Oakland, CA Local Food Policy Plan

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 1/17/06

Vote: Unanimous

Source File: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/12777.pdf

Text:

RESOLUTION NO. 79680
REPORT AND RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY TO DEVELOP AN OAKLAND FOOD POLICY AND PLAN FOR THIRTY PERCENT LOCAL AREA FOOD PRODUCTION, BY UNDERTAKING AN INITIAL FOOD SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT STUDY, CONDUCTED BY A RESEARCH TEAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY, AT NO COST TO THE CITY.

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland is committed to policies that promote the health and well-being of our community and of our environment; and

WHEREAS 34% of the low-income adult population of Alameda County are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to healthy foods, which can cause malnutrition and hunger; and

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland can eliminate these conditions through policies and programs that promote community food security, such that all residents are able to obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet while maximizing community self-reliance and social justice; and

WHEREAS, the schools our children attend should serve fresh, locally produced foods that are organic or sustainably produced using least-toxic means wherever possible; and

WHEREAS, community and school gardens provide hands-on entrepreneur opportunities by fostering business, academic, and life skills that can help Oakland's youth become more self sufficient and productive adults; and

WHEREAS, jobs in Oakland's food distribution and processing sector number approximately 4,000, and given the potential strength of the sector in Oakland, increasing value-added production of local foods could create a major competitive advantage for Oakland and significantly contribute to the City's job growth; and

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland can take the lead in supporting the preservation of the region's foodshed by supporting Smart Growth policies that direct urban growth away from prime agricultural land; and

WHEREAS, local food production for local consumption reduces the need for transportation and thus the rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide accumulation; and

WHEREAS, there are no fiscal impacts associated with the study other than minimal City staff time which will be sought to ensure the study reflects city policies and procedures and will be supported by current budget appropriations, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland undertakes a study to examine current trends in Oakland's food system and recommend programs and policies to promote a sustainability food system for Oakland.