Olympia residents could see the city's first coordinated strategy for local food security if the City Council approves a $245,000 plan at its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting.

The proposal, sponsored by Council Member Dani Madrone, would draw $50,000 from the Council Goal Fund and $195,000 from Economic Development Reserves to develop a comprehensive food systems plan. The plan would guide future city policies, programs and investments related to local food production, urban agriculture and food access.

The city has not previously coordinated its food-related efforts into a single strategy, The JOLT News reported. Madrone's referral to the council says goals related to local food production, urban agriculture and food security have been "largely unaddressed."

What's driving the proposal

Madrone's referral cites three pressures: threats to federal food assistance programs, pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and the city's purchase of Spooner's Farm for soccer fields, which removed agricultural land from local food production.

"Issues surrounding food security often rise to the surface during a crisis, but there are actions the city can take that can bolster the local food system and soften the impacts when there are disruptions," the referral states.

Olympia already supports the Olympia Farmers Market and community gardens at Sunrise Park and Yauger Park. Those investments have not added up to a citywide food strategy.

What the plan would do

A city staff report says the plan would assess community needs, identify gaps in the current system and establish a coordinated strategy for future investments. Goals include improving access to healthy and affordable food, strengthening local economic opportunities and supporting community food production.

The planning process would create pathways for historically underserved communities to participate in shaping the strategy.

Representatives from several neighborhood associations, the Thurston County Food Bank, GRuB, the Olympia Co-op and other community organizations have expressed support and a desire to help develop the plan. GRuB, a nonprofit at 2016 Elliott Ave. NW, operates a 3-acre farm and engages roughly 1,500 Thurston County residents annually in food security and youth development programs.

How to weigh in

The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Olympia City Hall, 601 4th Ave. E. The meeting agenda is posted on the city's Legistar system. No public opposition has surfaced.

If approved, city staff would begin developing the community-informed strategy to strengthen Olympia's local food system.