Title
To honor Local Matters during National Nutrition Month
Body
WHEREAS, Local Matters was founded in 2008 to address a gap in our food system that leaves many without access to nutritious food, and that does not support the health of people, communities, or the land; and,
WHEREAS, With a mission to create healthier communities through food access, education, and advocacy, Local Matters has created an impact that has rippled across our central Ohio region over the last 18 years by investing in comprehensive food education, equitable and sustainable access to food, and community-focused advocacy efforts; and,
WHEREAS, One in eight people face hunger in Ohio, and more so, one in five children in Ohio do not have consistent access to the food they need to fuel their minds and bodies; and,
WHEREAS, Everyone has a right to healthy and nutrient-dense foods, and with that motivation in mind, Local Matters creates actionable change through weekly Veggie Van markets, hands-on cooking classes, and meetings with community advocates to discuss hurdles in our food system; and,
WHEREAS, In 2015, Local Matters sought out funding to gather regional stakeholders at various levels to assess food-based community needs in Clintonville, Linden, Near East, Near South, Northland, Weinland Park, and West Sides; and,
WHEREAS, The organization’s continued investment in food-focused initiatives aims to uplift every age and stage of our community- from preschoolers to seniors - with actionable change; and,
WHEREAS, Combining public health, food preparation, community organizing, and food system logistics, Local Matters has reached well over 200,000 community members; and,
WHEREAS, Local Matters has established itself as a Columbus pillar through its endeavors to create healthier communities through its food access, food education, and food advocacy work; now, therefore:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does herby recognize and appreciate the work and impact of Local Matters during National Nutrition Month 2026.