jFresno , CARipe for ChangeFarmers Markets and Farm StandsCommunity and Planning CollaborationsPresenters: Edie Jessup, Central Calif. Regional Obesity Prevention Project (CCROPP) and Sophia Pagoulatos, City of Fresno Planning Dept.CFSC 10/10/09Food Policy Council Day

IntroductionContext, Collaboration, Co-creationRipening the Apple

ContextWho we are…Ripening the Apple

Ripening the AppleCA Food SystemFood system in CA :CA has 36 m. eaters and will have 48 m. by 203022,603 food stores (497 farmers markets)75,000 restaurants75,000farms, over half of which are 1-49 acGross value of ag food production $36.6 billion (2007)-12.8% of the US totalFresno County is the #1 Food Production Co. in CA

Ripening the Apple Public Health Trends35.1% of children overweight in Fresno County; 63.3% Adults, 66.2% SeniorsOverweight, obesity and inactivity are estimated to cost CA $28 billion during 2005 Hunger: 35 – 39% of all households in Fresno County are food insecure

Ripening the Apple Economic TrendsCA farmers are losing moneyMore food is brought in from other states than shipped outFarm bill subsidizes commodity production such as corn and soybeans in midwest Average age of farmers is increasing; few entering professionLoss of agricultural land Who will grow our food?

Ripening the AppleEquity trendsLow wagesFood accessDisproportionate food related health problems in low income populations

Fresno, Ca: Community ViewFew fresh Markets, closing of city Grocery Stores in Low Income areas, lack of Grocery Stores in Rural towns-now with 40% unemployment.Fresno County leads in producing healthy, cheap food for the Nation and the World.Our Congressional district is the poorest in the USA.2005 CFP Community Food Assessment

Fresno Food Scene: Strip Malls and Convenience Stores

Diverse and PoorVery Rural LivingVery Urban Living

Community came together:New PartnersCommunity Food AssessmentCentral Ca. Regional Obesity Prevention Project-Public Health-CSUF-CBOs-9 CountiesPublic Health Law and Policy invited to present on Zoning and OrdinancesBuilding for Food Policy work Closing the Food Gap-Mark Winne; Roots of Change

What we LearnedFresno Ordinances actually prohibited vending produce in residential and unclear in commercial neighborhoods. (No definitions) Few Farmers Markets due to CUP of $6,000.Public Health issuesDiverse, low income neighborhoods in Fresno County: Highest Food Insecurity in California (CHIS study)-Highest ‘pockets of poverty’ (Brookings)Highest obesity rates (over 35%)Highest death by diabetes

And we learnedFresno City Planning Department had launched ‘Fresno Green’ and SEGA.

Land Use Planning ContextRipening the Apple

Land use mapRipening the Apple

Ripening the ApplePolicy influences

Ripening the ApplePolicy InfluencesRegional Planning: Blueprint ProcessModel Conservation Easement Study

Ripening the AppleFresno GREEN StrategyStrategy 16: Promote the public health and environmental benefits of supporting locally grown and organic foods

Public HealthShift in focusChronic, lifestyle related diseaseHealth and the Built EnvironmentRipening the Apple

CollaborationHow we’ve worked togetherRipening the Apple

Ripening the AppleFarmers Market Zoning ChangeFacilitate Farmers Markets in FresnoOnly 4 in Fresno; 12 in Sacramento; 9 in San Diego

Community Issues withZoning and Planning and Policy ChangeTAKES TIME…………

Fresh Access Community Alternatives ….while you wait:Flea MarketsSupported Farmers MarketsSchool Farm StandsCommunity GardensRipening the Apple

Who are Farmers Markets For?Does a Farmers Market have to be a Certified Farmers Market?

Story of the Flea Market as EBT Farmers MarketCommunity Food AssessmentPolicy and Approval for EBT USDA and the State Distinct ‘Farmers Market’, Script, Vendor Agreement1st in the Nation: Selma, Cherry Auction, OrosiNow Merced and moreFollowing up: Numbers, Promotion, Time

Cherry Auction and Selma Flea Markets

Market on the Fulton MallDowntown Fresno:EOC GrantPartners and PermitsMarket Manager

Evolution of a Local Produce Movement: School Farm StandsProduce to where People already are and Produce that is culturally appropriate. School Farm Stands (in Fresno) do not need City Permitting

Resources and Nutrition Education:Farm to School – School to Home

The New Consumer

The New Consumer’s Sister

Community SolutionsAccess to Local ProduceFarm Stands:a solution to lack of fresh produce in low income neighborhoodsCulturally accessible Produceacceptable by different cultural and ethnic groups.School Farm Stands (in Fresno)do not need City Permitting.

Co-creation What’s next?Ripening the Apple

Ripening the AppleLocal Government: Comprehensive PlanningDOE Grant to “green” our zoning codesPlan the city’s last expansion: SEGA

SEGA LocationRipening the Apple

SEGA Land Use PlanInnovative mixed useNeighborhood, community & regional centersEnvironmental outcomesUrban edgeRipening the Apple

Urban AgricultureRipening the Apple

Next Policy work:Urban Ag-Community Gardens as access to fresh produce

Ready for Change in Fresh AccessCentral Ca. Regional Obesity Prevention ProjectRoots of Change: Statewide policy on Sustainable Food Sheds: San Francisco, LA, Fresno NEXT! Urban-Rural RoundtableThe California Endowment: Investing in place changes, for the next 10 years in Central/South FresnoCalifornia AGVISION 2030, Ca. Department of Agriculture

More next stepsUrban-Rural RoundtableFood Policy CouncilRipening the Apple

Conclusions, Lessons LearnedPartnerships are criticalParticipation from all stakeholders importantPublic Health a broad frame for consensusWork with planning staff Plan for short term and long term goalsRipening the Apple

Ripening the AppleFirst Eaters/First Farmers

Ripening the AppleSourcesWhite papers prepared by Eco Trust for Roots of Change, 2004UCLA Health Policy Brief, June 2007APA Policy Guide on Community and Regional Food Planning, May 2007Fresno Green Strategy, April 2007CA Center for Public Health Advocacy Websitewww.ccropp.orgUSDA WebsiteFresno Farm Bureau WebsiteCalthorpe & Associates, SEGA graphics

Edie Jessup, Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Project (CCROPP)Sophia Pagoulatoswww.fresno.govwww.ccropp.org1625 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 106Fresno, Ca. 93710559-228-2145Funded by