Loading...
Transmittal - 4/9/2024 ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL ______________________________ Jill Remington Love, Chief Administrative Officer Date Received: Date Sent to Council: TO: Salt Lake City Council DATE: Victoria Petro, Chair FROM: Debbie Lyons, Sustainability Director ______________________ SUBJECT: Local Food System Sustainability and Resilience STAFF CONTACTS: Sophia Nicholas Sustainability Deputy Director Sophia.Nicholas@slcgov.com | 801-535-7755 DOCUMENT TYPE: Information Item RECOMMENDATION: The Department of Sustainability recommends discussing the City’s role, and the role of the Department in Food System Resilience, in tandem with discussing amendments to Title 2 of Salt Lake City Code recommended by the Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office, emailed on March 25, 2024. BUDGET IMPACT: No budget impact BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office recently sent a recommendation to the City Council office regarding proposed changes to Title 2 of the City Code, to clarify the role and responsibilities of the Department of Sustainability. The purpose of this transmittal is to provide additional information and updates on the Sustainability Department’s food equity program within the context of local government’s role in creating a sustainable community, and to invite further discussion about the priority of food equity and food system resilience within Salt Lake City’s scope of responsibilities. jill love (Apr 9, 2024 08:52 MDT) jill love 04/09/2024 04/09/2024 ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 The Food System and SLC Corp “How does your department interact with food or the food system?” As the Sustainability Department conducted its internal interviews with departments in 2023 through the Community Food Assessment (see Exhibit D), they heard many noteworthy items that affirm the ongoing and interwoven nature of how the City works on food: • The City operates a food pantry. It is run through the social work team of the Police Department and is supported by the Utah Food Bank. It came about because officers regularly identified food insecurity as a need in responding to calls. Officers also often buy groceries directly for people in challenging situations—this comes out of their own pockets and may not be reimbursed. • Food affordability is a critical pillar to helping community members survive and thrive in Salt Lake City. Helping people buy or access food is a parallel need to helping people afford housing, transportation, and other basic needs, and it’s not being met adequately through other support systems. This was identified across departments as a need and specifically identified as a priority in Housing SLC and Thriving in Place. • The Public Utilities Department regulates many aspects of the food industry – from managing water quality and infrastructure to setting water rates that impact urban agriculture and food production businesses. They also host two farms on their properties and contract with a large local farmer to make use of the biosolid waste from the Water Reclamation Facility. • The Planning Division sets zoning code and makes land use decisions that influence food access and food growing. These decisions continue to impact the location and distribution of different kinds of food businesses and resources. Agricultural land in Salt Lake City has consistently been rezoned to allow for development. The Planning Division is also currently undertaking a walkability study that prioritizes food access. • Since the pandemic, restaurant support and recovery has been a priority of the Economic Development Department. Supporting restaurants is an important part of a healthy local business ecosystem, not the least because restaurants are an important employer. • Supporting local food businesses also fosters a diverse cultural environment and is a key way many New Americans connect with and share their culture, as well as develop financial independence. The cultural and financial connections with the food system are supported by the Economic Development Department, Arts Council, Community & Neighborhoods Department, Mayor’s Office, Sustainability Department, and others. • Public Lands oversees the community garden program and other urban agriculture projects, which historically got their start in the Sustainability Department. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 • Food waste and recovery are important facets of the food system coordinated by Airports and the Waste and Recycling Division. The above list showcases a few of the many—and lesser-known—ways Salt Lake City departments interact with and drive outcomes in the Salt Lake City food system. (Please see Exhibit D for a full, summarized list of all interviews conducted. More information will also be shared when the Community Food Assessment is finalized in Fall 2024.) The Sustainability Department has long focused on food systems work because of its role as a “connector” between departments; the community; and local, statewide, and national networks. Many facets of the food system are also deeply connected with environmental and equity goals. This document highlights current and historical food work undertaken by the Sustainability Department and proposes future efforts for discussion. The Department remains committed to improving coordination across departments and with external networks to maximize impact and support existing City goals. The Food System and Local Governments How food is produced, processed, distributed, accessed, consumed, and how food waste is managed – collectively the “food system” – is deeply connected to the daily operations and strategic priorities of multiple functions within local governments including housing stability, transportation, economic opportunity, environmental quality, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Local governments exercise significant influence over city and regional food systems through land use decisions; allocation of resources, programs, and services; stakeholder relationship management; and by setting priorities. