reports conducted during the past six months has brought insight into best practices and lessons learned during this period. Activities and Progress towards COVID-19 Emergency Food Efforts November 2020 – April 2021 A. Developing COVID-19 Food Security Infrastructure: Build an emergency food security response infrastructure that enables the Charlottesville community to effectively respond to expanding food insecurity during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders. Internal Communication & Reporting ✔ 2 key evaluations conducted to ● COVID-19 Wrap Around Services Program Evaluation: Partnered with UVA assess Emergency food security Equity Center to conduct COVID-19 Wrap Around Services Evaluation; Shared responses efforts findings at TomTom panel ✔ 40+ Organizational partners ● COVID-19 Lessons Learned Review: Partnered with UVA Global Policy Center delivering & coordinating food to conduct Lessons Learned assessment of equity practices across food access services security response organizations ✔ 60+ Food Access Resources Mapped in City & County ✔ External Communication & Outreach ✔ 26 cycles of weekly food ● Ongoing coordination and communication of emergency food resources resource calendars in English & throughout the Charlottesville and surrounding areas Spanish ✔ 41 partners, 250 people supported with Community Food Resource materials ✔ 2,700 views on Community Food Resources Map ✔ 58 social media posts with COVID-19 food security information 5 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 External Communication & Outreach ✔ $8,700 procured for Text ● Launched automated Food Security Text Messaging Service in collaboration Messaging Service through UVA with the Department of Human Services to better align existing and new Office of Sustainability food insecure community members with access to resources in real time. ✔ 282 community members ● Organized group of Text Messaging Service partners and community enrolled in Food Security Text advocates to inform development and launch of Food Security Text Program Messaging Service. ✔ 19 zip codes, 9 localities ● Conducted robust community outreach to ensure community members included in Food Security Text know about the text messaging initiative. Program ● Hired an Equity and Environment intern to manage the Text Messaging ✔ 5 articles featuring Text Service. program ✔ 3 radio spots of Text program ✔ 1 City press release announcing Text program ✔ 3 feedback sessions hosted to garner input on program development and launch B. Building a Safety Net for COVID-19 Cases & Organizations: Develop and implement “failsafe” mechanisms within the COVID food security response that minimize disruptions in food access support for organizations facing volunteer/resource shortages. Indirect Support to Orgs Facing Resource Strain ✔ 200+ volunteer hours, ● Crowdsourcing in-kind volunteer support & resources: Coordinating transporting resources, pipeline to match organizational resource gaps with in-kind support (support translating materials, preparing ranges from restaurants donating meals, to volunteer drivers and PPE and coordinating meals donations). ✔ 70+ volunteers coordinating support for meals, wrap around services etc. ● Reimagining our programming to reduce youth hunger: Expanded the PB&J FUND Direct Food relief monthly grocery distribution for Charlottesville City School families to ✔ 3451families served provide food for the weekends. Bags include a minimum of four meal ✔ 2,706 bags delivered servings for a family of four. ✔ 10,824 meal servings provided ● Supporting the local economy by purchasing both shelf stable food and ✔ $15,000+ in local produce fresh produce from local supplies. distributed ● Keeping families safe at home by providing contactless home delivery and engaging 25 weekly volunteers to drive bags directly to families. ● Early launch (in April instead of June) of our Fresh Farmacy program and LOCAL FOOD HUB Direct relief drastic expansion, from plans for 2020 to serve 280 homes, every other ✔ 600 homes served weekly in our week, to serving around 600 homes every week for a total of around 15,000 Fresh Farmacy: Fruit and Veggie Fresh Farmacy deliveries during this period. Prescription Program including ● Hiring of Harvest Moon Catering and Yellow Cab for contactless home contactless delivery delivery, while keeping local workers employed at these businesses. ✔ $165,000 in local produce, eggs ● Supporting local farmers through consistent and high volume purchases of and value-added items fresh produce and other goods. distributed ● Recipes and produce cooking and storage tips provided with each share, in English and in Spanish. 6 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 CULTIVATE Direct food relief ✔ 9,500 school meals distributed ● Implementing Direct food relief support: Securing funding and mobilizing across five neighborhoods resources to fill direct gaps in Charlottesville City Schools meal deliveries ✔ $15,000 Procured for CCS during school breaks including winter and spring break. winter and spring breaks ● Procuring Funding & Economic Investment: Sourcing produce from local ✔ $15,000 invested in local farms and meal preparation from Black and Brown owned restaurants.. restaurants owned by Black and brown residents C. Building Infrastructure for COVID Positive Case Support: Designed, sourced, implemented, and scaled wrap around services for COVID positive residents to safely shelter in place, contain the spread, and recover. COVID Community Testing: Testing, COVID Care, and Impact • Partnering with the City of Charlottesville, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, ✔ 25+ community test events UVA Health, Blue Ridge Health District, Albemarle County, PHAR/CRHA and ✔ 215 families with COVID-19 others, to support community testing events with a focus on Black and positive community members Brown, low-wealth communities that may have inequitable access to supported with COVID Care healthcare and disproportionate COVID-19 burden. *Originally, COVID Care Wrap Around support Support / Wrap Around Services provided for COVID positive family members ✔ 900+ individuals supported and their families from Community Testing events. Expanded to include ✔ 4,400 prepared meals to support for all Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna and Nelson families with COVID-19 positive residents.* members COVID Care Support / Wrap Around Services: ✔ 12+ organizational partners • Transitioned COVID Care Support Program to Government Partners: involved Effectively transitioned operations and implementation of COVID Care ✔ 300+ food boxes distributed to program to Blue Ridge Health District response with support from City of families with COVID-19 positive Charlottesville and Albemarle County DHS and DSS, County Office of Equity members and Inclusion to transition program to government partners and to scale ✔ 75 produce bags distributed to across the City, County and Health District. families with COVID-19 positive • Expanded COVID Care Model to BRHD counties: COVID-19 Wrap Around members Services program expanded to reach residents in the Blue Ridge Health District counties - Greene, Fluvanna, and Nelson COVID-19 Wrap Around programs available as of April 2021. D. Equitably Governing Resources: Establish mechanisms for equitably governing food security resources that minimizes impacts of COVID exacerbated social and economic inequities. • 5 working principles developed ● Community Advocates: Supporting resident community advocates in and adhered to by Committee providing thought leadership and guidance to existing and emerging food and Initiative Leader access programs to ensure key communities needs are met and feedback is • 2021: 3,500 meals distributed incorporated into efforts. in 2021 with 100% going to ● Equitable Economic Investment: Collaborated with the Office of Economic Black & Latinx community and Development to provide additional oversight of business participation and 100% minority owned compensation with a focus on supporting Black and minority owned restaurant partners businesses. Provided bi-weekly equity assessment and recommendations to • 2021: $35,000 invested in 9 correct emerging racial inequities in program participation and Black and Minority Owned compensation. Restaurant Owners ● 2021: Reignited Steering Committee with Racial Equity Framework guiding • 6 Black & LatinX Community second iteration of Community Meals program; 100% of restaurant partners Outreach Liaisons Hired minority-owned Reimbursed for their time for ● Nationwide Best Practice Setting: Incorporated Equity Framework as $3,250 in stipends Nationwide Best Practice for World Central Kitchen hunger relief efforts 7 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 FY21 Core Priorities May 2021 – October 2021 Over the past six months we have worked to balance the continued need for emergency COVID-19 responses as well as pivot back to our core work of building a food equity foundation in our city, nonprofit, and community partnerships. It has been challenging. Our collective work bringing together Network partners, City partners, and broader community to engage in deepening capacity for racial equity practices, however, has been uplifting. Throughout, we have continued to prioritize the voices and choices of youth and community members affected by food insecurity as we moved from engaging in planning and goal setting in year one, to implementation and decision making this year. Since November 2020, we have begun to hand off a few of the emergency response initiatives to institutional partners that are well suited to continue the work in the future. We have also focused, at the request of Council, of pulling together the feedback, preferences and priorities of community and city representatives into the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform, launched in February 2021. For the remainder of FY21 we plan to dig deeply into core aspects of the Policy Platform, with the aim of updating and finalizing a set of key recommendations, creating work plans for implementation, and asking for budget commitments for implementation in the coming FY23 budget and beyond. Following are some of our core implementation strategies in the months ahead. 1. Community Leadership Cultivate will launch our second cohort of Community Advocates and our fourth Youth Food Justice Intern cohort to deepen our investment in grassroots community leadership. 