REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, November 18, 2024. 1. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Update form the Land Acquisition Working Group meeting on December 2, 2024, Marissa Bell. Update from Joint Sustainability Committee meeting on November 20, 2024, Marissa Bell. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discuss upcoming term limits and renewals. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and take action on the recommendation to adjust the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Bylaws as it relates to County board terms. 7. Discuss and take action on the Board’s 2025 meeting schedule. Proposed dates below: January 13 February 10 March 10 April 14 May 12 June 9 July 7 August 11 September 8 October 20 (bumped for Indigenous Peoples Day) November 17 (bumped for Veteran’s Day Holiday) December 8 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20241209-x06: Recommended Changes to County Membership Terms in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, according to the bylaws, board members appointed by the City Council serve four- year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Council approve a change to the Austin- Travis County Food Policy Board bylaws to increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court to 4 years beginning February 1 of their appointed year. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Board member roll call. The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, October 21, 2024. 2. 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS Briefing on Strategy 9.1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan (Launch an inclusive, community-based food collaborative or network that brings together businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, government, funders, and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, prioritizing community involvement on a regular basis.), Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, City of Austin. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Continue conversation from September and October Strategic Planning meetings and discuss Board Members’ priority strategies from the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. 5. Review Board Member Assignments FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, please contact Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364.
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB November 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Planning Process Planning Team Coordinating and Project Managing the Planning Process ● ● ● ● ● ● City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team Issue Area Groups Goal and Strategy Development Community Food Ambassadors Community Connections Community Advisory Committee ( CAC ) Advisory body overseeing the planning process Public Engagement General Public and Community Input The Public Engagement Phases We are here IFC from Austin City Council ● Develop an asset map of available resources and current food ● Create a roadmap with actionable steps for the City to prioritize and ● Identify ongoing funding and partnership opportunities to implement system conditions lead Plan strategies ● Continue to engage and support community-based organizations, school districts and higher education entities, small and large businesses, faith communities, grassroots initiatives, and individual community members to collaboratively achieve all goals within the Plan ● Identify and clearly define leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan, including defining metrics and measurements of success, to return to Council with an update by March 2025, and to thereafter provide biannual updates on the implementation of the Plan ● Identify and prioritize the strategies within the Plan that address racial inequities and have a large impact on displacement, food access and insecurity, food workers, emergency food preparedness and response, and agricultural land ● Identify funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package ● Before the end of the Plan’s initial five-year time frame, the City Manager is directed to work with the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board and Plan partners to assess the state of the Plan and provide a recommendation to update the Plan accordingly Insert IFC Gant Chart Strategy 9.1 Launch an inclusive, community-based food collaborative or network that brings together businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, government, funders, and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, prioritizing community involvement on a regular basis Approach ● City and County staff are exploring a funding opportunity for an implementation coalition ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have more detail before the end of the year ● …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES November 18, 2024 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, November 18, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Larry Franklin, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Elysa Hammond – Speaking to making all food solutions a climate solution. Treat energy like an ingredient in our food system. Beth Taylor – Tempeh producer. In support of Texas VegFest Tara Notvest – Vegan food festival coming to Austin in 2025, Seed Food and Wine Festival. Adrienne Wesk – Works with Texas VegFest and looking for City support especially around permitting and fees. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Board Member Mark Bethell motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on October 21, 2024, with Board Member Matt Simon, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 12-0 vote. 2. Briefing on Strategy 9.1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan (Launch an inclusive, community-based food collaborative or network that brings together businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, government, funders, and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, prioritizing community involvement on a regular basis.), Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, City of Austin. [See back-up materials for presentation.] DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Continue conversation from September and October Strategic Planning meetings and discuss Board Members’ priority strategies from the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. Larry Franklin left the dais at 7:03 pm 4. Review Board Member Assignments a. Staff to share information of what departments are already doing related to the food plan (likely available in December/January). County to work towards this in early 2025. b. Staff to ask City Clerk about the process of how the City Manager reviews and incorporates Board and Commission Budget Recommendations that are submitted in March. c. Board Member Lead on various priority strategies to set meetings with relevant board members to get recommendations started. d. Board Members to bring recommendations to full board in January. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, August 12, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. 6. Briefing on the Austin City Council Meeting on October 10th, Food Plan Adoption and Food Plan Implementation Resolution, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager in the Office of Sustainability DISCUSSION ITEMS Strategic planning for upcoming year to include the following objectives. Continue conversation from September meeting and discuss Board Members’ priority strategies from the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. Presentation from Joint Sustainability Committee on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Lessons Learned, Charlotte Davis, Commissioner on Joint Sustainability Committee 5. Review Board Member Assignments DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and elect a board member representative to serve as the liaison from Austin Travis County Food Policy Board to the Joint Sustainability Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB October 2024 Developing a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan will build on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and Communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan will center equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system Authority for developing the Food Plan ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 Link to full resolution Austin/Travis County Food Planning Process Planning Team Coordinating and Project Managing the Planning Process ● ● ● ● ● ● City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team Issue Area Groups Goal and Strategy Development Community Food Ambassadors Community Connections Community Advisory Committee ( CAC ) Advisory body overseeing the planning process Public Engagement General Public and Community Input The Public Engagement Phases We are here Plan Adoption ● Plan adoped by Austin City Council on October 10th 2024 ● Unanimous vote from Council ● 20 speakers in favor of the Plan IFC from City Council ● Develop an asset map of available resources and current food ● Create a roadmap with actionable steps for the City to prioritize and ● Identify ongoing funding and partnership opportunities to implement system conditions lead Plan strategies ● Continue to engage and support community-based organizations, school districts and higher education entities, small and large businesses, faith communities, grassroots initiatives, and individual community members to collaboratively achieve all goals within the Plan ● Identify and clearly define leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan, including defining metrics and measurements of success, to return to Council with an update by March 2025, and to thereafter provide biannual updates on the implementation of the Plan ● Identify and prioritize the strategies within the Plan that address racial inequities and have a large impact on displacement, food access and insecurity, food workers, emergency food preparedness and response, and agricultural land ● Identify funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in …
Learnings on Implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan October 21, 2024 Charlotte Davis Vice Chair, Joint Sustainability Committee Disclaimer Views and opinions contained within are my own & do not represent the position of the Joint Sustainability Committee Climate Equity Plan Overview ● Net Zero by 2040, equitably ● Adopted in 2021 by the Austin City Council ● JSC partners with Office of Sustainability on implementation 17 Goals 75 Strategies $0 in funding allocated Approach The ACEP is too broad for one group to meaningfully engage with in monthly meetings, so Working Groups were established to develop specific budget and policy recommendations. Working Groups Align with ACEP Sections Sustainable Buildings Transportation Electrification & Land Use Food & Product Consumption Natural Systems Meet 1-2x/ month and may include City staff and members of local organizations Identifying Projects to Recommend When deciding which budget or policy recommendations to push for, consider: ● Low hanging fruit ● Avoiding analysis paralysis ● YOUR passions ● Staff/ department alignment Getting Council Attention ● Follow up with Council Members after passing recommendations ● Amplify the message by coordinating with: ○ Other boards & commissions ○ Community coalitions ● Patience & persistence Questions?
Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Strategic Planning Recap Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 Recap from the September 9, 2024 meeting of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board What we did ● Established a shared understanding of the board’s role and opportunities for impact ● Discussed board member priorities ● Attempted to rally around a set of priorities with a defined path forward ● Decided to focus on finding “low-hanging fruit” in food plan and work on crafting those recommendations between now and March Board Role Recap Brainstormed ideas and analysis of impact ● Board members were asked to do some quiet brainstorming and then worked in pairs to bring forth strong ideas of what the board can work on in the year ahead. ● After brainstorming ideas, board members were then asked to assess which ideas had the most potential for impact and use dot voting to visualize those assessments. Brainstormed ideas Find one time funding for implementation of the food plan A. B. Develop purchasing policy changes to guide City and County food purchases to align with community values Identify realistic parts of the food plan that align with existing funding opportunities that have a regional impact D. Create press releases for the food plan; invite CAC members to share experience and priorities Identify “low-hanging fruits” in the food plan for both City and County Establish land-access roadmap C. E. F. COMMON THEME – Identify resources to support food plan Board Discussion and Decision ● Work on identifying low-hanging fruit in food plan as a first step. ● Board members to do some homework to identify those strategies and bring to October meeting. ● Use time between now and March to identify those priorities and craft recommendations to address them. Board Discussion and Decision ● Work on identifying low-hanging fruit in food plan as a first step. ● Board members to do some homework to identify those strategies and bring to October meeting. ● Use time between now and March to identify those priorities and craft recommendations to address them. Homework ● ● ● ● ● ● Review the food plan goals and strategies - Link to Food Plan Identify the strategies that resonate most with you—consider where you can contribute subject matter expertise. Select 1-2 strategies that you believe are feasible, high-impact, and within the board's scope, and develop ideas that can guide the Board's working groups …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES October 21, 2024 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, October 21, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Larry Franklin, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Rosamaria Murillo Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 9, 2024, with Board Member Andrea Abel, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 12-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing on the Austin City Council Meeting on October 10th, Food Plan Adoption and Food Plan Implementation Resolution, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager in the Office of Sustainability. See back-up materials for presentation. Joi Chevalier stepped off the dais at 6:33 p.m. and returned at 6:38 p.m. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Strategic planning for upcoming year to include the following objectives. Continue conversation from September meeting and discuss Board Members’ priority strategies from the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. 4. Presentation from Joint Sustainability Committee on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Lessons Learned, Charlotte Davis, Commissioner on Joint Sustainability Committee 5. Review Board Member Assignments a. Amanda to send information about Travis County Commissioners b. Staff to bring back a spreadsheet of strategies that the City could work on with or without funding c. Board Members to send Amanda homework assignments d. Staff to look at where the board member interests intersect and share that back out e. Board members to write thank you notes to the elected officials for the adoption of to the board. the food plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discuss and elect a board member representative to serve as the liaison from Austin Travis County Food Policy Board to the Joint Sustainability Committee. Kacey Hanson made a motion for Marissa Bell to serve as liaison with Lisa Barden to serve as back-up. The appointment passed on an 11-0 vote. Larry Franklin left the dais at 7:30 pm FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items ADJOURNMENT Chair Joi …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th, 2024, 5:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, August 12, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discuss strategic planning for upcoming year to include the following objectives: establish a clear and shared understanding of board’s role and its opportunities for impact/system change; give all board members a voice in establishing the board’s priorities; rally the board around a set of priorities with a defined path forward (i.e., identified board member participants, actions needed, deliverables) 3. Review Board Member Assignments FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, please contact Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364.
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES September 9, 2024 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, September 9th at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Joi Chevalier, Matt Simon, Beth Corbett, Marissa Bell, Lisa Barden, Andy Smith, Larry Franklin, Kacey Hanson, Andrea Abel Board Members Absent: Mark Bethell, Hilda Gutierrez, Rosamaria Murillo Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on August 12, 2024, with Board Member Marissa Bell, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 10-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discuss strategic planning for upcoming year to include the following objectives: establish a clear and shared understanding of board’s role and its opportunities for impact/system change; give all board members a voice in establishing the board’s priorities; rally the board around a set of priorities with a defined path forward (i.e., identified board member participants, actions needed, deliverables) 3. Review Board Member Assignments a. Amanda Rohlich to share the strategy cross walk for both City and County b. Marissa Bell to develop homework for the board for the October meeting c. Amanda Rohlich to send out meeting notes from September meeting FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items Include an hour of time in next meeting with next steps around moving this work forward. ADJOURNMENT Chair Joi Chevalier adjourned the meeting at 8:10 pm. Minutes were approved at the October 21, 2024 full board meeting on Board Member Lisa Barden’s motion with Board Member Andrea Abel seconding. Minutes passed on a 12-0 vote.
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, AUGUST 12th, 2024, FROM 5:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin CALL TO ORDER 1. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA Board member roll call and introduction of new board members (name, organization, why they are on food policy board). PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, June 10, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Presentation by Tracy Ayrhart from Central Texas Food Bank on plans for a Travis County Community Needs Assessment and the development of a Central Texas Food System Council to support collaborative work across county lines. Presentation by Yaira Robinson providing updates on Austin-Travis County Food Plan adoption and implementation. Presentation by Edwin Marty on context building for Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strategic planning. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meetings held on June 26, 2024, Larry Franklin. Discuss Annual Internal Review which was due July 31, 2024. Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES August 12, 2024 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, June 10th at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Rosamaria Murillo Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carlos Soto, Community Advancement Network – Language Access Project and CAN Community Resource Guides. Resource Guides available in 10 languages and across several topics: Know Your Rights, Health, Food, Staying Safe, Managing Your Money, Navigating the Education System. Guides are also available in video form. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Mark Bethell motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 10th , with Board Member Marissa Bell, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 10- 0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING None DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Tracy Ayrhart from Central Texas Food Bank on plans for a Travis County Community Needs Assessment and the development of a Central Texas Food System Council to support collaborative work across county lines. a. Why CTFB for Regional Food System Council planning? i. The Food Bank thinks of food insecurity as a result of the food system. The role of charitable services is a downstream response to be able to get food on people’s plates if they can’t access it themselves through other means. ii. CTFB launched a regional Data Advisory Group and the Central Texas Food System Dashboard (2022), and has been conducting county-level Food Access Community Needs Assessments since 2023. iii. CTFB already serves 21 counties, has existing relationships across the food system and across sectors, has access to infrastructure, builds on existing work on regional data network, the work aligns with the strategic vision of the organization, and has a willingness and a desire to invest, including the buy-in of leadership. b. Regional Food System Council i. Purpose: assess the food system, build strategic partnerships and connections, cultivate greater awareness of the food system, and determine strategic opportunities and priorities. ii. Scope: Counties with existing food system momentum, with plans to expand to 21 (starting with 5 …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JUNE 10th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, April 15, 2024 2. Final Approved Version of Food Plan, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss the Community Investment Budget, Larry Franklin 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Discuss advocacy plan, talking points, and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning and board-approved budget recommendations. Update from Lisa Barden regarding Andrea Abel’s meeting on June 4, 2024 with D3 - CM Velasquez staff Jaelyn Valero Update from Marissa Bell on May 31, 2024, meeting with D8 - CM Paige Ellis Update from Marissa Bell on April 24, 2024, meeting with D7 - CM Leslie Pool staff Ashley Richardson Update on Board Appointments (Matt Simon, Andy Smith, Hilda Gutierrez, and reappointment of Kacey Hanson) Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meetings held on April 24 (Regular Meeting), April 30 (Special Called Meeting), May 22 (Regular Meeting), Larry Franklin and Dr. Rosamaria Murillo Discuss Annual Internal Review which is due July 31, 2024 Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve amendments to bylaws including an adjustment to County appointee terms and number of City and County appointees Discuss and approve cancelling …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Changes to Membership in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, board members appointed by the City Council serve four-year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; WHEREAS, the 7 Board positions that are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Council are all currently nominated by the mayor may not adequately represent the diverse needs and interests of all districts within the City of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to modify Section 2-1-170(A) in the City’s Code of Ordinances to increase ATCFPB membership to 17 members, and Section 2-1-170(A)(1) to read “The City Council shall consist of 11 members, nominated by each council member and the mayor and appointed by the city council.”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the responsible party increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners court to 4 years to correspond to their elected terms. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin-Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610-039 directing the development of a five-year food plan for Austin-Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning meetings and events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 87% of participants residing within City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to approve the proposed Food Plan, and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number 20240318-7 to hire a full-time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin-Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610-039 directing the development of a five-year food plan for Austin-Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 13% of participants residing in areas of Travis County outside of the City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis county. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Travis County Commissioners Court to approve the proposed Food Plan, and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number ??? (does the county resolution have a similar numbering system?) to hire a full-time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Briefing June 10th, 2024 Agenda ● Introductions ● What is a Food System? ● What is a Food Plan and why are we doing it? ● How did we create the Plan? ● Who participated in the Planning Process? ● Overview of Vision and Objectives ● Overview of the Goals and Strategies ● Next Steps 2 2 Some Food for Thought Food Production: Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching Food Processing & Distribution: What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. Food Markets & Retails: Where food is sold, purchased, or provided cost-free. Food Consumption & Access: How we eat our food, who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health. Post-Consumption & Food Waste: What happens to the parts of food we don’t eat and the impact of food waste on the environment. Food Justice: How systemic racism & colonization impact how the food system works — or doesn’t work — for each member of our community. 4 Creating a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan sets clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan builds on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system 6 6 Background and Authority ● On June 2021, Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 Link to full resolution 7 7 Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development We are here Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March - August 2023 September 2023 - February 2024 February - Summer/Fall 2024 ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafes ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events …
Community Investment Budget The City’s budget is a reflection of our values. Austin is a progressive city, but budget processes are by nature conservative. Each budget is built on the prior one, and such a process makes the city resistant to change, regardless of the priorities expressed by voters and those they elect to address the urgent needs of today. Austin’s budget process even fails to account for predictable expansion of important programs due to population growth (e.g. more parks require more park services.) Incrementally, we demand that city departments address housing, health and safety in new ways where the old ways have failed, and prioritize population appropriate service expansion guided by equity and sustainability across all departments. The undersigned organizations jointly urge the following priority investments in community health, housing, affordability, sustainability and safety for FY24 totaling $76.3 million or 5.5% of this year’s roughly $1.4 billion General Revenue budget. We further ask that items marked “ ongoing ” be funded in the baseline budget to be released by the City Manager. In recognition of the need for equitable resource support we ask that BIPOC led & served organizations be prioritized. ● Parent Support Specialists [$2.4M] ongoing ● Tenant Relocation Assistance Program [$1M] ongoing ● Emergency Rental Assistance, Eviction Defense, and Tenant Legal and Support Services [$10M] ● Forensic Nursing, Austin Health Department [$328k] ongoing ● Mental Health 1st Response [$4M] ongoing ● Library books/materials [$900k] ● Reentry navigators for jobs/housing formerly incarcerated [$1.4M] ongoing ● Workforce Development [$3.46M ] ● Office of Violence Prevention [$500k] ● Implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan [$1.335M] ● Improve rebates for residential and commercial landscape conversions [$400,000, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Increase Leak Detection Programs [$2.28M, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Park Maintenance and Safety [$2M] ongoing ● Tenant Education, Stabilization Support, and Community-based Agreement Support [$300k] ongoing ● Displacement Prevention Navigators [$1M] ongoing ● Fair Housing Education, Support, and Testing [$350k] ● Emergency Supplemental Assistance for Low Income Residents [$300k] ● Inclement Weather Response [$4.5M] ongoing ● Community Crisis Response [$2.3M] ongoing ● Street Outreach Services, Case Managers, and Peer Support Specialists [$4M] ● Strengthen Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and create a bridge to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) [$8M] ● Service funding for Permanent Supportive Housing [$4M] ● Early Childhood Education and Development [$1.575M] ongoing ● Resilience Hubs [$15M] ● Harm Reduction Services and Infrastructure [$1M] ongoing ● Immigration Legal …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610‐014: Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin‐Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin‐Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably‐grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610‐039 directing the development of a five‐year food plan for Austin‐Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning meetings and events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 87% of participants residing within City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to approve the proposed Food Plan and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number 20240318‐7 to hire a full‐time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: June 10th, 2024 Record of the vote: 7 in favor, none opposed, none abstained. For: Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Marissa Bell, Larry Franklin, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Absences: None Attest: City of Austin, Office of Sustainability, Food Policy Manager/ ATCFPB Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610‐015: Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin‐Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin‐Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably‐grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610‐039 directing the development of a five‐year food plan for Austin‐Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 13% of participants residing in areas of Travis County outside of the City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Travis County Commissioners Court to approve the proposed Food Plan and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number 20240318‐7 to hire a full‐time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: June 10th, 2024 Record of the vote: 7 in favor, none opposed, none abstained. For: Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Marissa Bell, Larry Franklin, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Absences: None Attest: City of Austin, Office of Sustainability, Food Policy Manager/ ATCFPB Staff Liaison