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Figure 1:Food System Cities play a leading role in increasing circularity of the food system, which is critical in addressing climate change and inequities in public health. Circular economies are designed to: restore or regenerate natural systems; reduce use of resources and maintain highest value possible; eliminate waste and pollution; and recapture waste to manufacture new materials. Food equity means that all people have the ability and opportunity to grow, access, and consume healthy, affordable, and culturally significant foods. Food insecurity leads to negative health and social outcomes and health disparities, and industrialized food production often has harmful impacts on human health, economic wellbeing, and the environment. Examples of U.S. cities that are often looked at for model food programs at the local level include: Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Austin, Indianapolis, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu recently created an Office of Food Justice and an Office of Urban Agriculture. Sustainability Department and Food System Work The elements of a circular food economy align with Salt Lake City Sustainability Department’s mission to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, slow climate change, and establish a path toward greater resiliency and vitality for all aspects of our community. The Sustainability Department has a history of working on food security dating back to 2008 (see Exhibit A). To advance equity, resilience, and sustainability in ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 the food system, the Department has played a role as a strategic planner, convener, and a facilitator of resource sharing such as data, land, and grants, resulting in the launching of successful programs and services. Sustainability Food Equity Program Updates Below is an overview of the primary initiatives the Sustainability Department has led or supported over the past few years. 1. Food Systems Partnership and Representation To avoid redundancy, engage best practices, and ensure the Department is directly serving the best interest of our constituents, the Department regularly connects with state and national food systems learning and governance groups including: • Utah Food Security Council: state-wide, hosted by Utah State University, primarily focused on emergency food access and state-level food security policy. • Farm to Fork Utah: state-wide, hosted by Utah State Board of Education/Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, primarily focused on local procurement for school provided meals, nutrition education, and school gardens. • Utah Local Food Advisory Council: state-wide, hosted by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This council was eliminated during the 2024 legislative session and will be disbanded on May 1, 2024. The future of the work the group is engaged in to advance and support local agriculture, including urban agriculture, is uncertain. • FEED UT: state-wide, hosted by Salt Lake County Health Department, focused on developing a tool to connect individuals to emergency food resources. • Utah Food Coalition: a new initiative to bring together state-wide community- based organizations and other local food systems stakeholders, especially under- resourced groups and farmers. The primary purpose is to identify gaps and leverage resources to build a more equitable and resilient food system in Utah. • APA, Food Systems Division: national, hosted through the American Planning Association. Provides a venue for planners and allied professionals to network and share practices and knowledge related to advancing resilient and equitable community and regional food systems through planning activities. • Municipal Food Policy Advisors Network: national, hosted through the US Conference of Mayors. Provides a venue for city-based food program managers to network, share best practices, and collectively advocate for food systems policy and resources. • Urban Agriculture Director’s Network: national, hosted through Urban Sustainability Director’s Network. Provides a venue for city-based food program managers working specifically on urban agriculture to network and share best practices and information. • Food Systems Leadership Network: national, hosted by the Wallace Center. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Provides a venue for food systems leaders from various sectors (government, nonprofit, industry, academia) to network and share practices, information, and resources related to building just, equitable, and sustainable food systems. • Racial Equity & Economic Justice in Food Policy Councils - Community of Practice: national, hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Salt Lake City was selected to participate in this competitive two-year collaborative learning program. While the meetings officially ended in 2023, collaboration with the group continues. 