2. City Comprehensive & Strategic Planning Processes Food Justice Network will continue to provide community building efforts to engage residents in the comprehensive and strategic planning process and provide critical recommendations for food equity inclusion. 3. Food Equity Policy Platform Public Education Efforts Food Justice Network will continue to host community events to build support for and understanding of the platform planks. We will solicit robust community feedback and modify recommendations as needed. 4. City Department Food Equity Plans Food Justice Network staff will begin to host our second set of one-on-one meetings with City staff to develop implementation plans and budgets for their food equity priorities as outlined in the enclosed Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform. 5. Food Equity Fund Cultivate Charlottesville is exploring the potential of launching a Food Equity Fund that could support the efforts defined in the Local Food Local Places plan and the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform. With mentorship from Communities Unlimited and the Equitable Food Oriented Development network, we are supporting our statewide Food Access Innovation efforts and exploring a local initiative. 6. Covid-19 Support Food Justice Network team will continue to provide support, assessment, coordination and leadership for the emergency food response to COVID-19 adapting to needs as they emerge, building capacity in partners to sustain long-term efforts, and prioritizing communities of color. 8 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 Charlottesville Food Justice Network Planning Team Jeanette Abi-Nader, Cultivate Charlottesville, Advocacy & Systems Executive Director Theresa Allan, International Rescue Committee, Manager Food and Agriculture Programs Laura Brown Local Food Hub, Director of Community & Policy Jane Colony-Mills, Loaves & Fishes, Executive Director Joe Kreiter, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Partner Services Coordinator & Network Development Gabby Levet, Cultivate Charlottesville, Food Justice Network Associate Alex London-Gross, PB&J Fund, Executive Director Richard Morris, Cultivate Charlottesville, Farm & Foodroots Executive Director Todd Niemeier, Charlottesville Office of Human Rights, Community Outreach & Investigation Specialist th Kristen Rabourdin, Market at 25 , Founding Leadership Team Michael Reilly, Virginia Foodshed Capital, Executive Director Rebecca Schmidt, Blue Ridge Health District, Population Health Manager Kristen Suokko Local Food Hub, Executive Director Tamara Wright, Cultivate Charlottesville, Food Justice Network Community Advocate Lead Barbara Yager, Community Member, Bread & Roses Charlottesville Food Justice Network A program of Cultivate Charlottesville www.cultivatecharlottesville.org | 434.260.3274 tamara@cultivatecharlottesville.org | jeanette@cultivatecharlottesville.org 9 Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 APPENDICES I. Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform - submitted to council in February 2021 II. Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform Engagement Summary III. Emergency Food Relief Text Messaging Service - Engagement & Communications IV. City of Charlottesville Comprehensive Plan – Food Equity Recommendations & Wins Food Justice Network – Food Equity Initiative Mid-Year Report, November 2020-April 2021 Board of Direc tors February 3, 2021 Wendy Baucom, Co-Chair Crystal Beasley, Co-Chair Kimberlee Daniels, Vice-Chair Dear City Councilors, Matt Darring, Treasurer Andrea Trimble, Secretary In November 2018, the Food Equity Initiative was passed through City Council building on Rachael Boston the cross-sector partnerships necessary to bring forward a healthy and just food system in Dan Fellows Charlottesville. With the goal to strengthen and embed food equity practices and programs Paul Freedman across City Departments and Charlottesville City Schools, five core inter-related action areas Margie Gilbert were identified and established based on years of community engagement and insight. The Mike Murphy Audrey Oliver Food Justice Network’s coalition of 30+ organizations has been working in collaboration with Daisa Pascall community members, City departments, and Charlottesville City Schools to further identify Sober Pierre the policy and funding steps necessary to bring our collective vision of a healthy and just Juandiego Wade food system to fruition. Staff Staff Jeanette Abi-Nader In November 2020, the Food Justice Network of Cultivate Charlottesville presented our Executive Director annual report to the City Council. This report included collaborative efforts towards building a healthy and just food system in Charlottesville through the intersection of initiatives in Urban Shantell Bingham Agriculture, Healthy School Foods, Affordable Housing, Transportation and Food Pathways, Food Justice Network Program Director and Accessible Food Markets. Aleen Carey Outreach & Resource Program Director During the presentation, Council asked the Food Justice Network to produce an overview document that summarized policy priorities and funding needs across these areas. The Megan Donovan enclosed Strategic Plan Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform is provided to fulfill that Organizational & Systems Program Director request. It includes policy strategies and preliminary budget recommendations in six areas: Shannon Gaffey • The Power to Grow: Advancing Affordable Housing and Urban Agriculture Youth Leadership & Garden Educator • The Right to Good Food: Advancing Equitable Transportation and Neighborhood Michael James Food Access UAC Operations • Inspire Youth Choice: Advancing Healthy School Food Jordan Johnson • Food Equity & Justice: Advancing Systemic Change & Collective Movements City Schoolyard Garden Program Director • Build Community Wealth: Advancing Neighborhood Food Access & Markets Gabby Levet • Restore Earth, Climate & Environmental Justice: Advancing Environmental and Food Justice Network Associate, Climate Justice Jenifer Minor We acknowledge the challenging economic climate faced by the City due to COVID-19. UAC Farm Manager These pressures are also affecting families and causing spikes in the food insecurity. We are Richard Morris poised to collaborate closely together with Council, the City Manager and City Departments Urban Agriculture Collective Program to make the priorities listed possible, in the present and moving forward in the future. Director Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to food equity priorities. Tamara Wright Community Food Justice Advocate, Lead With much appreciation, outh Engagement & Garden Coord. You th Engagem ent & Gar den Coor dinato rs Yolonda Adams Mackenzie Morgan Leon Rodrigo Nunez Shantell Bingham & the Food Justice Network team Sarah Wayne shantell@cultivatecharlottesville.org | 434-260-3274 PO Box 5282 Charlottesville, VA 22905 www.cultivatecharlottesville.org Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network April 2021 In recent years, the City of Charlottesville has doubled down on its efforts to forge avenues for race and class equity in the areas of housing, education, economic development, climate change, policing, transportation, health, and food. In the area of food and health, the City Council passed the Food Equity Initiative for the first time in 2018 beginning a course of systemic efforts to reshape community health, wealth, and belonging through our food system. As the coalition driving the Food Equity Initiative, Cultivate Charlottesville’s Food Justice Network of 30+ organizations has been working in collaboration with community members, City departments, and Charlottesville City Schools to further identify the policy and funding steps necessary to bring our collective vision of a healthy and just food system to fruition. The following Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform includes input from over 300 individuals and recommends the following overarching strategic values, funding priorities, and concrete goals for City Departments to deepen their capacity for food equity. Cultivate Charlottesville’s Food Justice Network will be working with City Departments and Charlottesville School System towards implementation of these priorities. Sign on to show your support for these recommendations and for the Food Equity Initiative’s goals for cultivating a healthy and just food system for ALL Charlottesville residents. Activate the Food Justice Network March-May 2021 Advocacy Toolkit for ways to activate advocacy. Cultivate Charlottesville: City Schoolyard Garden | Urban Agriculture Collective | Food Justice Network 1 Food Equity & Justice Advancing Systemic Change and Collective Movements Food equity and justice practices are foundational throughout this policy platform and reinforce food as a human right. Each recommended action emerged out of prioritizing community members voices and choices and aims to impact long-term systemic change. While some cities establish food policy councils to carry out Food Equity Initiative type work, Charlottesville has a unique and dynamic partnership with Cultivate Charlottesville’s Food Justice Network. Together we leveraged the power of public and private partnerships to rapidly respond to crisis in the face of the pandemic. Supporting collective movements that uplift community voice and leadership through partnership and collaboration with grassroots organizations, youth leaders and resident advocates has been a foundation of systemic change for our city. In order to build equity in the Charlottesville food system so that all community members have access to fresh, affordable, culturally relevant food—food equity and justice must be considered as a core strategy for community health and safety. Partnerships with grassroots organizations, youth leaders, and resident advocates is critical. Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ Continue support for Food Equity Initiative coordination through Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network and maintain the focus on an integrated approach through urban agriculture, healthy school foods, affordable housing, transportation and food pathways, and accessible food markets. [City Council] ➢ Dedicate a percentage of the city meal tax to create a Food Equity Fund that will strategically support infrastructural projects such as community owned grocery stores, transportation enhancements, etc. the Charlottesville food economy can help create a FoodE | Food Equity city. [City Council] Food Equity & Justice: Budgetary Recommendations ● Continued City Council funding for the Food Equity Initiative- $155,000/year ● Pass Meal Tax Initiative in FY23 to set aside a % annually for Food Equity Fund to fuel proposed and future activities - 1%/year set aside The Power to Grow Advancing Affordable Housing and Urban Agriculture The power to grow food for the health and nutritional wellbeing of one’s family is a power not equally distributed across the city. Black and brown, low-wealth neighborhoods carry the increased burden of choosing between good housing and land to grow sparking mind, body, and social health. Currently, key urban farms ushered forth by residents themselves as an effort to create fresh and free produce for their families and neighbors are designated to be destroyed and downsized for much needed affordable housing. At its height, these farms totaling an acre in the city’s urban center, produced 17,000 pounds of produce for 350 families in the Friendship Court, South First Street, 6th Street, Crescent Halls, Midway Manor, Riverside and Westhaven neighborhoods. In addition to produce distributed at weekly markets, these growing communities bolstered some of the most environmentally sustainable practices managing storm water runoff, building soil health, fostering natural pollinator habitats, and growing orchards while cleaning the air and capturing carbon. In pursuit of restoring the power to grow for every community, the Food Justice Network believes an equitable investment in urban agriculture is needed to counter impacts of necessary housing redevelopment on decreased food access and environmental health. When families have the power to grow, land is liberation. Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 2 Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ Hire an Urban Agriculture Director to review, clarify, and simplify the process of garden space rentals for community organizations, and low-wealth community members to grow food on city land, as well as coordinate efforts with private landowners who may donate land for community food security purposes. [Parks & Recreation] ➢ Commit funding to acquire and protect green space for community food security and environmental sustainability efforts focused on Black and brown low-wealth neighborhoods. Priority areas to dedicate for urban agriculture include Azalea Park and Washington Park. [Neighborhood Development Services and Parks & Recreation] ➢ Sustain investment in affordable housing development and commit to cultivating more affordable living by implementing policies and practices that include green space and urban agriculture space as integral to public, subsidized, and affordable housing community development. [City Council] ➢ Analyze the distribution of green space for recreation, urban agriculture, and climate mitigation across economic and racial boundaries in our city and create a plan to break down inequities that exist. [Neighborhood Development Services and Parks & Recreation] The Power to Grow: Budgetary Recommendations ● Staffing for Urban Agriculture Director within Parks and Recreation—$115,000 /year ● Support increase funding for land protection Parks and Recreation—$250,000/year ● Support funding affordable housing development (0%-60% AMI) The Right to Good Food Advancing Transportation and Food Pathways While Charlottesville is regarded as a foodie town nestled in the abundance of sustainable cultivated farms, the right to good food is not equally realized across our city. Prior to the pandemic, 1 in 6 residents faced challenges acquiring enough good and nutritious food for their families. Across the Blue Ridge Health District, health outcomes continue to draw stark lines by race. In our City, inequitable access to food can be traced back to neighborhoods, demonstrating that not every community was developed fairly in terms of transportation, grocery store access or affordable community markets, and economic opportunity. In addition, individuals reentering society face barriers with decreased access to programs like SNAP and WIC, as well as housing assistance, further exacerbating inequities we see today across race and class. In pursuit of the right to good food for every community member, the Food Justice Network believes measures should be taken to expand eligibility to programs, cultivate ownership of affordable markets, and develop stronger transportation avenues to food resources. Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ Commit funding to affordable housing redevelopment projects that support development of community owned market places centered around food, health, and childhood development. [City Council, City Manager’s Office] ➢ Develop funding avenues to provide free or subsidized travel rates to bus pass holders that qualify for SNAP or WIC and increase outreach to free travel passes for youth. [Charlottesville Area Transit, Department of Social Services] ➢ Work with local and state partners to advocate for available federal policy waivers to expand SNAP program eligibility. [Department of Social Services] ➢ Analyze and report SNAP application and eligibility determination outcomes by race. [Department of Social Services] Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 3 ➢ Work with community partners to develop and implement strategies to effectively market Department of Social Services benefit programs including SNAP (and encouraging its use in certain places), camp scholarships, and other activities through direct, consistent interactions with low-wealth communities in order to promote self- sufficiency. [Department of Social Services] ➢ Adapt/change transportation routes to be quick and efficient and include specific routes to affordable markets, schools, gardens, parks, grocery stores and areas that have been identified. [Charlottesville Area Transit] ➢ Maintain robust communication with community members and coordination across nonprofit providers regarding access to emergency food sources such as the newly launched Cultivate Text Messaging Service. [Department of Social Services] The Right to Good Food: Budgetary Recommendations ● No current budget ask while assessment is underway, but council should anticipate future ask in the following areas to support the recommendations above. o Charlottesville Area Transit (bus route changes and equitable fares) o Public Works (capital infrastructure development) o Neighborhood Development Services (bike and pedestrian pathways) o Financial incentives for internal urban ring groceries, cooperative markets and farmers markets Inspire Youth Choice Advancing Healthy School Food In Charlottesville, more than half of city school youth are eligible for free and reduced-price meals and 1 in 7 city school students experience childhood food insecurity. Low-wealth students and students of color experience food insecurity at heightened rates compared to their white peers. While school meal programs serve a central role in combating childhood hunger while supporting positive health and academic outcomes, students have indicated barriers to accessing school meals such as time to make it through the lunch line, unappealing food options, and smaller portions than needed. These issues are compounded by structural challenges within the school system to prepare and make available fresh, from scratch, culturally relevant foods such as limited kitchen infrastructure, inconsistent staff availability and high turnover, low wages for nutrition staff, and the diversity of the Charlottesville City School (CCS) student population and cultural food needs. In order to ensure food equity across the city and provide all students the fuel needed to be successful learners, healthy school food options and infrastructure, informed by youth leadership, must be understood in the context of equity building and elevated with continued momentum. School nutrition programs are not a business but a service to build equity and health among Charlottesville youth. Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ City of Charlottesville should prioritize fully funding Charlottesville City Schools with specific focus on short-term (3-5 year) investment in revamping the school meals program in concert with federal and state grants currently active. We anticipate this investment will be met with increased revenue in the CCS Nutrition department. [City Council] ➢ Charlottesville City Schools should support the Nutrition Department to hire an internal Farm to School Coordinator to increase capacity for implementation of food equity practices that will lead to healthier school meal options, robust student and partner engagement, and increased participation in meal programs*. [CCS] ➢ Charlottesville City Schools must continue to revamp school lunch line infrastructure and central kitchen cooking equipment to create more appetizing serving lines and support the implementation of increased from scratch cooking as well as proper storage of locally sourced produce and meat*. [CCS] Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 4 ➢ Charlottesville City Schools should develop strategies to resolve the annual student meal debt in ways that are financially sustainable, promote increased participation in CCS meal programs, decrease in-school hunger, and reduce stress for families with limited financial resources*. [CCS] ➢ Charlottesville City Schools should establish and practice a new local standard for healthy school meals that goes beyond the current USDA regulations, which CCS is meeting, and significantly increase fresh, from scratch locally sourced, and healthier meal options and by reducing overly processed and high in sugar foods for breakfast, lunch, and snack programs in the next five years* (Good Food Purchasing Program is an example). [CCS] ➢ Charlottesville City Schools should analyze and redesign the Nutrition Department staffing protocol to ensure that all CCS nutrition staff receive fair wages that increase staff consistency and training that provide staff with culinary skills to provide increased fresh, from scratch meals*. [CCS] *These goals are also included in the 2019 MAPP2Health Plan and 2020 Food Equity Initiative Report and embedded in