WHEREAS, a diet rich in whole and minimally processed foods, including many fruits and vegetables, is recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture and has been shown to improve health and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, rising obesity and diet-related diseases increase health care costs and decrease life expectancy, and, according to the Public Health -Seattle & King County, between 2006-2010, 50 percent of Seattle adults were overweight or obese and 19% were obese; and

WHEREAS, according to a 2012 report by King County Communities Count, food insecurity impacts 14 percent of Seattle's population, one in five children in King County does not always have enough to eat, and food insecurity is more likely in households with children, Latino and AfricanAmerican households, and households with lower incomes and less education; and

WHEREAS, food waste prevention supports the City's Zero Waste Strategy; and

WHEREAS, increased demand for pesticide-free, sustainably grown food in Seattle can expand the use of agricultural practices that build soil, protect and enhance biodiversity, and protect human health; and

WHEREAS, food sales, restaurants, food products and food service are growing sectors of the local economy, with food production, food sales, and dining establishments accounting for over 130,000 jobs in the Seattle area in 2012 based on data from the Washington State Employment Security Department; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2005 report, "Why Local Linkages Matter," the returns to our local economy for each dollar spent at local, community-based restaurants, farmers markets and grocers is more than two times greater than the usual impact of spending at restaurants and grocers, and that if we shift 20 percent of our food dollars into local businesses, we could see a nearly half-billion dollar annual income increase in King County alone; and

WHEREAS, improving our local, regional, and statewide food systems advances the Seattle Comprehensive Plan goals of economic opportunity and security, environmental stewardship, community, and social equity; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has many notable programs across departments that are working to improve access to healthy food, expand opportunities to grow food locally, strengthen local and healthy food related businesses, and prevent food waste; and

WHEREAS, Fresh Bucks is a successful 2012 pilot program of the City of Seattle to provide low-income Seattle residents with increased purchasing power for fresh and healthy foods at local farmers markets, resulting in 65 percent more Supplemental Nutrition Association Program benefits used at participating markets compared to 2011, and over 800 new low-income market customers; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, the Council adopted Resolution 31019, the Local Food Action Initiative, which established goals, created a policy framework, and identified planning, analysis and actions for the purpose of strengthening Seattle's food system sustainability and security; and

WHEREAS, the City's Food Systems Interdepartmental Team worked collaboratively with community stakeholders to develop a Food Action Plan that outlines actions to provide access to healthy food for all, expand opportunities to grow food in the city, strengthen local and healthy food businesses, and prevent food related waste; and

WHEREAS, the 2012 Food Action Plan was informed by input from the public; NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:

Section 1. The Food Action Plan, which is attached to this resolution, is hereby adopted as the City's framework to preserve and enhance Seattle's food system.

Section 2. The City directs the Office of Sustainability and Environment to coordinate interdepartmental implementation of the Food Action Plan, annually monitor progress on action plan outcomes, and update the plan as needed.

Adopted by the City Council the ____ day of ____________________, 2013, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this________ day

of ______________________, 2013.

_________________________________

President Sally Clark of the City Council

THE MAYOR CONCURRING:

_________________________________

Michael McGinn, Mayor

Filed by me this ____ day of ________________________, 2012.

____________________________________

Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk

(Seal)

Attachment A: Seattle Food Action Plan

Sharon Lerman OSE 2012 Food Action Plan RES January 7, 2013 Version #2