Title
To recognize and congratulate the Ohio State University Extension -Franklin County office for Local Foods Week.
Body
WHEREAS, Ohio Local Foods Week is being celebrated throughout Ohio from August 7-13, 2016 in order to bring greater awareness of the nutritional, economic, and social benefits of local foods in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, healthy eating is vital to building a healthy regional food system in the City of Columbus and addressing obesity and related chronic illnesses can be enhanced through the greater consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other locally produced foods; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus and Franklin County are home to more than 250 community gardens, 25 farmers markets, 388 farms, 15 urban farms, and many food-related businesses as well as numerous community organizations that address issues related to food production, nutrition, and food with respect to business development for the residents of the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, farms in Franklin County and in the City of Columbus generate more than $48 million dollars in cash receipts each year, providing significant economic output in the county; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus supports a number of community initiatives which develop, expand, and strengthen a local food system that is accessible, resilient, environmentally compatible, and socially just, including the Local Food Action Plan co-sponsored by the City of Columbus which is currently underway; and
WHEREAS, consumers and farmers benefit from an expanded local food system which includes the direct sales of food products from farmers to consumers, the development of value-added food products by local businesses in Franklin County, and institutional purchases of locally produced foods directly from farmers, like the Ohio Farm to School Program; and
WHEREAS, consumers can make a substantial positive impact on regional, local, and state economies by purchasing food from local farms and producers, and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus encourages citizens to commit to the $10 Local Foods Challenge during Local Food Week; now therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and congratulate the Ohio State University Extension -Franklin County for Local Foods Week.