We help ensure that all Virginians have access to healthy, affordable food grown right here in Virginia.
- To educate and communicate to the public, the food system stakeholders, and to key decision makers, a sustainable food system’s impact on health, economic development, natural resources, and social well-being.
- To examine how food is produced, distributed, and consumed throughout Virginia’s localities and regions in order to expedite connections and identify barriers to improvement.
- To make policy recommendations and implement strategies to improve the availability and accessibility of safe, nutrient-rich foods to Virginians in all areas.
Mission Statement
Working to advance a nutrient-rich and safe food system for Virginians at all income levels, with an emphasis on access to local food, successful linkages between food producers and consumers, and a healthy, viable future for Virginia’s farmers and farmland. Specifically included in our mission are the following:
- To address and strengthen Virginia’s food system in a comprehensive, system-wide and holistic manner. Bring together a wide variety of organizations and interests so the Council will be in a unique position to bridge policy with on-the-ground activities, and avoid initiatives that approach Virginia’s food system in a piecemeal or divisive manner. To examine and identify opportunities for improving the food system for all Virginians.
- To develop education, policy recommendations, and implementation strategies to improve the availability and accessibility of healthy, nutritious food for all Virginians.
- To partner with and build the capacity of agencies, organizations, individuals and communities to address local, regional, and state food and agriculture issues that relate to food availability and accessibility.
- To educate and communicate to the public and key decision makers the relationship of the food system to health, economic development, natural resources, and social well-being.
- To encourage and create stronger links between farmers and consumers through efficient processing, storage, distribution, marketing, and education systems.
- To assist and promote the development of local enterprises and business entities that support community-based food production and consumption.
- To be a communications channel for and with existing local and regional food work groups or councils.