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County and how they are being used. In addition, they have convened a Year-round Farmers’ Market Task Force <br />to consider how we might increase the number of venues for local farmers to sell in Eugene. <br /> <br />FOOD for Lane County <br />FOOD for Lane County (FFLC) is a 501(c) 3 organization that operates as the food bank for Lane County. The <br />FFLC mission is to eliminate hunger by creating access to food. This is accomplished through: soliciting, <br />collecting, rescuing, growing, preparing and packaging food for distribution through over 85 member agencies <br />and programs; increasing public awareness around hunger and community food security; education and <br />community advocacy; and through a number of programs that improve the ability of limited-income families, <br />seniors and other challenged populations to obtain an adequate supply of wholesome, nutritious food. FOOD for <br />Lane County operates food self-sufficiency programs including three educational community gardens where they <br />work with youth and adults to grow food for the food bank, and a youth-run farm stand and CSA. <br /> <br />Willamette Valley Sustainable Foods Alliance (WVSFA) <br />The WVSFA works to pool the resources and knowledge of sustainably-focused local food related businesses to <br />aid each other to become more sustainable. The alliance has good potential to offer local business expertise to the <br />development and implementation of a food security plan. <br /> <br />Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) <br />Based in Portland, Oregon, the CFSC has helped many cities and communities create their own food security <br />plans nation-wide. A partnership with the CFSC would be beneficial in many aspects of the creation of an action <br />plan. They have many resources, including assistance with federal funding streams available. <br /> <br />TheECOS Urban to Farm Connection Project <br /> <br />The ECOS Urban to Farm Connection Project is run by Aleta Miller. This is a valuable model for creative <br />cooperative food production. The Urban to Farm Connection builds teams of Eugene residents to cultivate and <br />harvest multi-acre garden plots inside or outside the city. The teams work as cooperatives, sharing work, produce, <br />and produce sales profits. <br /> <br />Lane County Farmers Market <br />The mission of the Lane County Farmers’ Market is to further the health of the entire community by enhancing <br />the viability of producing and marketing Oregon grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants & animal <br />products, through a democratic association which advances the shared values of the Market community. The <br />Farmers’ Market gives local growers access for directly marketing to the buying public through a centralized <br />location. The Market also provides an opportunity for the community to purchase fresh, in-season locally grown <br />and produced farm products, while interacting directly with the growers and producers. <br />5. Common steps taken by other cities in developing food security plans. <br /> <br />? <br /> A comprehensive evaluation of the local land’s potential for growing food as well as an evaluation of the <br />essential food system infrastructure which includes storage and distribution facilities. <br />? <br /> A renewed focus on food safety and emergency preparedness including community food programs like <br />FOOD for Lane County. <br />? <br /> An expansion in the overall size and number of farmer’s markets functioning in the community. <br />? <br /> Work with public organizations as well as build strong private partnerships within the local food system. <br />? <br /> Expansion of community supported agriculture programs including the use of local youth through youth <br />empowerment and education programs. <br />? <br /> An increase in the number of community gardens and urban farming plots. <br />? <br /> Development of a local movement for localization of food crops by educating consumers, farmers and <br />markets of the food security issue. <br />? <br /> Applying for USDA community food projects grants. <br /> <br />Since 1996 the Community Food Security Coalition has awarded 240 grants to communities throughout the US to <br />address food security, including preparing food security plans. FOOD for Lane County received a grant in 2002 <br /> <br />Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090209\S090209B.doc <br /> <br />