COMBATING HUNGER
Food policy council to coordinate county efforts
NORRISTOWN >> Montgomery County officials are looking at a new way to combat food insecurity by establishing a food policy council.
The initiative was approved by Montgomery County Commissioners during a meeting last week. Headed up by Food Policy Program Coordinator Sam Applefield, the newly established entity will work to consolidate the efforts of different agencies in the region.
Applefield stressed a multi-pronged approach to the food policy council that focuses on equity, sustainability, accessibility, and outreach.
“The council will … foster collaborative efforts to address food systems challenges among diverse stakeholders and inform investments to strengthen the local food system,” the resolution states in part, with an emphasis on “increasing coordination among county offices and community partners, improving communication among food systems stakeholders, and identifying collective goals and developing ways to achieve them.”
More than 1.2 million people experience hunger in Pennsylvania, according to Feeding America. Around 7 percent of Montgomery County residents were considered food insecure as of March 2023.
Food insecurity has been an increasing problem in the state’s third most populous county, with the COVID-19 pandemic spotlighting the importance of resources such as food pantries.
The MontCo Anti-Hunger Network, which has more than 60 food pantries and meal providers under its umbrella, has been serving area residents in need.
In 2022, 155,799 household visits and 64,967 individual visits were recorded to MontCo Anti-Hunger Network-partner agencies, according to figures from the Lansdale-based organization.
Figures from late spring and summer 2023 revealed 10,183 households and 30,565 visits reported in May. June displayed a small drop with 9,443 households and 26,314 individuals visiting pantries in June, but upticks were revealed in July and August, with 9,202 households and 27,031 individuals, and 9,784 households and 29,603 individual visits, respectively.
Additionally, there were 22,859 meals served in May 2023 through meal service providers. June, July and August had meal service participation hovering above 12,000 for each of the summer months.
The MontCo Anti-Hunger Network is more than 60 other businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations doing work surrounding food insecurity, Applefield said. Montgomery County also has programs through the planning commission, recovery office, as well as the commerce and health and human services departments.
Applefield stressed the importance of “bring(ing) key players to the table” to
brainstorm constructive ideas to bring about change. The council’s structure will include a 12-member leadership team, working group and general membership.
The leadership team will include five county seats, four at-large seats and three stakeholder seats, according to Applefield. The county contingent will include one spot for the commerce department as well as two seats each for health and human services and planning commission representatives.
Applefield added that there will be an “open application process” for remaining leadership roles. The stakeholder seats will incorporate agriculture, community members and food security.
Selections for the leadership team are expected in May with the first meeting scheduled for June, he said. Applefield said members should identify priorities and establish operating principles over the summer, with plans to hold a general membership meeting in October, establish a working group and spending plan from October to December.
Applefield spotlighted several potential projects during his March 21 presentation that encompassed “establish(ing) a farmers market network” that could consolidate the 14 farmers markets operating throughout Montgomery County.
“Develop(ing) an emergency food data coordination system” and “increas(ing) local food production” were other suggestions. Of the 600 farms situated in Montgomery County, Applefield noted that only 6 percent grow vegetables.
The resolution also stipulated that council findings would be sent to Montgomery County commissioners “on a regular basis with recommended actions the county and community partners can consider to further these goals.”
Each elected official endorsed the agency, and applauded Applefield for his efforts.
“I think … everyone in Montgomery County should have access to healthy, safe and affordable food choices, and I think this council will help collectively lend voices from the county as well as our external stakeholders to help inform the work that we do,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder.