Food System Managers as part of local government

A growing number of cities are creating an office within local government dedicated to food, much like they have departments for transportation and education. Until recently, the many disparate elements of the food system—from production to land prices, to local distribution challenges, to zoning hurdles for retailers—have often been viewed in isolation. But the growth of these offices in places like Baltimore, Denver, and Minneapolis, may be a sign that cities are beginning to see food in a new, holistic light. The specifics of the food policy positions vary from city to city--most are focused on sustainability or health, while others are using food as a tool for economic development. The underlying force, though, is the same: Cities are recognizing the chronic health and economic challenges that persist in communities with little access to healthy food, and the fact that local government can play a role in improving the food environment—through policy that impacts everything from land use to transit.

Source: Civil Eats, 8/22/16, Food Systems Managers