Posts Tagged ‘food system policy’

I apologize for the lack of posts lately – I’ve been in New Orleans for the 2010 National Planning Conference, and I’d rather be attending great sessions and touring projects than in the hotel room updating the blog!  I’ll have a few days to digest all the information, but expect some great posts on a Sustainable Schoolyard in City Park; a freedom garden in Donaldsonville, Louisiana; and a report from a session on urban agriculture that featured Heather Wooten and Joanne Berkenkamp.

This came across my email box – it looks like a fantastic panel. What: “Food Access Solutions: Urban Agriculture, Local Food & Community Development” When: Friday April 16, 2010 from 10 am to 2 – pm;  Post-panel reception begins at 1:15, appetizers will be served! Where: THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020 How: Registration required – Click to register. Issues to be discussed: Food access in low-income DC neighborhoods, acknowledging work being done under the radar, the dire health consequences of failing to act, community food security trends nationally, the difficulties in bridging cultures, and the possible creation of a DC food policy council. Event Description: An umbrella group of urban gardening activists (Rooting DC and DC’s Field to Fork Network) will be convening a community food security panel discussion East of the River in Washington, DC on April 16th from 10 to 2.  This location was chosen

Reclaiming green spaces – I love it!  This article by Maureen O’Hagan of the Seattle Times, entitled “Vegetable gardens crop up in Seattle parking strips” is a great example of city governments removing planning and regulatory boundaries in order to increase access to fresh, local food. According to the article, previous regulations required a permit for planting anything but grass – even small scale farming on the land between the street and the sidewalk was prohibited without one.  The Seattle Department of Transportation changed those rules in 2009, allowing parking strip vegetable gardens without a permit.  Hardscaping still requires a permit, but that is now available for free, down from a $225 charge. This small change also has an impact on the economic development of the community.  A business has sprung up to install raised beds for people who want to take advantage of the space.  The article quotes other