2. Resident Food Equity Advisors Program The Resident Food Equity Advisors (RFEA) Program is a resident leadership and engagement initiative focused on creating an equitable local food system in Salt Lake City. The program is specifically focused on identifying and advancing ideas, policies, and programs that benefit Salt Lake City residents. RFEA 2020-2021 Cohort Funded in FY21, the first RFEA cohort identified beneficial solutions for their communities. As described by the 2020/2021 cohort, food equity efforts should focus on getting people what they need by providing opportunities and reducing access barriers to healthy and relevant fresh food. Equitable solutions are influenced by personal circumstances within households, communities, policies, and systems. Equity is also about fairness and inclusion. (Source: 2021 RFEA Final Report). This cohort was launched in the spring of 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the food system and residents impacted by food inequity were being challenged in unique ways. The cohort diligently met over ten months to discuss food system experiences, learn about policy making and program development in the City, and developed a set of recommendations. A summary of the 2021 RFEA recommendations and status are included in Exhibit B. RFEA 2022-2023 Cohort The goal of the 2022/2023 RFEA was to learn and build skills together while carrying forward the work of the 2020/2021 RFEA cohort. The group prioritized and refined the 2021 RFEA recommendations, co-developed and advised on several Department food equity initiatives, and created three working groups to further develop their key ideas. Recommendations were presented to the Mayor’s staff on July 10, 2o23. A full report of the program will be posted on the Department’s website later this spring. The three 2022/2023 RFEA working group topics are as follows: • Dignified food access: voucher programs and client-choice pantries • Equitable food education opportunities: “Fresh Food Academy” • Growing food for multiple benefits: supporting urban agriculture activities through partnerships, land access, and environmental stewardship ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 During their tenure, the advisors also: • Completed a Municipal Food Access Policy training; • C0-developed the 2022 community food access survey, which provided statistically relevant food access and security data on a localized scale; • Assisted in the development of the Food Equity Microgrant Program (discussed below); • Identified community-based food equity assets, which is included in the RFEA report and is utilized in general outreach; and • Provided recommendations to advance and support neighborhood-level healthy food environments by 1) developing a Healthy Small Markets Program and 2) initiating a Healthy Food Access zoning ordinance (included as Exhibit C). The Department did not request funding for the RFEA Program in FY24. Instead, the Department has focused on following through with recommendations provided by the first two cohorts which includes completing the Community Food Assessment update (discussed below). Several advisors from the program remain engaged and strongly support continuation of the RFEA program, viewing it as a highly successful effort which resulted in actionable and relevant suggestions to make meaningful improvements to food equity in Salt Lake City. The Department’s experience with this initiative has been valuable to discuss with other city teams and departments as the City continues to improve how we welcome resident expertise in developing processes and programs. 3. Salt Lake City Food Policy Council Initially organized in 2009 as the Food Policy Task Force, the Sustainability Department convened food systems stakeholder meetings to review city ordinances impacting the food system, which led to adoption of revised city codes that addressed barriers particularly related to urban agriculture. Later, the group transitioned into a Food Policy Council (FPC). The membership of the group has been variable over the past several years (especially since the pandemic), and has included a diverse representation from businesses, non-profits and government organizations working in different food system sectors, from production to waste. Currently, the FPC meets quarterly, but the activity of this group is limited to networking and providing input on the 2023 Community Food Assessment. With adequate resources, the FPC could be integrated with an RFEA Program, along with organizing an internal committee of stakeholders from City departments, to more effectively recommend and advance food equity initiatives. A networking approach to food systems efforts is essential to accessing relevant information and perspectives on diverse and complex food system assets and needs, effectively collaborating to seek and ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 manage resources, and building resilience through shared responsibility. 4. 