20250310-009: Expand Benefits and Access to Nutritious Food — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number 20250310-09: Expand Benefits and Access to Nutritious Food WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report Strategy 6.5 calls for expanded benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC. WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP and WIC recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and retail locations; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, there are existing successful local programs that provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education so new programs can and need to be created; WHEREAS, these recommendations align with the city's commitment to the food plan, health, and community support. Further recognizing that according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes access to nutritious food as a fundamental human right; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City of Austin expand and enhance nutrition incentive programs, building upon successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program with more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs. These efforts could provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products and create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Austin City Council to provide funding for nutrition education and skill-building initiatives to increase utilization and health among vulnerable populations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City Council reduce barriers to food assistance through accessible digital and in-person application processes, where application materials and support services are provided in multiple languages and create accessible accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all existing state and federal food assistance program. Date of Approval: March 10, 2025 Record of the Vote: Kacey Hanson made a motion to approve the recommendation for Strategy 6.5 with Andy Smith seconding the motion and the motion passed on a 7-0-2 vote. Vote in Favor: Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Nitza Cuevas, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Vote Against: none Abstaining: Andrea Abel, Beth Corbett Absent: Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Larry Franklin, Natalie Poulos Attest: City of Austin, Office of Climate Action and Resilience, Food Policy Manager/ ATCFPB Staff Liaison