MEETING MINUTES June 10, 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, June 10th at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Larry Franklin, Larry Franklin, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos Board Members Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 15th, with Board Member Marissa Bell, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 7-0 vote. 2. Final Approved Version of Food Plan, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager (see back-up STAFF BRIEFING materials for presentation) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss the Community Investment Budget, Larry Franklin and Kathy Mitchell of Equity Action (see back up for Community Investment Budget document). Includes visionary alternatives on public safety. Food related investments to help with the implementation of food planning include: Capacity Building Grant for small, local neighborhood organizations addressing food insecurity and accessibility at $220,000; Food Plan Project Manager (FTE) with Office of Sustainability $150,000; Food Plan Coordinator (FTE) Austin Resource Recovery $120,000; Food Plan Coordinator (FTE) with Austin Public Health $120,000; Food Plan Coordinator (FTE) with Economic Development $120,000. 4. Discuss advocacy plan, talking points, and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning and board-approved budget recommendations. 5. Update form Lisa Barden regarding Andrea Abel’s meeting on June 4, 2024 with D3 – CM Velasquez staff Jaelyn Valero. Jaelyn covers environment, food insecurity and public health and has a personal interest in sustainable agriculture. They had a 20-minute conversation where Andrea Abel introduced her to the ATCFPB and the Food Plan. Abel shared that the hope was for the Food Plan to be reviewed by City Council in July. Abel also shared that CM Fuentes would most likely sponsor the resolution to support the ATCFPB recommendation to fund an FTE for food plan implementation with backup from CM A. Alter and CM R. Alter. Jaelyn indicated that we could anticipate CM Velasquez's support as well. Jaelyn asked if there was a dollar amount to implement the food plan but Abel let her know that was …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 15th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Sari Vatske AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, March 18, 2024 STAFF BRIEFING Update on the College Food Access with Central Texas Food Bank Contract, Ricardo Zavala, Public Health Program Manager II with Austin Public Health DISCUSSION ITEMS Discuss advocacy plan, talking points, and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning and board-approved budget recommendations. Board vacancies, appointments, and reappointments. Three vacancies from Judge Andy Brown, Commissioners Shea & Gomez. Andrea Abel’s reappointment by Judge Andy Brown. Kacey Hanson request to be renominated by Commissioner Travillion. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meeting on March 27, 2024, Larry Franklin and Dr. Rosamaria Murillo Discussion and reminder for board members to complete the electronic learning training module on sexual harassment awareness by May 10th to avoid any issues with their eligibility to serve. An in-person training will be offered at City Hall on Tuesday, April 23rd at 9:30 am. Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES Discuss and appoint Chair and Vice Chair Discuss and approve special called meeting for May 20th and cancel May 13th meeting Updates from the Food Planning Working Group regarding recent food planning activities, Community Advisory Committee …
Campus Food Insecurity Project Update for the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board April 15, 2024 RICARDO ZAVALA, MPA PROGRAM MANAGER, COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCES College Food Access Central Texas Food Bank Inc $157,500 for April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 Initial Contract for $57,500 started in April 2022. Works with the Austin Community College*, Concordia University, St. Edward’s University, and the University of Texas at Austin Provides targeted funds, guidance, and/or food-related Leverages student-driven initiatives to address hunger services on their campuses Overview of Services Partners include student groups or organizations that serve eligible client populations via the campus pantry model Provide support for: on-campus food pantries expansion of campus-based food programs as appropriate, provide training, education & outreach that destigmatizes food support. Individuals Served Organization Start of Service Number Served Population Served Austin Community College – Highland Campus Austin Community College – Riverside Campus October 2023 10,982 February 2024 Concordia University October 2023 Students, Staff and Faculty 720 778 6,280 1,131 Families Students Students Students St. Edwards University* Fall 2023 University of Texas – Mexican-American & Latin Studies University of Texas – Outpost October 2023 *75 hours of student-led outreach. October 2023 2,943 Students Contract Requirements Kickoff meeting with the campus with the following topics: Food Pantry Management Nutrition Education Benefits Enrollment Assistance Annual training on food safety & civil rights. Deliverables required: Report on Kickoff meeting outcomes Copies of Memorandums of Understanding Outreach plans Quarterly progress reports with relevant updates, quantitative data on food distribution, clients served, outreach updates, challenges & successes Additional Deliverables Reports on: Monitoring of campus pantries to ensure quality standards are maintained Nutrition Education activities conducted Educational activities on public benefits enrollment Campus partner meetings to discuss best practices and plans, including partner representative attendance & photos Thank you! Questions