2023 Community Food Assessment Funded in FY23, the 2023 Community Food Assessment (CFA) is an in-depth research project intended to provide information about the current state of the Salt Lake City local food system, which can serve as a resource in future City planning efforts. The final report, expected to be published in the fall of 2024, will include: • A review of progress towards recommendations from the first CFA conducted in 2013; • Updated data about the local food system and relevant intersecting factors such as growth, housing, and lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic; and • Internal analysis of City policies, plans and activities connected to the food system, including information gathered through a series of conversations with representatives from eleven City departments with additional focus on key functions within Community and Neighborhoods, the Mayor’s Office, and with several Council Members and staff. Conversations with department representatives have revealed many activities and programs within city operations that directly influence the local food environment and access. A chart summarizing the touchpoints of each department with the food system is included in Exhibit D. 5. Food Equity Microgrant Program Fiscal Year 2023 – Pilot Year Based on recommendations and input from the RFEA and funding appropriated in the FY23 budget, the Department designed and launched the SLC Food Equity Microgrant Program in early 2023. The microgrants are intended to support resident- and community-led projects that address food inequity and increase access to fresh, healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food in Salt Lake City, especially for those most negatively impacted by inequities in the food system. Equity and accessibility are key goals of the grant program's outcomes, structure, and process. Priority populations for the grant, as identified by the RFEA group, included: • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) • Historically marginalized or under-resourced people and neighborhoods, including neighborhoods on the Westside of Salt Lake City • People and households living in poverty or with low- or moderate-incomes • Unsheltered or informally sheltered people • LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and communities • People with disabilities ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 • People with specific health needs • Veterans • Adults 65+ • Youth • Nontraditional students • People of differing legal status • Immigrants and the newly arrived • Formerly incarcerated • People with deep cultural food relationships • Groups for whom other funding opportunities are or historically have been limited The program budget for 2023 was $35,000 and the Department received over $130,000 in grant requests. Grants of $250 each were distributed to 45 households to support diverse projects such as water-efficient vegetable gardens, small farmer education, fruit tree maintenance, beekeeping, backyard chickens, and canning supplies. Over 80% of grant recipients identified as members of one or more of the priority populations identified for the program and we received at least one application for each priority population category. Over 30% of awardees for home production lived in Council Districts 1 and 2. Additionally, 13 community grants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 were awarded to organizations working to advance food access and equity, primarily on the Westside. The Department continues to receive very positive feedback from our pilot program awardees. An overview of 2023 community awards is provided in Exhibit E. Fiscal Year 2024 The Microgrant Program has $50,000 of funding allocated in FY24 and the grant application period closed in early March. The Department has received 71 applications for Home Food Production grants and 31 applications for Community Grants, totaling more than $145,000 in requested funds. Applicant demographics are similar to what was submitted during the pilot year. Applications are currently being reviewed by our selection committee utilizing similar criteria as the pilot year. Awards will be announced in early April. 5. Urban Agriculture (UA) Urban Agriculture is one of several sectors of the food system the Department and the City are directly involved in supporting. Urban Agriculture in Salt Lake City may be influenced by multiple departments, depending on property ownership/management, alignment with adopted plans, intersection with current initiatives or projects, and navigation of conflicting land use priorities. Policy direction from the City Council will aid in how resources are allocated towards Urban Agriculture. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 The Department regularly collaborates with Public Lands, Public Utilities, individual farmers, and community organizations on urban agriculture initiatives related to City- owned properties such as community gardening, public orchards, urban farming leases, and addressing soil health and contamination issues on City owned property. The Department also manages commercial farming leases for two properties. The Department is hearing an increased interest from other community members and food system stakeholders, including the RFEA, for the City to continue to support and expand urban agriculture on City owned property and recognize the value of agricultural lands on the greater ecosystem in Salt Lake City. At the same time, stakeholders report that it is getting more difficult to gain access