Bloomington Food Policy Council

The Bloomington Food Policy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access to locally grown, sustainably produced, and healthy food for residents in Monroe and surrounding counties in Indiana. Established in 2010, the council operates as a community-driven initiative to assess and improve the local food system.

Mission

The mission of the Bloomington Food Policy Council is centered around increasing and preserving access to healthful food options. This goal is achieved by promoting sustainable food production and distribution practices, ensuring that all community members have access to nutritious food.

Activities and Partnerships

The council has been involved in several initiatives to understand and address food access barriers. In collaboration with local organizations, such as the Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute and the IU Critical Food Studies Lab, the BFPC has conducted surveys and focus groups to gather insights into community needs related to food security.

These efforts culminated in the development of a Bloomington Food Access Report, which identified key strategies to improve food access. These strategies include reducing food prices, increasing wages, enhancing public transportation options, and promoting community gardens. The council's work emphasizes the importance of addressing structural issues like housing affordability, employment, and land use to ensure comprehensive food security.

Evolution and Renaming

As of recent developments, the Bloomington Food Policy Council is now recognized as part of the Uplands Food and Farm Council. This transition reflects broader efforts to align with regional initiatives and enhance collaboration across areas related to food and agriculture.

Impact

The Bloomington Food Policy Council plays a crucial role in advocating for food justice and sovereignty. By engaging community members and organizations in policy development, the council works to address root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and discrimination. Its initiatives aim to ensure that all residents, particularly marginalized communities, have equitable access to healthy and sustainable food options.

External Links

• GuideStar Profile
• Candid Profile

[1] https://mcpl.info/commorg/bloomington-food-policy-council [2] https://sfss.indiana.edu/pdf/BloomingtonFoodAccessReport.pdf [3] https://bloomingtonfpc.wordpress.com [4] https://app.candid.org/profile/9303516 [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-3853415