the five- year Healthy School Foods plan currently partially funded by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation Shaping Futures grant (5 year) and the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth grant (3 year). Inspire Youth Choice: Budgetary Recommendations ● Fully fund Charlottesville City Schools and invest in the CCS Nutrition Department, specifically, with supplemental funding to support food equity practices. Currently, nonprofit partners are investing $155,000/year in the Healthy School Foods project. Consider matching these funds. Build Community Wealth Advancing Neighborhood Food Access and Markets The economic divide in Charlottesville falls starkly along racial lines with Black and brown low-wealth families making about a half ($28,309) of the median household income ($54,029). Nationally, in 2019 Charlottesville rated in the lowest 10% of United States cities in our ability for income and social mobility. The multiple challenges and stark inequalities make it challenging for families to increase their wealth. Investing in community wealth building opportunities provides multiple benefits across the city. In order to ignite and fund community wealth, it is critical to provide opportunities for people of color in low- wealth neighborhoods to access economic opportunities that have been limited by systemic racism. This includes expanding local food system businesses owned by people of color and providing youth and residents opportunities to thrive in food system-related position. Robust collaboration with City departments is necessary for implementation. Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ Continue to use funding opportunities and resources, such as the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development grants (through VDACS) and the Virginia Community Capital’s Fresh Food Loan fund to assist local business expansion and create opportunity for increased food access. [Office of Economic Development (OED), City Manager’s Office] ➢ Utilize existing programs, resources and incentives (Business Equity Fund, ACE Program, Minority Business Program) that support and enable local community food stores, particularly in low-wealth communities. [OED] ➢ Continue to actively support development of business plans and funding for affordable brick and mortar, as well as mobile markets that can serve public housing residents and other low-wealth neighbors. [OED] ➢ Utilize existing and new incentives (Workforce Development, CAYIP, CCS Intern Program, Cultivate Community Advocates & Food Justice Interns) to build a stairway for food system related employment. Work with Food Justice Network partners and local businesses to build a stairway for Charlottesville youth and residents to move from nonprofit programs to potential positions in landscaping, greenhouse, agriculture, culinary, etc. [OED] Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 5 Build Community Wealth: Budgetary Recommendations ● No current budget ask while assessment is underway, current ask for staff support to acquire funding. Future funding for these projects could come through the Food Equity Fund. Restore Earth & Climate Justice Advancing Environmental and Climate Justice While Charlottesville boasts a variety of parks and green spaces in and around the City that largely benefit University students and wealthy residents, environmental and climate injustices have been linked to the historical practice and remaining impacts of racist zoning policy. Higher temperatures and the heat island effect have been shown to disproportionately impact historically redlined areas, causing greater strain on residents of color and low-wealth residents, due to limited green space and permeable surfaces. The heat island effect threatens health for individuals with underlying health conditions and can impact ability to access food during the summer months. Meanwhile, low-wealth and public housing residents face the added financial burden of increasing utility bills from energy inefficient housing and rising temperatures, thus exacerbating issues of food insecurity. As housing, transportation, and environmental barriers threaten residents’ food security, investment in affordable housing paired with dedicated green space for urban agriculture, affordable markets and equitable transportation routes plays a central role in reconciling our climate crisis in coordination with building food equity. In order to provide residents of color and those with low-wealth the health benefits of access to green space and discontinue the harmful effects of redlining's heat island effect, strategic planning and accompanying investment must be made in affordable housing paired with dedicated green space for urban agriculture, affordable markets, and equitable transportation routes. Food Equity Initiative Recommendations ➢ Dedicate city staff (through the Urban Agriculture Director or an Environment & Climate Equity Manager) to support development of equitable Climate Action plans centering urban agriculture and food security strategies for community resilience. [Public Works] ➢ Public Works Climate Protection Office should incorporate food equity and urban agriculture in the draft Climate Action Plan as a vulnerability of the effects of climate change, so that the City can prioritize food access as a target and develop specific strategies to enhance and sustain our food system. [Public Works Climate Protection] ➢ Parks and Recreation should update public land policy to require a percentage of land be reserved by the city for urban agriculture and affordable food market vending for low-wealth communities. [Parks & Recreation] Restore Earth & Climate and Environmental Justice: Budgetary Recommendations ● No budgetary ask at this time, sole ask for staff support for acquiring funding. Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 6 Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform - Background Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_April 2021 Food Equity Initiative (FEI) Overview In November 2018, the Food Equity Initiative was passed through City Council building on the cross-sector partnerships necessary to bring forward a healthy and just food system in Charlottesville. With the goal to strengthen and embed food equity practices and programs across City Departments and Charlottesville City Schools, five core inter-related action areas were identified and established based on years of community engagement and insight. The Food Justice Network’s coalition of 30+ organizations has been working in collaboration with community members, City departments, and Charlottesville City Schools to further identify the policy and funding steps necessary to bring our collective vision of a healthy and just food system to fruition. FEI Policy Platform Overview In November 2020, the Food Justice Network of Cultivate Charlottesville presented our annual report to the City Council. This report included collaborative efforts towards building a healthy and just food system in Charlottesville through the intersection of initiatives in Urban Agriculture, Healthy School Foods, Affordable Housing, Transportation and Food Pathways, and Accessible Food Markets. During the presentation, Council asked the Food Justice Network to produce an overview document that summarized policy priorities and funding needs across these areas. The Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform was created to fulfill that request. Connection between FEI and Policy Platform The Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform puts forth food equity priorities informed by years of community engagement, including Local Food Local Places. The Platform areas connect to the Food Equity Initiative’s five core advocacy areas: Affordable Housing, Transportation, Neighborhood Food Access and Markets, Healthy School Foods and Urban Agriculture. The platform priorities are drawn from conversations and food equity action steps identified in the Food Equity Initiative’s Department Profiles. Applications of Policy Platform The policy platform includes specific policy and action recommendations that are to be implemented within city departments and Charlottesville City Schools in partnership with nonprofit partners, businesses and community members. The recommendations can be applied across various City and regional planning processes that connect to these intersecting issue areas such as the Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plan, and Climate Action Plan. The Food Equity Policy Platform is proposed by Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network Planning Team including: Richard Morris & Jeanette Abi-Nader, Cultivate Charlottesville, Executive Directors Theresa Allan, International Rescue Committee, Manager Food and Agriculture Programs Elizabeth Beasley, UVA Health System, Community Relations & Outreach Director Laura Brown & Kristen Suokko Local Food Hub, Director of Community & Policy and Executive Director Jane Colony-Mills, Loaves & Fishes, Executive Director Joe Kreiter, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Partner Services Coordinator-Child Nutrition & Network Development Tamara Wright & Gabby Levet, Cultivate, Food Justice Network Community Advocate Lead & Associate Alex London-Gross, PB&J Fund, Executive Director Todd Niemeier, Charlottesville Office of Human Rights, Community Outreach & Investigation Specialist Kristen Rabourdin, Market at 25th, Founding Leadership Team Michael Reilly, Virginia Foodshed Capital, Executive Director Rebecca Schmidt, Blue Ridge Health District, Population Health Manager Barbara Yager, Community Member, Bread & Roses For inquiries: tamara@cultivatecharlottesville.org | jeanette@cultivatecharlottesville.org |www.cultivatecharlottesville.org | 434.260.3274 Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network_Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform_April 2021 7 Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform Engagement and Communications Summary Background In November 2020, Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network presented our annual Food Equity Initiative report to City Council. This report included collaborative efforts towards building a healthy and just food system in Charlottesville through the intersection of initiatives in Urban Agriculture, Healthy School Foods, Affordable