to land to sustain local food production due to increased development pressures related to urban growth. Recent situations involving multiple departments that Sustainability had an active role in addressing Urban Agriculture challenges include: • Navigating the unanticipated impacts of a UDOT shared use path project on three farm and garden sites on properties owned by UDOT but managed by Public Lands; • Soil contamination/remediation challenges at the Cannon Greens and Glendale Farm sites; • Exploration of sanctioned camping at the current RDA/Green Phoenix Farm site, and relocation of Wasatch Community’s Green Phoenix Farm program; and • Negotiating the Og-Woi People’s Garden & Orchard management agreement and evaluating soil health. Next Steps The Department is committed to intentionally connect food system work with belonging, thriving, and placemaking for residents through convening, research and community collaboration. The Department is currently resourced to support the following food systems efforts: 1. Representing Salt Lake City in regional and statewide food systems groups; 2. Convening quarterly meetings for the Food Policy Council to facilitate networking and provide updates on the City’s food system initiatives; 3. Managing the Food Equity Microgrant Program; 4. Supporting urban agriculture efforts by managing two lease agreements for urban farming on City-owned property and supporting Public Lands’ contract with Wasatch Community Gardens in establishing new community gardens; 5. Managing one special project per year (as funded), such as a study, plan, or grant supported project; and 6. Supporting adoption of a Food Equity Joint Resolution that declares the City’s recognition of the importance of food equity and resilience. Initiatives that could be explored further, but may require additional resources include: ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 1. Developing and adopting a formal Food System Equity Action Plan; and 2. Facilitating cross-collaboration with industry partners (Food Policy Council), residents (Resident Food Equity Advisors), Community Based Organizations, and city departments to identify opportunities and leverage resources that make progress toward food equity and resilience. The Department welcomes further discussion about the vision and priority of the City and the role Sustainability should have in creating an equitable and resilient food system. While the City is not the only stakeholder, improving coordination between existing efforts of City departments, residents, and practitioners, while leveraging resources from state and national groups will lead us toward creating a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system that supports not only the food and health needs of individual residents, but also advances priorities related to housing stability, transportation, economic opportunity, environmental quality, emergency preparedness, and community vibrancy. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Exhibit A Examples of Historical Sustainability Initiatives to Improve Food Security Ordinance Revisions: In 2009, urban agriculture ordinances and zoning policies were revised to allow more opportunities to grow and access healthy food. Green City Growers: In 2012, formally created the City’s community garden program through a partnership with Wasatch Community Gardens. Salt Lake City Fruitshare Program: Initiated in 2012, collaborated with a local nonprofit (the Green Urban Lunchbox) to establish a program that diverts surplus fruit from resident’s underutilized fruit trees to residents with low access to healthy food. Waste Less Solutions: Through the Food Policy Task Force, supported development of a local nonprofit to divert consumable food waste to food assistance programs. Community Food Assessment of 2013: The first community food assessment was completed which identified barriers and opportunities to achieve a resilient local food system. Square Kitchen Culinary Incubator Kitchen: A market analysis was conducted to examine potential user groups for an incubator kitchen, barriers faced by food businesses, and economic impacts. The study also identified key components for a successful incubator kitchen for the SLC community, which led to the successful opening of the culinary incubator kitchen operated by Square Kitchen. Urban Greens Mobile Market: During the summers of 2016 through 2018, leveraged various grant funds to partner with local nonprofit organizations to operate four mobile markets offering locally-grown fresh produce in the Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods. Urban Farming Program: In 2015, began proactively identifying underutilized city parcels that could be used for farming and executed contracts with local farmers. Local Food Microgrant Program: Leveraged grant funds to assist local farmers in growing more diversified and sustainable produce. Pesticide Free SLC: Launched a Pesticide Free SLC campaign to educate residents on how to reduce their use and exposure to chemical pesticides. StonyFields Pesticide Free Pilot: Leveraged grant funds to work with Public Lands to pilot test pesticide free products in select city parks. Double Up Food Bucks: Working with a local nonprofit to establish a mechanism for accepting food stamps/SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets and farm stands, provided funds to match food stamp/SNAP benefits dollar for dollar for the purchase of fruits and vegetables. Culturally Relevant Emergency Food Boxes: During the COVID pandemic in 2020, leveraged grant funds to collaborate with community organizations to provide and distribute emergency food boxes containing culturally relevant food to Salt Lake City households. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Exhibit B Resident Food Equity Advisor Summary 2021-22 RFEA Recommendation Status Description Adopt a Mayor/Council Joint Resolution on Food Equity In process Presented to City Council in February 2022. Continue the RFEA Program Complete and ongoing Program was funded for another cohort in 2022/2023. Continuing the program was also recommended by the 2022/2023 cohort. Conduct a food equity assessment and action plan In process Assessment began in 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024. Develop more inclusive outreach and communication strategies for food resources Ongoing Efforts to ensure inclusive outreach and communication resources will be an ongoing topic for all departmental food equity work Support programs that expand relevant & dignified food choices, such as food/cash vouchers or client choice food pantries Explored by 2022/2023 RFEA cohort RFEAs recommend Salt Lake City continue to explore ways to reduce barriers and increase access to food for individuals experiencing food insecurity in ways that recognize their differing needs and honor their dignity. Further collaboration is recommended to explore the effectiveness of a food voucher program (perhaps connected to other housing stability programs operated by the City) and supporting community organizations to be able to offer client choice pantry formats that provide healthy and relevant choices and reduce food waste. Create a healthy corner market or fresh food cart initiative Explored by 2022/2023 RFEA cohort Discussion led to two recommendations related to improving healthy food environments: 1. Develop and fund a Healthy Small Market Program 2. Initiate a Healthy Food Access Zoning Ordinance The complete recommendations are included in the letter in Exhibit C. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Expand opportunities to grow food: “Edible City for All” policies, programs, educational events, resources, neighborhood orchards, microgrants for backyard gardening Explored by 2022/2023 RFEA cohort Complete and in process 2022-23 RFEA cohort collaborated on development and launch of the Food Equity Microgrant Program in January 2023. It was funded again in FY24 and grant award selection is in process. RFEAs recommend continued support and expansion for urban agriculture activities, especially in public spaces (in parks, on city- owned lands, and at schools) and in collaboration with housing developers and individual residents. RFEAs recommend supporting an education initiative, the “Fresh Food Academy,” focused on proving inclusive, accessible, affordable, and trustworthy information and resources about healthy eating and overall wellness to residents in collaboration with community organizations and public spaces such as recreation centers. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Exhibit C Recommendations from RFEA 2022/2023 Cohort to Mayor Mendenhall ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Exhibit D 2023-24 Summary of City Departments & Food System Connections Department Primary Food System Touchpoint Current connection, role, impact Airport Access Recovery Waste Host to many food businesses that operate in the airport; regulate and manage the waste & recycling of food and food packaging; partner with Wasteless Solutions for food recovery CAN – Admin/Policy Access Affordability; ongoing community needs assessments; food identified as a top need in Housing SLC and Thriving In Place CAN – Housing Stability Access Funding opportunities connected to housing, displacement, eviction supports (people with housing insecurity are almost always food insecure as well); partnered with Sustainability and CBOs to fund & provide emergency food boxes during pandemic CAN – Planning Production Processing Distribution Access Zoning codes and other regulations impact where food can be produced, processed, stored, accessed; planning decisions have historically and currently impact the location and distribution of different kinds of food businesses and resources; agricultural land in Salt Lake City has consistently been rezoned to allow for development; current walkability study uses food access as a central focus CAN – Transportation Distribution Access Transportation infrastructure for food delivery; safe, consistent, reliable, accessible routes to food outlets CAN – Youth & Family Access Consumption Directly purchase food; provide food and food education for children in program; operate garden spaces at several sites; hold relationships with families and assess needs, connect to services/resources, including food Economic Development Production Processing Distribution Access Programs, incentives, supports, grants, & relationships with food businesses. EDLF has been used to support several food businesses. Restaurant support & recovery has been a focus since the pandemic. Fire Access Emergency Preparation, Response, Recovery planning involves food; CHAT provides services and referrals to individuals facing food ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 