HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransmittal - 4/9/2024ERIN MENDENHALL
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL TRANSMITTAL
iulove
jilt love (Apr 9, 2024 08:52 MDT)
Jill Remington Love, Chief Administrative Officer
TO: Salt Lake City Council
Victoria Petro, Chair
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Date Received: 04/09/2024
Date Sent to Council: 04/09/2024
DATE:
FROM: Debbie Lyons, Sustainability Director
SUBJECT: Local Food System Sustainability and Resilience
STAFF CONTACTS: Sophia Nicholas
Sustainability Deputy Director
Sophia.Nicholas(&slcgov.com 1 801-535-7755
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.
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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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
• 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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor '*-,T
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r� Production
Processing and
Food Waste i Manufacturing
Consumption :::: Distribution
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Point of Sale
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 20o8 (see Exhibit A). To advance equity, resilience, and sustainability in
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
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.
i. 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.
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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 202o, 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, 2023. 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
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During their tenure, the advisors also:
• Completed a Municipal Food Access Policy training;
• Co -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 Q.
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 2oog 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
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ERIN MENDENHALL
Mayor
manage resources, and building resilience through shared responsibility.
4. 2023 Community Food Assessment
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
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 CIA 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
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• 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 $25o 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 8o% 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 $1,00045,000 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.
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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:
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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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
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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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
Exhibit B
Resident Food Equity Advisor Summary
I
Description
Recommendation
Adopt a Mayor/Council Joint
In process
Presented to City Council in February 2022.
Resolution on Food Equity
Continue the RFEA Program
Complete and
Program was funded for another cohort in
ongoing
2022/2023. Continuing the program was also
recommended by the 2022/2023 cohort.
Conduct a food equity
In process
Assessment began in 2022 and is anticipated
assessment and action plan
to be completed by fall 2024.
Develop more inclusive
Ongoing
Efforts to ensure inclusive outreach and
outreach and communication
communication resources will be an ongoing
strategies for food resources
to is for all departmental food equity work
Support programs that expand
Explored by
RFEAs recommend Salt Lake City continue
relevant & dignified food
2022/2023
to explore ways to reduce barriers and
choices, such as food/cash
RFEA cohort
increase access to food for individuals
vouchers or client choice
experiencing food insecurity in ways that
food pantries
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
Explored by
Discussion led to two recommendations
market or fresh food cart
2022/2023
related to improving healthy food
initiative
RFEA cohort
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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
Expand opportunities to grow
Explored by
2022-23 RFEA cohort collaborated on
food: "Edible City for All"
2022/2023
development and launch of the Food Equity
policies, programs,
RFEA cohort
Microgrant Program in January 2023. It was
educational events, resources,
neighborhood orchards,
Complete and
funded again in FY24 and grant award
microgrants for backyard
n
iprocess
p
selection is in process.
gardening
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.
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ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
Exhibit C
Recommendations from RFEA 2022/2023 Cohort to Mayor Mendenhall
TO: Mayor Mendenhall
FROM: The Resident Food Equity Advisors, 2022/23 Cohort
DATE: March 16, 2023
SUBJECT: Recommendations for Action on Salt Lake City's Healthy Food Environments
Dear Mayor Mendenhall,
To improve Salt Lake City's equitable and relevant healthy food access, the Salt Lake City Sustainability
Department initiated the Resident Food Equity Advisor (RFEA) program in 2020. The RFEA program is
an intentional and equitable leadership and engagement effort which brings together residents who have
lived experience with food hardship to shape the City's food related plans, policies, and programs.
The 2022/23 cohort of Advisors has met monthly since April, 2022 to build on the work of the first
Advisor cohort and develop solutions that create inclusive and equitable food opportunities for all
residents of our City. After months of research on best practices, discussion, and collaboration with
various City departments, the Advisors have reached consensus on two strategies related to improving
equitable and healthy food environments in Salt Lake City.
The Resident Food Equity Advisors recommend Salt Lake City pursue the following strategies:
1. Develop and fund a Healthy Small Market Program — Salt Lake City should develop and fund
a program that incentivizes and supports small and local markets in providing healthy and
accessible food and developing healthy and accessible food environments. Using best practices of
similar programs in other cities and their professional skills, Salt Lake City staff should work
with small business owners and community members to ensure the program structure is adapted
to the unique needs and context of Salt Lake City. A Healthy Small Market Program would
benefit both residents seeking to access healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food options
as well as small businesses.
2. Initiate a Healthy Food Access Zoning Ordinance — Salt Lake City should enact a community -
wide law that restricts the density and proximity of drive through food business and fast-food
restaurants so they are not permitted to be located near schools, houses of worship, public
recreation areas, libraries, or hospitals. Salt Lake City staff should collaborate with community
members to determine the best distance away drive through food businesses and fast-food
restaurants should be from schools, houses of worship, public recreation areas, libraries, and
hospitals. Along with this zoning policy, the City should encourage, improve, and promote a
variety of local, healthy, and relevant food options at or near these locations.
The Advisors believe these strategies are appropriate solutions to improving access to healthy food that
build on the diverse strengths of our communities in Salt Lake City. We look forward to discussing the
positive impact these strategies can have toward creating inclusive and equitable healthy, relevant food
access opportunities for all residents at our meeting on May 18, 2023.