Housing, Transportation and Food Pathways, and Food Access and Markets. During the presentation, Council asked Food Justice Network (FJN) to produce an overview document that summarized policy priorities and funding needs across these areas. The Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform was developed as a result of Council’s request. Our network’s goal is to articulate a vision for a food equity city that is defined by values, policies, and practices that develop city and school district infrastructure for implementation. The food equity policy recommendations include context for the importance of each issue, specific recommended actions, and draft budget recommendations for staff positions, continued support of non-profit organizations, and funding for growing community based resources. Engagement Audiences As part of the Food Equity Initiative goals and action areas, the City Council, the School Board, and City Departments are the target decision-making audience. Specific City Department partnerships include the following: Parks & Recreation, Office Of Economic Development, Neighborhood Development Services, Department of Human Services, Charlottesville Area Transit, Department of Social Services, Public Works and Climate Action. Charlottesville City Schools, while not a department of the City, is also included. The engagement audience whose perspectives are amplified in these recommendations include community members and nonprofit partners. Specifically prioritized are: public and subsidized housing residents, individuals facing food insecurity and living with food apartheid, Charlottesville City School students, and Food Justice Network organizational partners, community advocates, and youth interns. Advocacy & Engagement Process While developing and building momentum for the Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform, the Food Justice Network advocated across multiple City planning processes to elevate core food equity action areas and platform priorities. Key planning processes highlighted below include the Strategic Planning during the Fall of 2020 and Budget planning during the Winter of 2021. Engagement in the Strategic planning process laid the groundwork for further engagement in the budget planning process. The initial Policy Platform launched early February and a revised version released at the end of March 2021. Two weeks of action were held between the end of January and early February to request budgetary investment in the Charlottesville City Schools’ Nutrition Department for Healthy School Foods priorities The Food Justice Network is currently seeking signatures of support and mobilizing an advocacy push for the updated Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform to share with the City Council for the upcoming mid-year report. Leading up to the end of year report to Council in November 2021, further Food Justice Network advocacy will focus on budgetary requests for the continuation of the Food Equity Initiative and commitment to urban agriculture space for the Land is Liberation campaign. *Additionally, the Food Justice Network conducted specific advocacy and engagement strategies to amplify core food equity action areas and platform priorities throughout the Comprehensive Plan and Climate Action Plan processes, across the past year.* Engagement with City of Charlottesville Strategic Planning: Between September and November 2020, the City held Strategic Plan Engagement sessions to gather community input and develop an updated City Strategic Plan. However, the process was halted before completion. During this process, FJN gathered 3 organizational representatives to advocate for food equity across FJN’s core action advocacy areas- especially urban agriculture, at the Strategic planning meetings (see below). ● City Council meeting to take notes and listen to Public Comment on Strategic Plan - September 21, 2020 - Maria Niechadowitz and Sara Santa Cruz supported ● Strategic Plan Work Session- September 29, 2020 - Jeanette Abi-Nader spoke at public comment ● City Council Meeting- October 5, 2020 - Sara Santa Cruz spoke at public comment ● Strategic Plan Budget/Work Session - November 20, 2020 - Richard Morris spoke at public comment Engagement with City of Charlottesville Budget Planning: Between January and February 2021, the FJN engaged with the City’s FY21-22 Budget Process. During January and February 2021, FJN released the initial Healthy School Foods Policy Platform priorities and an initial full policy platform, rallied three youth interns and two community advocates to speak at a City Council/School Board joint meeting which led two weeks of action. The weeks of action included a social media storm and email campaign to raise City leadership awareness to the priorities. Due to the momentum built, meetings were held with Charlottesville City School administration, City Councilors, and School Board members to respond to FJN’s priorities and budget requests. Ultimately, the School Board and Council denied requests for funding during this budget cycle due to budget shortfalls from COVID-19, among other factors. The meetings we attended include: ● Healthy School Foods Priorities Release & Week of Action #1 - January 26-28, 2021 ○ Youth Intern Public Comment Preparation - January 21, 2021 ○ Release Healthy School Foods Priorities - January 26, 2021 ○ Youth Intern Public Comment Preparation - January 26, 2021 ○ *Council/School Board Work Session Budget Discussions - January 28, 2021 - 5 Youth Interns and Community Advocates speak at public comment - Aina, Rosy, Tami, Jayleana, Hallie ○ Social media storm and email campaign ● FJN Policy Platform Release & Week of Action #2 - Feb 2-4, 2021 ○ Release Initial Policy Platform - February 3, 2021 ○ Meetings with CCS, Council & School Board leadership ○ City Council Budget Worksession - February 3, 2021 - Cancelled action for public comment ○ School Board Meeting (Review of Proposed Budget and Public Hearing) - February 4, 2021 ○ Social media storm and email campaign Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform Outreach and Engagement Strategy: From February 2021 onwards, FJN adjusted to the City’s response, continuing to push the strategic values, priorities, and actions set out in the Policy Platform. Mid-year and end of year reports to Council were decided as key focal points to advocate for necessary food equity strategies and investment. Meetings with City Department leads informed the platform next steps. In March, an updated Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform was released, 2 coupled with a sign on petition and advocacy toolkit to engage the community in expressing support and momentum leading up to the May mid-year report to Council. A Seat At the Table community roundtable was planned to deepen understanding of the platform and mobilize organizational partners and community members to activate action in support of the Policy Platform. Pre-Roundtable - March-April 2021 ● Meet with City Department Leads - March 9 ● Launch Updated FEI Policy Platform and Advocacy Toolkit for March-May - March 24 ● Announce FEI Policy Platform plans to FJN Large Group - March 24 ● Host Roundtable Pre-Meetings with Discussion Group Leaders - April 13, 14, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28 (7 total) ● Present FEI Policy Platform to partner organizations ○ Move2Health - April 14 ○ UVA Equity Center - April 22 ○ Piedmont Master Gardeners Equity Committee – April 22 ○ City Manager, Chip Boyles and City Mayor, Nikuyah Walker - April 27 ○ UVA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office – May 7 ● Prepare FJN Planning Team to present on platform - April 21 ● Host A Seat At the Table community roundtable - April 29, (85 people engaged total) ● Develop FEI Mid-Year Report - due May 3 Pre-Mid Year Report to Council - May 2021 ● Conduct outreach to present/share platform with organizations - May 3-7 | Move2Health Equity, Cultivate Board & Staff, FJN Planning Team, FJN Large group, UVA Sustainable Food Taskforce, UVA Equity Center, UVA Office for Sustainability, UVA Diversity and Inclusion Office, CNE, UVA Health Systems, Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition, CLIHC, PHAR, CRHA, PHA, ● Activate Advocacy Push (collecting signatures, building momentum) - May 3-17 ● Publish Healthy School Foods Op Ed ● Publish Food Equity Initiative Policy Platform (Food Equity & Justice) Charlottesville Tomorrow Article - ● Meet one on one with City Department Leads ● MidYear FEI Report to Council - May 17 ● Hold discussions with and train Community Advocates on platform - May Pre-November Report to Council- June-November 2021 ● Hold discussions with and train Community Advocates on platform - June ● Update and Implement Community Advocates feedback - July ● Publish article on Power To Grow Platform piece - June ● Publish article on Right To Good Food Platform piece - July ● Publish article on Build Community Wealth Platform piece - August ● Publish article on Restore Earth & Climate Justice Platform piece - September ● Advocate for specific budget requests - July, August, September ● Second round push for platform sign on! - September & October ● End of Year Report to Council –November Current Campaign Resources Past Campaign Resources Past Communications ● Policy Platform ● Talking Points ● Cville Weekly ● Advocacy Toolkit ● Funding ● NBC29 ● Visuals Recommendations 3 Cultivate Charlottesville Food Justice Network Food Security Text Message Program Engagement and Communications Summary Program Overview & Timeline A Food Security Response to reach individuals, families, households facing food insecurity during and beyond COVID-19. The goal of the Text Messaging Program is to provide informational resources about avenues to access food in and around Charlottesville, including shelf stable food, produce and prepared meals. Our aim is to reach households affected by COVID-19 and/or food insecurity, that have difficulty accessing the food resources made available via social media, email, or other communication streams. ● Spring/Summer 2020: Initial Program Establishment ● Summer/Fall 2020: Program Development ● Winter 2020-2021: Program Launch Engagement & Feedback Process Community Feedback Session #1: August 7, 2020 ● Presentation of initial program design ● Feedback session notes #1; received feedback Cultivate Team Demo & Feedback Session #2: December 9, 2020 ● Incorporated feedback and updated program design; demo to Cultivate team ● Feedback form #1; collected feedback ● Feedback session notes #2 Community Feedback Session #3: January 15, 2021 ● Presentation of revised program to original group of community partners from August ● Feedback session notes #3 ● Feedback form #2 ○ Ongoing opportunities for feedback: shared survey form during feedback session, via press release, at meetings with partners, on Cultivate website ● Feedback Incorporation: ○ Added day of week + zipcode to provide more specific information ○ Included resources close to each zip code, even if not in zip code ○ Provided list of multiple resources to be comprehensive ○ Included Google Voice number for users to seek support ● Future plans: ○ To develop Food Security Call Line ○ To add Government resources/programs - WIC, SNAP, CCS meals ○ To automate information update process ○ To add Whatsapp integration if possible Communications Strategy & Resources Media Talking Points ● WHAT: Text messaging service that provides information on available food pantries and other food resources in Charlottesville and in surrounding counties, including Albemarle, Augusta, Greene, Buckingham, Louisa, Fluvanna, and Nelson. ● HOW: Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to (844) 947-6518 and follow the prompts. ● WHY: The service was created as a Food Security response for folks affected by COVID-19 and in need of food. It was also created as a response to community feedback about confusion surrounding the changing of service hours and bus routes. This service will provide a direct communication avenue for residents navigating food access in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. ● WHO: Made possible by the help of community members, Cultivate Charlottesville’s Food Justice Network, and participating partners including the UVA Equity & Environment Fund, the City of Charlottesville Department of Human Services. Thanks to community partners: Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR), Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA), Gen to Gen, Legal Aid Justice Center, Westhaven Nursing Clinic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA, Sin Barreras, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Charlottesville City Schools, Piedmont Housing Alliance, Department Social Services, Department of Human Services, Albemarle County Office Equity & Inclusion, Blue Ridge Health District, and the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society. Flyers & Social Media Visuals ● Social Media Visuals & Flyers Design Folder ● End of Jan/early Feb 2021 - 470 flyers distributed ○ Shared program data report, tutorials, and flyers with text program partners ○ Shared with FJN partners and network via email, Twitter, FB, Instagram, website, newsletter ○ Partners Shared with: UVA Sustainable Food Coalition, Move2Health Equity, CHIP, UVA Health Systems ○ 470 Spanish/English flyers distributed via Local Food Hub’s Fresh Farmacy bags (Cultivate & Sentara printed the flyers) ● March 2021 - 1385 Flyers (with Screenshots) and Magnet Distribution ○ 200 Spanish/English flyers via Community Kitchen’s Community meals program to Southwood & Prospect Ave - mid-March ○ 500 Spanish/English flyers distributed via Charlottesville City School meals - March 26 ○ 250 Spanish/English flyers AND 250 magnets via CCS’ Response to Essential Needs event - March 27 ○ 200 Spanish/English flyers via PB&J Fund’s Bags - March 26 ○ 235 Spanish/English flyers via Local Food Hub’s Fresh Farmacy bags - March 30 ○ Bethel Food Box Distribution at Buford Middle - *200 magnets and flyers* ● April and May 2021 - ~Updating materials and distributing after program automation is complete!~ 2 ● Virtual/Media - Share on Cultivate social media and… ○ Update to partners and listservs with materials - Including Cultivate Board & Staff, FJN Planning Team, Community Food Resources Listserv, FJN large group, Move2Health Equity, CNE, UVA Sustainable Food Coalition, CHIP, UVA Health Systems | 101.3, 92.7, Waynesboro radio stations | NBC29 scrolling announcement ● Flyers & Magnets ○ CCS school meals & Robocall | Bethel Initiative | PB&J Bags | Local Food hub Fresh Farmacy | Southwood and Crescent Halls | Community Kitchen sites at Prospect Ave and Southwood | Loaves & Fishes | Haven ● BRHD County outreach ○ Fluvanna MACAA Food Pantry: Bertha Armstrong, barmstrong@macaa.org ○ Louisa Resource Council: Lloyd Runette, ed@louisaresource.org, ○ Feeding Greene: Rhonda Oliver, feedinggreeneinc@gmail.com ○ Nelson County Pantry: Marian Dixon, marian_dixon@msn.com, ○ Unity in Community (Nelson Co.) nelsonuic@gmail.com Press Release ● City Press release announcement ● Drafted press release TV Bulletin ● Featured on TV10’s Community Bulletin Board ● Submitted bulletin here Radio ● WINA Featured on a radio spot ● WNRN Community Connection Script | Recording ● Poder Latino FB Recording ● 101.3 Articles/Ads ● Daily Progress https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/photos-buck-mountain-food- pantry-and-cultivate-charlottesvilles-new-text-line/collection_ab7826d0-601a-11eb- 900a-87721234fa65.html#12 ● Augusta Free Press https://augustafreepress.com/cultivate-charlottesvilles-food- justice-network-launches-24-7-food-security-text-line/ News Stations ● NBC29 https://www.nbc29.com/2021/01/25/new-texting-hotline-connects-people-free- food-sources/#:~:text=The%20number%20is%20844%2D947%2D6518 ● CBS19 https://www.cbs19news.com/story/43222208/cultivate-charlottesville-launches- 247-food-security-text-line https://www.cbs19news.com/story/43220724/food-security-text-line-provides- information-based-on-zip-code 3 1 Food Equity Initiative This document summarizes the recommendations provided to the City Comprehensive Planning team to amplify food equity as a priority. It also indicates which recommendations have been accepted or not. Pages 1:4 outlines the changes recommended for the Guiding Principles and Vision Statements. Pages 5:8 outlines the changes recommended to the Plan Chapters. Pages 8:9 outlines the changes recommended for the Affordable Housing Plan. Pages 9:10 outlines the changes recommended for the Future Land Use Map. Pages 10:12 summarizes the updated food equity language and the source (as indicated by the Comprehensive Plan team). This figure highlights a summary of the 24 times food equity language is included. I. FJN Recommendations for 2020 Comp Plan Guiding Principles & Vision Statements 2020 Comp Plan Current Draft - Food equity language is 2021 FJN Recommendations -There are Guiding Principles not included in the Guiding Principles opportunities to add food equity language to thus far. the following Guiding Principles sections: 1) equity and opportunity 2) environmental stewardship & sustainability 3) connections & access. “All residents, regardless of race, age, Equity & Add: ...high-quality education and training, income, neighborhood, country of Opportunity “urban agriculture, healthy school meals, origin, religious affiliation, gender neighborhood food access, transportation expression, sexual orientation, and food pathways” and other infrastructure…. other personal characteristics should have equitable and + Food justice term expanded access to safe and affordable housing, good jobs and Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 2 wealth building opportunities, parks and natural resources, high-quality education and training, and other infrastructure, information, and services that support a high quality of life. The City will support development and initiatives that take into consideration the full range of needs of Charlottesville’s diverse community. “ “The City should continue to reduce Environmental Add: ...and improve are “soil” and water quality... its environmental impact and Stewardship & improve air and water quality, Sustainability Add:...energy efficiency efforts, urban as part of all efforts related to the agriculture and land stewardship, and high- built and natural environments. quality…. Charlottesville’s residents, institutions, and businesses should + Preserving air, water and soil also be empowered to reduce their quality environmental footprint and benefit from energy efficiency efforts and high-quality natural resources.” Connections & “Residents and visitors should be able to Add: ...opportunities, “healthy food sources” and Access travel safely, efficiently, and affordably amenities. throughout the city and region, with easy access to services, employment opportunities, and amenities. “ 2020 Comp Plan Current Draft -Food equity language is 2021 FJN Recommendations-There are Vision Statements included in the environment, health and additional opportunities to add food equity (pg 2) energy section of the Vision Statements language to the following Vision Statement but it is focused on urban agriculture sections 1-6 without a specific equity component Environment, Health Note: There is a difference between food and Energy YES: “The City will work to ensure food security (which can be achieved through security and access to healthy emergency food resources) and food justice or foods for all residents by supporting local food equity (which focuses on equity and Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 3 urban agriculture and creating a more changes in systems). just food system.” How will you make it a more secure food system and in what ways will you tackle food Included in justice? 