Food Equity Council

ives, food connects us all. We’re told that eating fresh foods is key to a healthy lifestyle. Yet, healthier foods are generally more expensive and, in some areas, hard to come by. In our area, despite it being one of the most affluent minority communities in the U.S., many of our neighbors lack access to healthy food options. We’re changing that. Since 2013, our council has been a voice for County residents at the policymaking table. We work with County leaders to find permanent solutions to improve our food system. We focus on systematic and sustainable changes to Prince George’s County’s public health challenges (i.e., hunger, diet-related chronic disease, and food deserts that lack healthy food options) by advocating for policy that creates a more equitable local food system. Did you know that locally-grown food is not only fresher and healthier but also good for the environment and great for our economy? That’s why, over the past four years, we’ve helped our local farmers and small food businesses survive and thrive by partnering with key influencers and policymakers to change laws. Local farmers markets now enjoy a more streamlined permitting process, reduced fees and regulations, and extended operating hours. Food trucks are providing new entrepreneurship opportunities for County residents and delicious and diverse fare in areas lacking brick-and-mortar options. We’ve also made great strides for urban farming. Were you aware that before 2016, Prince George’s County zoning laws only allowed one urban farm countywide? Today, 73% of county land is rezoned for urban farming, which means more residents can grow healthy food, engage directly with their food source, and enjoy greener spaces. As a result, residents can also benefit from supplemental income, community unification, lower crime, and increased property values. As a bonus, urban farmers can get up to $5,000 in property tax credits annually. Prince George’s County Food Equity Council knows there’s still more work to be done and we can’t do it alone. We’re on a mission to lift our community and are looking for caring local residents to help us. We’re a group of hometown leaders and changemakers committed to bringing better food to every fork. And that involves active collaboration between residents, local businesses, and County government. We depend on the generosity of donors, like you, to achieve our mission of ensuring all Prince Georgians can access healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced foods. The Prince George's County Food Equity Council is incubated within the Institute for Public Health Innovation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible, and we welcome contributions of any size. When you make your donation through PayPal please select "Prince George's County Food Equity Council" under the optional dropdown to indicate you would like your donation to support the work of the Prince George's County Food Equity Council. Once your donation is received, IPHI will provide you with documentation of your support. http://www.pgcfec.org/donate.html

Thank you again for your support of the Prince George's County Food Equity Council.