Creating Nourishing Food Systems: A Policy Resource Guide for Local Governments in Washington State

Individual food choices are strongly influenced by the food environment. Local governments can play a critical role in transforming local and regional food systems to support healthy eating, but many are just beginning to recognize this opportunity. Creating healthier food environments in communities is best achieved using a food systems approach since food access and consumption is interconnected to the rest of the system. This guide provides local governments with a holistic approach to improve healthy eating by advancing a food system that supports health. A healthy food system is important for communities to meet the overarching goals of healthy people, healthy environment and healthy economy.

The purpose of this project was to increase awareness of local government policies that create food systems supporting healthy eating, and to provide cities and counties in Washington State with a menu of local government strategies (planning, regulatory tools, fiscal incentives and institutional mechanisms) that promote nourishing food systems.

Materials Available

• Poster

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Project Type(s): MPH Practicum, PH Concentration Poster

Author(s): Katie Potestio

Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training

Year: 2012

Adviser(s):

• Anne Lund