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES April 15, 2024 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, April 15th at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Larry Franklin, Kacey Hanson, Larry Franklin, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos Board Members Absent: Andrea Abel, Sari Vatske Staff in Attendance: Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 18th, with Board Member Kacey Hanson, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 8-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Update on the College Food Access with Central Texas Food Bank Contract, Ricardo Zavala at Austin Public Health (see back-up materials for presentation) a. Do the agencies collect demographic data from food recipients? Is satisfaction level collected? Currently none of that data is reported to City of Austin. It is not required in the current contract, however that can be amended. b. It looks like all the locations are on-campus however most of food insecurity is with students who live off-campus. Are there any initiatives to provide food to students who live off campus? Ricardo Zavala noted that he did not have any information on that. c. A survey recently conducted at UT reported ~40% food insecurity among UT students. d. The current contract with Central Texas Food Bank was renewed for one year. e. Huston-Tillotson University is not currently on the list but Central Texas Food Bank said they are looking to work with HT but there is currently not a pantry on that campus. f. Regarding, demographics reporting, UT Outpost may not be reporting that information so as not to cause an undue burden on students. Kacey Hanson noted that we cannot fix thing that we cannot measure. One way to get around this is allowing the survey to be optional versus required. g. Suggestions and recommendations are welcomed but what is the process for getting suggested contract amendments incorporated? Develop a recommendation to Council and/or initiate a conversation with APH staff/leadership. h. El Buen partners with ACC Eastview – 30 boxes/week (2nd and 4th week) and ACC Highland – 100 boxes/week (2nd and 4th week) …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 18th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Sari Vatske AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, February 12, 2024 Austin-Travis County Food Planning, Draft Release, Timeline and Communication Updates, Edwin Marty 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Discuss advocacy plan and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning Board vacancies, appointments, and reappointments. Three vacancies from Judge Andy Brown and Commissioners Shea & Gomez. Andrea Abel’s reappointment by Judge Andy Brown. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meeting on February 28, 2024, Larry Franklin Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve the City of Austin budget recommendations from the Food in All Departments working group to fund a Full Time Employee (FTE) to help implement the food plan Discuss and approve the Travis County budget recommendations from the Food in All Departments working group to fund a Full Time Employee (FTE) to help implement the food plan Discuss and approve the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Sustainable Purchasing Discuss and approve the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Incentives and Education for Pro-Climate, Pro-Health Foods Discuss and appoint a back-up representative to the Joint Sustainability Committee WORKING GROUP UPDATES …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240318-XXX (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Support for Food Plan Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently being developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning team across both City and County offices, and public engagement; and WHEREAS, the developed Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies that can be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate changes where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final draft of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council by summer 2024 for review and approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan immediately following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, concerns about the need to prevent duplication of services are complex and implementation that will avoid redundant actions requires significant coordination leadership; WHEREAS, established funding for implementation from the City is needed to support and implement the work of thousands of community members to fully realize and begin the transformative change that is outlined in the Austin/Travis County Food plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all means to create one full-time equivalent positions within the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan once approved. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
Memo To: Travis County Commissioners Court From: Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board Date: March 18, 2024 Re: Support for Food Plan Implementation/Recommendation #: WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039 in June 2021, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan to support a more resilient, equitable food system for our community, and which directed the City Manager to engage Travis County in this effort; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved Travis County’s formal participation in and support for the Food Plan on December 13, 2022, creating the current directive to develop a comprehensive Plan that incorporates both the City of Austin and Travis County, thus expanding the scope and support for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently in development through a robust public engagement process including: Comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas of, 1) Food Access and Consumption, 2) Food Markets and Retail, 3) Food Production, 4) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, and 5) Food Processing and Distribution; a Community Advisory Committee; Community