2021 Climate, Environment Food The City will work to create a Chapter more just and healthy food system through access to healthy food for all residents, urban agriculture, transportation food pathways, and affordable food markets. Environment, health “The City will work to both mitigate and Add: all residents and “utilizing food & climate and energy prepare for the potential impacts of equity approaches”, OR (more specifically) climate change by increasing reliable access to and use of clean energy all residents and “building food system sources, updating its building standards, resilience and soil health” Included in improving environmental quality for all 2021 Climate, residents . “ + Add language about resilience, Environment Food soil health Chapter Land use, urban “Through the City’s land use and urban Add: transportation network,... “increase access form and historic design plans, policies, and regulations, to urban agriculture and shared green space, preservation including zoning, Charlottesville will strive promote infill development, and increase... to eliminate racial and economic inequities and segregation, increase the Consider these as well: supply and affordability of housing, Included in enhance neighborhood livability, + Access to affordable food markets 2021 Land Use, improve environmental quality, support + Environmental health in low wealth Urban Form, Historic communities an efficient transportation network, Preservation + Promote mental health and wellness Chapter promote infill development, and in low wealth communities increase commercial vitality.” Housing The City of Charlottesville will recognize Add: high quality,... accessible to resources the importance of housing for all (affordable food, green space, etc) and, above residents by implementing strategies to all, equitable achieve a housing market that is Not affordable, healthy, high quality, Included in 2021 Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 4 Housing Chapter and, above all, equitable. The City will identify and address injustice in the provision of housing options for all, regardless of personal or familial characteristics or circumstances. Transportation “The transportation network will be well- Add:...jobs, services, “affordable, healthy food integrated with land use to support options and green spaces,” and destinations access to jobs, services, and while reducing reliance... Included in destinations while reducing reliance on 2021 the automobile and single occupancy TransportationCha vehicle travel. “ pter Economic “The City of Charlottesville will be Add: ...actively participate “in community Prosperity & supportive of businesses, including small wealth building and” in regional economic Opportunity and minority-owned businesses as well development initiatives. as new business ventures, and will actively participate in regional economic development initiatives” Included in 2021 Economic Prosperity and Opportunity Chapter Community “The City of Charlottesville will ensure that Add in red: “The City of Charlottesville will Facilities & Services all residents have access to outstanding ensure that all residents have access to schools, recreational facilities and outstanding and healthy schools, recreational trails, civic facilities and public facilities and trails, urban agriculture, civic Included facilities and public buildings, public services, buildings, public services, and the ‘urban agriculture’ neighborhood food markets and the in 2021 Community infrastructure needed to support a full Facilities & Services infrastructure needed to support a full range of range of educational and economic educational and economic opportunities. “ opportunities. “ Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 5 Food Equity Initiative II. FJN Recommendations for 2017-18 Comprehensive Plan Chapter Drafts 2017-18 2017-2018 FJN Recommendation Implemented as: 2021 FJN Feedback / Edits Comprehensiv Recommendations Implemented? e Plan Draft Chapters Urban Add 1.10 Establish and YES: Added to 2017- “3.1: Evaluate This is great Environmental enforce a minimum 18 Urban recommended Sustainability standard for square Sustainability standards for open Yes and and Black footage of green space Chapter under New space and how those residents previously per person in low- Goal 3 "Resilient could be income census tracts Local Food System", displaced through that preserves (and in as Goal 3.1 in implemented to redevelopment some cases increases different support urban Included in 2021 space where standards terms/language agriculture Environment, are not met) space for production and food Climate, Food urban agriculture availability, especially Access production and garden to low income Chapter, Goal use throughout development. populations .” 5.1 *note: didn’t include Black residents, just says residents Urban Add 1.11 Promote and YES: Added to 2017- “3.2: Promote and -Lost the equity language Environmental protect green and urban 18 Urban protect green and -Should it be “protect Sustainability agriculture spaces in all Sustainability urban agriculture urban agricultural and 18 neighborhoods Chapter under New spaces distributed green spaces” (emphasize equity in Goal 3 "Resilient throughout the investment across all Local Food System", neighborhoods) in the as Goal 3.2 in city for the Yes and city for the sustainable different sustainable ...throughout the city, Included in 2021 production of locally terms/language production of locally especially in public and Environment, grown foods or grown foods or subsidized housing, for the Climate, Food community gardens, by community gardens; sustainable... Access participating in leverage resources Chapter, Goal programs or engaging with networks that with local partners.” 5.1 maintain these spaces. Urban Add 1.12 Streamline and YES: Added to 2017- “3.3: Define a process -Need to highlight equity; Environmental make clear the process 18 Urban to allow for expanded we have a community Sustainability by which neighborhoods Sustainability Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 6 may create shared Chapter under New community and garden process now but gardens. Goal 3 "Resilient shared it’s not accessible to Local Food System", everyone gardens.” as Goal 3.3 in Clarify the difference different Included in 2021 between plot rental terms/language Environment, gardens and shared Climate, Food community gardens (such Access as UAC) Chapter, Goal 5.1 Yes andDefine a process to make community and shared garden spaces more equitable and accessible to residents without private land Urban Add 2.16 Establish and YES: Added to 2017- “3.4: Promote -Add equity component Environmental enforce a minimum 18 Urban sustainable resource Sfasdf Sustainability standard for availability Sustainability strategies for urban and sustainable Chapter under New agriculture (e.g. Yes ande.g. soil management for water Goal 3 "Resilient nutrient inputs, health, water collection) resources which is Local Food System", efficient irrigation).” including during mindful of current and as Goal 3.4 in development and growing needs for different redevelopment projects, in Included in 2021 maintaining green terms/language low-income census tracts, Environment, spaces, including during and throughout the City. Climate, Food development and Access redevelopment projects, Chapter, Goal in low-income census tracts, and throughout 5.4 the City. Housing Add 7.5: Encourage the YES: Added to 2017- “9.5: Encourage the Yes and Make sure this is incorporation of food 18 Housing Chapter incorporation of food also added to Affordable access avenues (eg. as Goal 9.5 access avenues (e.g., Housing Plan affordable stores, affordable stores, agriculture space such agriculture space Can be shortened to: as greenhouses, school Included in 2021 such as greenhouses, Affordable housing plans and community Housing gardens, neighborhood school and will incorporate food Chapter, Goal 1, farmers markets) in all community, access consideration Strategy 1.10 housing developments neighborhood including accessible, to the maximum extent farmers markets) in all affordable, healthy and feasible in order to housing culturally appropriate increase self-sufficiency, developments to the food markets and ample improve environmental Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 7 sustainability, and to maximum extent space for residents to increase access to food. feasible both the grow their own food. increase self- sufficiency and as a way to be more sustainable and to increase access to food.” Housing Add food access to Goal YES: Added to 2017- “Goal 10: Ensure the Yes and Make sure this is 8: Ensure the City’s 18 Housing Chapter City’s housing also added to Affordable housing portfolio offers a as Goal 10 portfolio offers a wide Housing Plan wide range of choices range of choices that that are integrated and are integrated and balanced across the Included in 2021 balanced across the City, and which meet Housing multiple City goals City, and which meet Chapter, Goal 1 including: community multiple City goals sustainability, walkability, including: community bikeability, public transit sustainability, use, increased support walkability, bikeability, for families with children, public transit use, fewer pockets of poverty, access to local increased support for jobs, thriving local families with children, businesses, and poverty decreased student deconcentration, vehicle use.* access to food, access to local jobs, thriving local businesses, decreased student and resident vehicle use.*” Housing Add to 8.2: YES: Added to 2017- “10.2 : Link housing Yes and Make sure this is Link housing options, 18 Housing Chapter options, also added to Affordable transportation, food as Goal 10.2 transportation, food Housing Plan access (add here), and access, and employment Included in 2021 employment opportunities in City Housing land use decisions.* opportunities in City Chapter, Goal 1, land use decisions.*” Strategy 1.6 Transportation Add 6.11: Evaluate transit NO: Language not - Evaluate transit services to food access identified in services to food access Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 8 points including, Transportation points including, emergency food banks, Chapter emergency food banks, soup kitchens, nutritional soup kitchens, nutritional services, community services, community and Included in 2021 and school gardens, school gardens, farmers Transportation farmers markets, and markets, and grocery Chapter, Goal 5, grocery stores. stores. OR since the Strategy 5.7 specifics are listed in 6.12 Evaluate transit services to food access points and make recommendations to build food equity access. And Make sure this is also added to 2021 Transportation Chapter Transportation Add 6.12: Incorporate bus YES: Added to 2017- “5.12 Incorporate bus Yes and Make sure this is stops to the maximum 18 Transportation stops to the also added to 2021 extent possible to food Chapter under maximum extent Transportation Chapter access points including, Goal 5.12 possible to food emergency food banks, access points soup kitchens, nutritional Included in 2021 including, emergency services, community Transportation and school gardens, food banks, soup Chapter, Goal 5, farmers markets, and kitchens, nutritional Strategy 5.7 grocery stores. services, community and school gardens, farmers markets, and grocery stores” Food Equity Initiative III. FJN Recommendations & Implementation in 2021 Affordable Housing Plan 2021 Affordable Current Draft: The Affordable Housing 2021 FJN Recommendations: There are three Housing Plan Plan does not include food equity opportunities to add food equity language language Page 77 "Increase access to opportunity. - Land Add: 'healthy, affordable food options' use policies should create more housing in areas of opportunity such as near main transit lines, jobs, or in mixed-income neighborhoods, but Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 9 must also be designed to prevent displacement of low-income residents due to increased investment and rising housing costs." Page 77 "Increase housing supply to limit Add: 'healthy, affordable food options' market pressure on rents and home prices.