Coalition invites community to continue Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan conversation

Annual community meeting planned for Dec. 14

The Healthy Food Healthy People Coalition, a space where Niagara Falls residents and stakeholders come together to discuss issues that affect the local food system, invites all members of the community to join for the annual meeting surrounding the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan (NFLFAP).

The meeting is open to the public and will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, at Packard Court Community Center, 4300 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls. Participants will have the opportunity to network from 5-6 p.m., with the NFLFAP updates and discussion beginning at 6 p.m.

The RSVP can be found at this link, or by contacting Field & Fork Network at 716-940-7901.

A press release explained, “The Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan provides a framework of common goals and actions that serve to bring together residents, schools, community organizations, businesses and local government in supporting a healthy, strong and resilient local food system. Through this resident-informed planning process, the vision for the plan evolved to tackling food access issues in four priority areas: agriculture, healthy neighborhoods, education, and economic development.”

It added, “Now entering its sixth year, the officially adopted city food plan houses goals and actions representing those that were identified by residents and stakeholders, and represent those with the greatest potential for a positive impact on the unique food-related issues facing the Niagara Falls community.

Continuing with its resident-driven decision-making tradition, the forum will provide attendees with NFLFAP progress over the past five years, as well as engage participants in planning for ‘The Next 5’ of food-based programs and initiatives to meet the needs of the community.”

Tom Lowe, Field & Fork Network’s project director for the Niagara Falls Local Food Action Plan, said, "A strong local food movement must be a space where people affected by the food system are represented and in positions of ownership and leadership to guide the movement. The coalition is an important space for this leadership to be put into action and to bring the people of Niagara Falls together to think critically about food justice.”

The press release stated, “Field and Fork Network connects communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. The organization is dedicated to creating resilient, equitable programs that increase food access, support economic and youth development, and create healthier, and sustainable food system through neighborhoods.”

To learn more, visit https://www.fieldandforknetwork.com/.