About Us
Photo Credit: Amanda Edwards
A food policy council is a group that works to increase opportunities for sustainable agriculture, economic development, improved health and food literacy in a community. FPCs can be formed at the city, county, region, or state level. Members often represent, but are not limited to: the health care industry, faith-based organizations, community groups, schools, farmers, growers, distributors grocers, local governments and restaurants.
Why should we have an FPC in the River Region?
Our food choices are making us sick. Nearly 3 in 10 adults in Alabama are obese. The state also has one of the highest incidences of adult early onset diabetes in the country.
Government-issued Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits help 1 in 5 Alabamians buy food for their families. Despite this help, too many people are unable to access and afford fresh, healthy produce.
The people of Alabama produce a meager 2-5% of the food they consume. We have the opportunity to increase food production to grow our economy and to improve public access to healthy food.
