Warren City Council Passes the Mahoning Valley Food Charter

  Warren City Council passed a historic resolution to accept the
Mahoning Valley Food Charter last night. The charter, which was
developed by the Mahoning Valley Food Policy Council (MVFPC), is
designed to create a commitment to work together to champion a local
food system that secures the right of all residents to adequate amounts
of safe, nutritious, culturally acceptable foods.  

  This resolution promotes bringing communities together. The
fellowship and camaraderie that develops through activities helps to
bring an awareness and appreciation of the skills and gifts we have in
one another. ”You never know who's out there in your world, who's able
to help you accomplish your goal, until you actually get out there and
accomplish something!” remarked Genevieve Germaniuk, a member of the
resident association NEED (North End Environmental Development) and a
Board Member of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP). Germaniuk
stated that “The Resolution supporting the Mahoning Valley Food Charter
is a wonderful first step toward bringing attention to the many issues
centering around quality of life. The charter promotes an active life
style by encouraging people to get outside and take a look around their
very own homes and local community areas. It promotes getting
outside oneself and connecting with nature. As a Master Gardner I know
that the concept of composting and recycling materials such as kitchen
waste and yard debris will conserve our resources and prevent
pollution. This isn't a "pie in the sky" idea.  It's something that
could, and should be happening in every home. You don't have to drive to
a city or state park to enjoy nature. Although that is a nice thing to
do, one could also create a simple little green space right around your
own house using vegetables, perennials, annual flowers, fruit trees, or a
combination of these types of plants.” 

  Matt Martin, Program Director of TNP who serves as a member of MVFPC,
agrees that this is a step in the right direction. Warren Councilman
Colbert was instrumental in the Charter’s passing. The Charter states
that it “will promote regional economic development and food security
for our neighborhoods adding the additional benefits for locally grown
produce.  It is also intended to facilitate collaborations and
relationships that will support production and processing practices that
are at once environmentally and economically sustainable.” This is why
the MVFPC has worked so hard to pass it in Youngstown and Warren.

  The Mahoning Valley Food Policy Council was formed to provide a forum
that brings all sectors (governmental and non-governmental) involved
with local food together at one table. The Council places a high
priority on the health of individuals and believes that both our overall
physical and economic health can be aided by supporting opportunities
provided by a local food system. The goal of the council is to examine
the operation of a local food system and provide ideas and
recommendations for improvement through public policy. 

  The MVFPC represents a variety of sectors involved with our local
food system, which include but are not limited to, transportation,
education, restaurants, retailers, churches, growers, economic
development, health, and nutrition. Among the 25 seats are 6 residential
seats and 6 government seats.  For more information on MVFPC, go to
www.growyoungstown.org or www.mvorganzing.org.

You can download the application to submit for membership consideration.