Summit Food Policy Coalition
Summit Food Policy Coalition works to improve healthy food access for all Summit County residents and spur economic opportunities for existing and beginning farmers. We welcome anyone in the community who feels strongly about these issues and wants to get involved. Learn more about our goals and objectives.
Organizers of the group include Jerry Egan, Local Food Networking Specialist, and Coalition Tri-Conveners Denise Ellsworth (OSU Extension), Beth Knorr (Countryside Conservancy), and Chris Norman (Crown Point Ecology Center).
2011 Meeting Dates
October 4 (Ohio local food week) – Goal setting for 2012 & 2013
We are currently working on drafting a Food Charter for Summit County. Check out this great version from Michigan to see what a food charter is all about.
Stay in the Loop & Join the Conversation!
The Summit Food Policy Coalition uses the website “Wiggio” to communicate about and between meetings. This is an invitation-based networking website. To join our Wiggio, click here to send a request . You will then receive an e-mail with instructions to access the website.
Growing Hope Food Summit Reports
In April 2011, Summit Food Policy Coalition partnered with Akron Summit Community Action to host the Growing Hope Food Summit. Here are the reports provided by Round River Consulting from that productive and inspiring gathering.
Farm Support
Summit Urban Farming Initiative to provide small grants to farmers to start or grow their business
The County of Summit and the City of Akron recently announced the availability of matching grants up to $3,000 to enable urban farmers to begin or grow their business. The Summit Urban Farming Initiative (SUFI) will be administered by the Summit Food Policy Coalition. An application must be submitted by January 31, 2011 and funding awards announced on March 1.
Food Access
Summit FPC to participate in OSU-funded project to encourage fresh fruits and vegetables in corner stores
Beginning in January 2011, the Summit Food Policy Coalition will participate in a project funded through the Ohio State University's Center for Farmland Policy Innovation to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables into small corner stores. Intending to counteract the effects of food deserts, neighborhoods lacking ease of access to grocery stores, the project will select a neighborhood in Akron along with a neighborhood in Columbus to act as the urban model for this program. An area in Meigs and Monroe counties will provide a rural counterpart to the urban neighborhoods.