In 2012, the City released the first Food Action Plan, a 5-year road-map to increasing food security, strengthening urban agriculture and local food economies, and reducing food waste. We’ve collectively made progress on many of the Plan’s recommendations, but, as we all know, the challenges of food insecurity and an unsustainable food system remain.
To reflect the changes in Seattle’s food system and create better alignment with the community and our key partners, OSE is launching an update to the Food Action Plan. Work on this is starting now and will continue through summer of 2020. There will be several opportunities for the public to engage in the update of the Seattle Food Action Plan.
Many of Seattle’s notable food achievements are the result of implementing key strategies of the Food Action Plan. The most recent update of Food Action Plan accomplishments is linked here. Noteworthy accomplishments in the last year include:
- As a result of the Sweetened Beverage Tax implementation, the City’s healthy food access efforts expanded substantially through investments in Fresh Bucks, food banks, meal programs, and the launch of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
- Sales at Farmer’s Markets increased over 29% since 2017 with local farmers earning $828,631 through EBT (food stamp) and Fresh Bucks purchases.
- 181,307 tons of organic waste was diverted from the landfill, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- 1,772 acres of local farmland, representing roughly 27 farms, were preserved through Seattle’s Transfer of Development Rights partnership with King County between 2013-2018.
For any questions about the Food Action Plan, please contact Hannah Hill at Hannah.Hill@seattle.gov.