Updated 12/23/03

Washington State Food Policy Council

For more information, e-mail us or call (360) 902-1884.

WSDA is partnering with Drake University and USDA Risk Management Agency to initiate the development of a State Food Policy Council for Washington State.  Food Policy Councils are innovative collaborations between citizens and government officials which examine the food system in a holistic manner.

A “food policy” is any decision made by a government institution which shapes the type of foods used or available as well as their cost, or which influences the opportunities for farmers and employees or effects food choices available to consumers. 

Examples of food policies include:

• A decision by school officials whether to purchase foods raised by local farmers;
  The eligibility standards for when low-income residents may participate in food assistance programs;    

• The regulatory requirements placed on someone desiring to open a food based business; 

• Food purchasing decisions of institutional buyers and how they relate to the use of locally produced items. 

For more information on State Food Policy Councils in other areas or to learn more about the WSDA/Drake/Risk Management Agency project, please visit www.statefoodpolicy.org

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