As part of our mission to support the creation of a robust, local and sustainable food system in our County, The Montgomery County Food Council actively provides feedback and support for numerous food system legislative efforts. We had an active and productive June with the Montgomery County Council, and we are proud to share the details of our policy efforts on topics ranging from food insecurity, to our local food economy, to composting.
Food Council Manager Heather Bruskin testified alongside many of our partners in support of Bill 19-16: the Montgomery County Food Security Bill. All nine County Councilmembers signed on as co-sponsors that day, which was an impressive testament to the County leadership’s commitment to addressing food insecurity. You can watch video of the testimonies here: http://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=136&clip_id=11849&meta_id=123310
Food Council members and staff presented at the HHS/GO Council Committee Worksession, providing Food Council updates on two ongoing food economy projects: the kitchen incubator and the food hub study. The kitchen incubator would seek to support local entrepreneurs by providing access to licensed commercial kitchen space, technical assistance, and business training. The recently completed food hub study examined the fiscal impact of a food hub in Montgomery County. Food Council member Cheryl Kollin also presented on Community Food Rescue, a free web application that matches food donor businesses with food assistance organizations and volunteer food runners. Video of the Worksession is available (starting at 9:00) at: http://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=136&clip_id=11895
Council Vice President Roger Berliner introduced Bill 28-16: Strategic Plan to Address Composting, which our Environmental Impact Working Group has played a significant role in crafting. Five Councilmembers have signed on in support of the bill and the public hearing will be held on July 19th at 1:30pm. The Food Council and many of our partner organizations will testify at the hearing. Here is a link to the bill’s legislative packet: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/Resources/Files/bill/2016/Packets/20160628_4B.pdf