Sincerely,
The Resident Food Equity Advisors, 2022/23 Cohort
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P.O. BOX 145474
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 TEL 801-535-7704
ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor'
Exhibit D
2023-24 Summary of City Departments & Food System Connections
Primary Food
Department
System
Current connection, role, impact
Touchpoint
Access
Host to many food businesses that operate in
Airport
Recovery
the airport; regulate and manage the waste &
Waste
recycling of food and food packaging; partner
with Wasteless Solutions for food recovery
Affordability; ongoing community needs
CAN — Admin/Policy
Access
assessments; food identified as a top need in
Housing SLC and Thriving In Place
Funding opportunities connected to housing,
displacement, eviction supports (people with
CAN — Housing
Access
housing insecurity are almost always food
Stability
insecure as well); partnered with Sustainability
and CBOs to fund & provide emergency food
boxes during pandemic
Zoning codes and other regulations impact
where food can be produced, processed, stored,
Production
accessed; planning decisions have historically
Processing
and currently impact the location and
CAN — Planning
Distribution
distribution of different kinds of food
Access
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 —
Distribution
Transportation infrastructure for food delivery;
Transportation
Access
safe, consistent, reliable, accessible routes to
food outlets
Directly purchase food; provide food and food
CAN — Youth &
Access
education for children in program; operate
Family
Consumption
garden spaces at several sites; hold relationships
with families and assess needs, connect to
services/resources, including food
Production
Programs, incentives, supports, grants, &
Economic
Processing
relationships with food businesses. EDLF has
Development
Distribution
been used to support several food businesses.
Access
Restaurant support & recovery has been a focus
since the pandernic.
Emergency Preparation, Response, Recovery
Fire
Access
planning involves food; CHAT provides
services and referrals to individuals facing food
P.O. BOX 145474
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 TEL 801-535-7704
ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
insecurity; volunteers and crew are provided
food when responding to emergencies
Operate garden spaces at some branches
including a community garden at the Main
Production
branch; host seed libraries at all branches; offer
Library
Access
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 —
Gather understanding of community needs
Community
Access
(food affordability and access is often a top
Outreach
need); provide outreach for education,
resources, and opportunities
Mayor's Office —
Assess and analyze equity issues and
DEI
Access
disparities; food is identified as a top concern
and listed in the Equity Plan
Mayor's Office —
Access
Food is an acute need for unsheltered
Homeless Policy &
Consumption
individuals; outreach teams connect people with
Outreach
food and refer to resources
Social work team maintains a Utah Food Bank
supported pantry that they use distribute to
Police
Access
people in need; officers often buy groceries for
Consumption
individuals in challenging situations; officers
often identify food insecurity as a need when
responding to calls
Facilitate and support food growing through
Green City Growers community garden
Public Lands
Production
program, Urban Forestry 9-line public orchard
Access
project, collaborate on other urban agriculture
programs/initiatives; planned development of
2200 W and Cannon Greens/Glendale sites
Regulator for infrastructure, water quality, and
use for agriculture and food businesses;
currently host two properties with Urban
Public Utilities
All
Agriculture activities; contract with local farmer
to use biosolids from Water Reclamation
process for agricultural use; vegetable garden
assessment program
Food Equity Program: policy & program
Sustainability —
development; relationship building; research
Energy &
All
facilitation; Urban Agriculture support; funding
Environment
for food focused grant program; stakeholder
convening (RFEA/FPC); environmental quality
monitoring and recommendations
P.O. BOX 145474
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 TEL 801-535-7704
ERIN MENDENHALL OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor i
Curbside waste collection including recycling
and compost; partnerships with Momentum
Sustainability — Recovery Recycling and Wasatch Front Resource
Waste & Recycling Waste Recovery to facilitate composting programs;
waste/recycling education to residents including
food/yard waste; Salt Lake County landfill; goal
of Zero Waste by 2040
Procurement of food for City functions;
All departments Access Waste management for events; CCB hosts a
cafe space to support local food businesses and
provide access to food for city employees.
P.O. BOX 145474
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 TEL 801-535-7704
ERIN MENDENHALL
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Mayor
Exhibit E
2023 Food Equity Microgrant Community Awardees Overview
Organizationopo
.
Support the Westside-based Indigenous Healing Garden activities
Carry the Water
including soil remediation, community workshops, food purchases,
compensating community Relatives, and garden tools & supplies.
East Central
Support rebuilding the Outreach Community Garden in the University
Community Council
Gardens neighborhood; establish a youth garden; support garden
cooperative to help people participate and learn in the space.
First United Methodist
Expand the church's downtown herb garden and provide individual
Church
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.
Scale up production of a microgreen business through converting a
Griinhof Greens
shed into an indoor "vertical farm"; focused on accessibility of easy,
year-round nutrition and supporting neurodiversity in employment.
Provide healthy food educational workshops; buy equipment, paint
Jayhawks
mural on community shed for garden tool sharing in the Fairpark/Rose
Park neighborhood and build hoophouse to extend growing season.
New American Goat
Support New American youth in learning about goat husbandry for
Club
meat production (culturally relevant food for many of their families)
and developing leadership and teamwork skills through 4-H program.
Peace Gardens
Support building a modular educational black (African Identified)
International Academy
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
rese ing gleaned fruit for donation to seniors in need.
Purchase equipment to support current food distribution efforts and
SLC Food Not Bombs
support transportation costs/compensation for delivered meals; start a
garden to support Community Fridge/Pantry (equipment, water).
Somali Community Self
Equipment to start a gardening program for the families they serve.
Management A enc
Vanavil Community
Support the rebuild of a yard -share style community garden focused
Garden
on producing and sharing culturally relevant and important foods in
the Ballpark neighborhood.
Wasatch Community
Support expanding the Sabores de Mi Patria program and establishing
Gardens & Artes de
a "Families as Teachers" mentorship program to facilitate workshops
Mexico en Utah
in other locations (schools, community spaces).
P.O. BOX 145474
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 306 WWW.SLCMAYOR.COM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84114-5474 TEL 801-535-7704