The Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council was formed to promote policies and action supporting a local food system that benefits our community, our environment, our farmers, and our economy in ways that are equitable and sustainable. The Council fosters awareness and understanding of the role played by an environmentally healthy food system in food security, economic vitality and the health and well-being of our community.
The Council’s Steering Committee of stakeholder representatives meets bi-monthly. Working Groups meet and work across the Valley. Membership is free. Contact info@lvfpc.org for information on joining or starting a work group initiative.
Working Groups:
Food Access – Making sure that fresh healthy food is available and affordable for everyone in the Lehigh Valley. We are currently working on summer food initiatives while school is out, SNAP education, WIC participation, healthy and culturally appropriate options in pantries, and access to growing spaces.
Food Recovery and Respect – How do we use our food well and reduce the waste? We support two food recovery initiatives in the Lehigh Valley, the Easton Food Recovery Group and Plant A Row LV that focuses on extra produce from backyard and community gardens.
Community Farms and Gardens – Connecting with coordinators and gardeners across the Lehigh Valley, growing community support and involvement to improve food security, knowledge of what we eat, and technical assistance.
Farm to School– Working with schools to add local, fresh, healthy food options to lunch, activities, and curriculum. We are especially looking for interested participants for this work group!
Aggregation & Value Added – Working on ways to best support and encourage the Lehigh Valley residents who grow our foods and to help them improve their market and operation, examining infrastructure and logistics for sustainable growth, and encouraging workforce and economic development that focuses on local investment and re-investment in the Lehigh Valley food system.