Food Ambassadors; and a planning team across both City and County offices; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies, of which meaningful progress can be accomplished within a five year time period to support the Food Plan’s vision: a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court during summer 2024 for approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, implementation of the Food Plan will be complex, and reducing duplication of efforts will require significant coordination and leadership WHEREAS, dedicated resources from the City of Austin/Travis County are needed to support the implementation of the Food Plan, which represents the work of thousands of community members to begin achieve, and sustain transformative change for our food system. NOW, THEREFORE, BE …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-014 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations 1. Climate Equity Plan Project Manager: The Austin Climate Equity Plan contains ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals and strategies to achieve those goals that touch every City department. Fully implementing the plan will reap great benefits to the City of Austin and its residents. The Office of Sustainability needs additional staff to track, report on, and coordinate this work to make the vision of the plan a reality. This position would be responsible for continually updating the Austin Climate Equity Plan Dashboard to reflect progress on each sub-strategy in the plan, including opportunities for the public to engage in the various initiatives (i.e. surveys, public meetings, working groups) and lists of NGOs engaging in various aspects of implementation. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: one (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. (est. $150,000) Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha Delgado Seconded By: Scott 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. Additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha …
Austin Travis CountyFood Policy Board Questions Regarding Winter Weather Event on Jan17-19 2024, Austin Texas March 18th 2024 The City of Austin’s response to providing support to impacted communities in the winter weather events of January 2024 was a collaboration between Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the Homeless Strategy Division (HSD), the Office of Sustainability (OoS), Austin Public Health (APH), Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), the Office of Equity (OoE), and the Office of Resilience (OoR). HSD has contracted with The Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) to manage up to three shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) during inclement weather events (cold/ heat). These shelters can house up to a hundred people per shelter for a total of 300 people per night. If conditions require more than the three shelters for PEH provided for by the contract with AAUL, HSEM will open shelters in collaboration with PARD and APH as need is identified. HSEM handles the logistics for these ‘surge’ shelters. In addition, HSEM and APH have plans to provide shelter for the ‘general public’ if needed at PARD facilities. There are also plans for providing ‘mass food and water’ to the general public if needed. There was no need for these options during the January 2024 Winter Weather event. 1) Was the Disaster Food Access and Drinking Water Appendix to the Emergency Operations Plan (approved March 2023) implemented during this time? If so, were the Daily Feeding Site Reports completed for each shelter site? If not, how does this appendix fit into these and other mass care situations? Was there an After-Action Report? If you are willing, please share the Daily Feeding Site Reports and the After- Action Report. - HSEM: The Food and Water appendix was utilized, but as the incident was limited in scope and duration, only specific components of appendix were implemented. The components included actions like activating a Situational Assessment Team for enhanced awareness, engagement with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Community Based Organization (CBO) to share information and resources, as well as conducting assessment of community food and water needs. • Daily Feeding Site Reports: EOC Logistics collects Daily Feeding data as part of their standard processes through WebEOC Resource Request board, which is done in coordination with Shelter Managers and NGO/CBOs. This board would connect Logistics with each site, and the sites could provide data regarding population numbers, food and water or dietary …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB March 18th 2024 Developing a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan build on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and Communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan will center equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system Plan Authorization ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 ● ATCFPB assisted with the creation of the ‘plan for the plan’, including the review of the RFP for the planning consultant, development and on-boarding of the CAC, and participation in the Issue Area Group Link to full resolution Project Timeline We are here Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March 2023 - August 2023 March 2024 - July 2024 September 2023 - February 2024 ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafe’s ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events 📞 Equity Grounding Workshops 🤝 Community Circles 👐 Selecting Issue Area Groups🍽 ● ● ● Issue Area Group Meetings 🏘 Develop Goals and Strategies 🎯 Review Goals and Strategies ● ● ● ● ● Develop a draft for the Food Plan 🖊 Community Review of Plan 👀 Council and Commissioner Review ⚖ Approval 👍 Adoption 🏁 Co-creating the plan ● Planning Team: Coordinating and managing all moving parts ○ Includes: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team ● Community Advisory Committee: Advisory body overseeing the planning process ● Issue Area Groups: Developing goals and strategies for the plan ● Community Food Ambassadors: Connecting the plan to our communities ● Broader community feedback: Provide input at different stages of the plan Food Plan Structure ● Vision: Describes and articulates our shared aim - the …