-The City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County are expected to add 15,000 households by 2040. Housing prices are growing rapidly as demand exceeds supply. The region must build more housing to prevent pricing pressure, and to ensure that residents have equitable options to access schools, access jobs, and age in place." Page 81 "Racial Equity Zoning has historically Add: 'healthy, affordable food options' been a tool to create and enforce racial segregation, so zoning reform is essential to building racial equity into housing in Charlottesville. To successfully align with this guiding principle, the zoning changes must increase access to housing near major transit lines, and employment centers while limiting displacement pressures in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. (P 81)" Food Equity Initiative IV. FJN Recommendations & Implementation in 2021 Comp Plan Future Land Use Map 2021 Comp Current Draft: The Planning Objectives do 2021 FJN Recommendations: There are two Plan Future not include food equity language opportunities to add food equity language Land Use Map Planning Objective Increase density around community “neighborhood food access avenues and amenities such as shopping, employment markets” centers, and transit. Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 10 Planning Objective Explore the development potential of with a focus on urban agriculture and vacant or underutilized properties neighborhood food access avenues and markets MAPS Map of current urban agriculture and community garden spaces throughout the city Heat Index map to identify areas with lower tree cover investment leading to higher energy costs and negative health implications Food Equity Initiative V. FJN Food Equity Language Implemented in 2021 Comp Plan Chapters 2021 Comp Plan Chapter & Food Equity Language - highlighted sections were specifically recommended by the Section Food Justice Network with edits and adaptations by Cville Plans Together Environment, Climate, Food The City and the Charlottesville community will work to create a more just and Access healthy food system through access to healthy foods for all residents, urban - Vision Statement agriculture, transportation food pathways, and affordable food markets. Environment, Climate, Food The City, with the cooperation with the Charlottesville community, will both mitigate Access and prepare for the potential impacts of climate change by increasing reliable - Vision Statement access to and use of clean energy sources, improving building energy performance, pursuing resilience and adaptation strategies, and utilizing food & climate equity approaches. Environment, Climate, Food % community within walking distance (1/2 mile) to a grocery store or food market by Access Neighborhood Planning Area - Progress Measure Environment, Climate, Food Goal 5) Resilient and Equitable Local Food System: Increase resilience and Access equitability of the local food system and urban agriculture, including access to - Goals & Strategies healthy foods for all neighborhoods. Strategy 5.1 Evaluate recommended standards for open space and how those could be implemented to support urban agriculture production and food availability, especially to low-income populations and residents previously displaced through redevelopment. Sub-strategies: • Promote and protect green and urban agriculture spaces distributed throughout the city, especially in or near public and subsidized housing sites, for the sustainable production of locally grown foods or community gardens; leverage resources with Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 11 local partners. • Define a process to make community and shared garden spaces more equitable and accessible to residents without private land Source: 2018 draft Environment chapter; Food Justice Network Strategy 5.2 Investigate ways to incorporate food equity practices such as urban agriculture, edible landscaping, and water conservation into the Parks & Recreation Strategic Master Plan. Source: Food Justice Network Strategy 5.3 Strategically invest in preserving green space for food security purposes. Sub-strategy: • Utilize a community-based approach that leverages public and private partnerships as well as resident leadership in conducting an urban agriculture land availability assessment and prioritization. Source: Food Justice Network Strategy 5.4 Promote sustainable resource strategies for urban agriculture (e.g., soil health, nutrient inputs, water collection, efficient irrigation) including during development and redevelopment projects, in low-income census tracts, and throughout the City. Source: 2018 draft Environment chapter; Food Justice Network Strategy 5.5 Commit to dissolving food deserts through strategic support and collaboration of organizations, community members, health institutions, and city departments cultivating healthy food access through programs and supporting the creation of affordable markets within or within walking distance to low-income neighborhoods. Source: Food Justice Network Housing Goal 1: Diverse Housing Throughout the City: Support a wide range of housing - Goals & Strategies choices that are integrated and balanced across the city, and which meet multiple City goals including community sustainability, walkability, bikeability, ADA accessibility, public transit use, increased support for families with children, poverty deconcentration, access to food, access to local jobs, thriving local businesses, and decreased vehicle use. Strategy 1.6 Improve access for lower-income households and Americans with Disabilities, to adult learning and employment opportunities, job training, healthy food sources, and public amenities, such as parks and recreational facilities, shopping destinations, and libraries with the goals of reducing family isolation, deconcentrating poverty, and enhancing neighborhood and school health, and economic mobility Source: 2018 draft Housing chapter Strategy 1.10 Encourage the incorporation of food access avenues (e.g., affordable stores, agriculture space such as greenhouses, school and community, neighborhood farmers markets) in all housing developments to the maximum extent feasible both the increase self-sufficiency and as a way to be more sustainable and to increase access to food. Source: 2018 draft Housing chapter Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021 12 Transportation The transportation network will leverage connections across travel modes and be - Vision Statement well- integrated with land use to support access to jobs, services, schools, affordable and healthy food options, parks and green spaces, and other destinations while reducing reliance on the automobile and single occupancy vehicle travel. As this is achieved, provision of parking will be coordinated with urban form goals, while mitigating potential impacts to neighborhoods and respecting the needs of residents, businesses, employees, visitors, and others. Transportation % of commercial and employment centers, grocery stores/food access locations, - Progress Measure transit routes, schools, and parks with adequate pedestrian connectivity within 1⁄4 mile Transportation Strategy 5.3 Sub-strategy: Consider a new bus or micro mobility (e.g., shared - Strategies bicycles, scooters) pass to provide free or subsidized rates for low-income residents that qualify for SNAP or WIC. Source: 2018 draft Transportation chapter; Food Justice Network; Cville Plans Together Strategy 5.7 Evaluate transit services to food access points and consider incorporating bus stops near these locations, including emergency food banks, soup kitchens, nutritional services, community and school gardens, farmers markets, and grocery stores. Source: 2018 draft Transportation chapter Land Use, Urban Form, Historic Through the City’s plans, policies, and regulations, including zoning, Charlottesville Preservation will work to address inequities, increase the supply and affordability of housing, - Vision Statement support an efficient transportation network with a variety of options for travel, improve and protect the health of the natural environment, increase access to urban agriculture and shared green space, and increase commercial vitality at various scales throughout the city. Land Use, Urban Form, Historic % population within walking distance to transit, parks, schools, food access locations, Preservation employment centers - Progress Measure Land Use, Urban Form, Historic Strategy 1.1 Sub-strategy: Support development that fosters increased housing Preservation affordability; transit- oriented growth; the use of infill and reuse; walkability and - Strategies bikeability; access to parks, recreation and social interaction opportunities, schools, and other amenities and services; improved food access; and business opportunities. Economic Prosperity and The City’s land use and economic development programs will be supportive of Opportunity businesses, including existing small and minority-owned businesses as well as new - Vision Statement business ventures, and the City will actively participate in community wealth building and regional economic development initiatives. Community Facilities and The City of Charlottesville will ensure that all residents have access to outstanding Services schools, parks, recreational facilities, trails, urban agriculture, civic facilities and - Vision Statement public buildings, public services, and the infrastructure needed to support a full range of educational and economic opportunities. Food Equity Initiative Community Feedback_March 2021