Healthy Sustainable Food Systems Initiative

Mayor’s Initiative for Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems Steering Committee October 23, 2015 10:00 – 11:30, City Hall, Room 209 Meeting Notes ● Welcome and Introductions  Attendees: Lisa Fernandes, Jim Hanna, Emily Horton, Ben Tettlebaum, Kris Rosan, Olivia Dooley, Laura Maylander, Megan Quinn, June Sleeper, Michael Brennan  The Mayor’s Initiative and Food Policy Council – strategic planning discussion (Ben- 20 min)  Summary: The Policy Subcommittee is spearheading efforts to form and then implement a Portland Food Policy Council (FPC). They are currently in the beginning stages of looking at foundational documents for that body. Interns Olivia Dooley and Kris Rosan are conducting research to inform that process. Ben is happy to share the current strategic plan with anyone who has not seen it. o Kris’ research: Structural Documents  Most councils have a resolution or an ordinance that establishes the council. There can also be separate by-laws.  Kris is conducting in-depth research on 5 other Food Policy Councils: Douglass County, KS; New Haven, CT; Tennessee; Santa Fe, NM; Madison, WI. She is gathering information on the decisions they’ve made and the hope is that their experiences will help to inform Portland’s process  Kris is also researching the by-laws and structure of 4 analogue organizations in Portland: Creative Portland Corporation, Peaks Island Council, the Land Bank, the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee o Olivia’s research: Outreach and Strategic Planning  Olivia is helping with the formation of a FPC and assisting with strategic planning until December. Her efforts are currently focused on targeted outreach to help inform the structure of a FPC. She is conducting one-on- one interviews and will be circulating a survey.  The overall outreach plan will be one of expanding circles—one-on-one interviews followed by broader community outreach to begin next calendar year. o Ben emphasized that the Mayor’s Initiative has already done a lot of groundwork that will help to inform a FPC. He stated that the process is iterative and that feedback is welcome. The interaction between the Mayor’s Initiative and a Food Policy Council is yet to be determined. The important thing is that the work continues. Lisa mentioned that there could be an interim strategy until a fully formed council emerges. Attendees noted that the Maine Network of Community Food Councils has a lot of helpful examples.  Project and Subcommittee updates 1. Policy  Health and Nutrition Policy for city-run institutions o The goal is to create a policy that addresses nutrition and local procurement at venues owned and operated by the City of Portland. o Kris is researching structural documents from other cities and working on this policy with Stephanie Gagne.  Emily Horton reported that Chellie Pingree is working on food waste legislation that would address the full spectrum of food systems. The team is doing outreach in Maine and DC and is hoping to introduce the legislation at Thanksgiving.  Jim Hanna testified at the SNAP asset testing hearing on behalf of the Mayor’s Initiative and the Cumberland County Food Security Council.  Lisa Fernandes reported that the Resilience Hub is running evening workshops to discuss strategies for residential properties to get credits to reduce their storm water fees. The upcoming workshop will be on Thursday, December 10 2. Food Security  Jim Hanna is having conversations with the Portland Housing Authority as part of the efforts to engage the community. The Food Security Subcommittee has discussed having quarterly engagement meetings in the community. Jim reported that the local housing councils aren’t as active as they have been in the past. 3. Enterprise and Infrastructure  Ben informed the group that Jackie and Daniel are trying to get funding for a Food Cluster Analysis. They are hoping to work with Karen Karp Associates. The recent report from the Maine Food Cluster Project could help to support this work.  Members of this group are having a meeting on 10/27 with City Manager John Jennings. 4. Urban Agriculture  Jeremy Bloom informed the group through an e-mail that a local church could potentially serve as a host for the goats.  Ben reminded everyone that a previous intern, Mary Elizabeth, researched and put together draft language for a livestock ordinance.  Lisa shared that they have a draft design for the Fox Field Food Forest in East Bayside. They are working with the community to create the edible landscape and the Parks Department is excited about it. Work parties have also continued at the Mt. Joy Orchard. 5. Institutional Purchasing  Attendees encouraged one another to join the Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative ● Announcements  The Maine Farm, Fish and Food Innovation Challenge is November 20-22 at Bowdoin College. Contact Ben for more information.  Food Forum for Mayoral Candidates: Monday, October 26, 5:30-7pm at USM’s Hannaford Hall  Food Forum for Councilor Candidates: Tuesday, October 27, 5:30pm-7pm at USM’s Hannaford Hall (Portland Press Herald Article)   Lisa asked the group if anyone had advice on the best way to connect with landlords or property owners  The Maine Network of Community Food Councils’ Summit is on November 20—this is the same day as the next Mayor’s Initiative meeting. Will bring this up with Stephanie. Adjourn - Next Meeting –Mayor’s Initiative full committee meeting November 20, 10:00 AM; Mayor's Initiative Steering committee meeting December 18 10:00 AM