MISSISSIPPI FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

MISSISSIPPIANS INCLUDING FARMERS, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, CONSUMERS, LOCAL FOOD ADVOCATES AND MEMBERS OF SEVERL NON-PROFIT AGENCIES INTERESTED IN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS MET IN 2010 TO EXPLORE HOW WE MIGHT WORK TOGETHER TO LEVERAGE THE GROWING DEMAND FOR FRESH, NUTRITIOUS FOODS IN MISSISSIPPI. OUR SHARED VISION THAT STRONG LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS COULD BRING BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR STATE EVEOLVED INTO QUARTER GATHERINGS TO INCREASE OUR OWN KNOWLEDGE AND TO EDUCATE OTHERS ABOUT THESE POTENTIAL BENEFITS. THE MISSISSIPPI FOOD POLICY COUNCIL SEEKS TO EDUCATE MISSISSIPPISANS ABOUT THE ECONOMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRONG LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS AND TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL FOOD SYSTSEMS THROUGHT THE STATE. WE ARE NOW ACTIVELY WORKING TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL GROUPS THAT CAN MEET MORE EASILY AND REGULARLY TO DISCUSS THEIR OWN PARTICIULAR ISSUES AND WHO CAN INFORM THE BOARD OF DIRECTIONS ABOUT THEIR NEEDS AND INTERESTS.