insecurity; volunteers and crew are provided food when responding to emergencies Library Production Access Operate garden spaces at some branches including a community garden at the Main branch; host seed libraries at all branches; offer educational gardening workshops; facilitate learning and access to garden/food information; Library is often frontline staff for unsheltered individuals experiencing food insecurity Mayor’s Office – Community Outreach Access Gather understanding of community needs (food affordability and access is often a top need); provide outreach for education, resources, and opportunities Mayor’s Office – DEI Access Assess and analyze equity issues and disparities; food is identified as a top concern and listed in the Equity Plan Mayor’s Office – Homeless Policy & Outreach Access Consumption Food is an acute need for unsheltered individuals; outreach teams connect people with food and refer to resources Police Access Consumption Social work team maintains a Utah Food Bank supported pantry that they use distribute to people in need; officers often buy groceries for individuals in challenging situations; officers often identify food insecurity as a need when responding to calls Public Lands Production Access Facilitate and support food growing through Green City Growers community garden program, Urban Forestry 9-line public orchard project, collaborate on other urban agriculture programs/initiatives; planned development of 2200 W and Cannon Greens/Glendale sites Public Utilities All Regulator for infrastructure, water quality, and use for agriculture and food businesses; currently host two properties with Urban Agriculture activities; contract with local farmer to use biosolids from Water Reclamation process for agricultural use; vegetable garden assessment program Sustainability – Energy & Environment All Food Equity Program: policy & program development; relationship building; research facilitation; Urban Agriculture support; funding for food focused grant program; stakeholder convening (RFEA/FPC); environmental quality monitoring and recommendations ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Sustainability – Waste & Recycling Recovery Waste Curbside waste collection including recycling and compost; partnerships with Momentum Recycling and Wasatch Front Resource Recovery to facilitate composting programs; waste/recycling education to residents including food/yard waste; Salt Lake County landfill; goal of Zero Waste by 2040 All departments Access Procurement of food for City functions; Waste management for events; CCB hosts a café space to support local food businesses and provide access to food for city employees. ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR P.O. BOX 145474 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM TEL 801-535-7704 Exhibit E 2023 Food Equity Microgrant Community Awardees Overview Organization Project Proposal Summary Carry the Water Support the Westside-based Indigenous Healing Garden activities including soil remediation, community workshops, food purchases, compensating community Relatives, and garden tools & supplies. East Central Community Council Support rebuilding the Outreach Community Garden in the University Gardens neighborhood; establish a youth garden; support garden cooperative to help people participate and learn in the space. First United Methodist Church Expand the church’s downtown herb garden and provide individual plots to neighbors and members to grow vegetables to share. Food Justice Coalition Support programs to provide healthy, nutrient dense meals and dry meal kits to those facing hunger and homelessness in Salt Lake City. Grünhof Greens Scale up production of a microgreen business through converting a shed into an indoor "vertical farm"; focused on accessibility of easy, year-round nutrition and supporting neurodiversity in employment. Jayhawks Provide healthy food educational workshops; buy equipment, paint mural on community shed for garden tool sharing in the Fairpark/Rose Park neighborhood and build hoophouse to extend growing season. New American Goat Club Support New American youth in learning about goat husbandry for meat production (culturally relevant food for many of their families) and developing leadership and teamwork skills through 4-H program. Peace Gardens International Academy Support building a modular educational black (African Identified) artist designed edible plant mosaic living wall comprising culinary plants indigenous to Africa and African diaspora regions. Salt Lake Canning Co Support equipment upgrades, permits, & labor for processing and preserving gleaned fruit for donation to seniors in need. SLC Food Not Bombs Purchase equipment to support current food distribution efforts and support transportation costs/compensation for delivered meals; start a garden to support Community Fridge/Pantry (equipment, water). Somali Community Self Management Agency Equipment to start a gardening program for the families they serve. Vanavil Community Garden Support the rebuild of a yard-share style community garden focused on producing and sharing culturally relevant and important foods in the Ballpark neighborhood. Wasatch Community Gardens & Artes de Mexico en Utah Support expanding the Sabores de Mi Patria program and establishing a "Families as Teachers" mentorship program to facilitate workshops in other locations (schools, community spaces).