Gov. Gregoire orders collaboration and examination of policy in regards to Washington�s food systems

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued an executive order directing state agencies to collaborate with non-governmental organizations to strengthen the state�s food policy, programs and address other food-related issues.

�By acting today we will bring all aspects of our food system together,� Gregoire said. �This executive order will help identify the gaps in the food system that prevent nutritious food from getting to all people in Washington, and to find solutions and bridge those gaps.�

Gregoire signed the order, entitled �Strengthening Washington�s Food Systems through Policy and Collaboration,� at the Food Systems Strategies Summit on the University of Washington campus. The event was sponsored by the Access to Healthy Foods Coalition, a collection of businesses and organizations working together to positively influence health and nutrition in Washington state by improving the access to healthier foods for Washington citizens.

In the executive order, Gregoire calls for a report to her and the Legislature to be completed by December 31, 2011. This report will provide an assessment of existing food policies and programs as well as identify gaps and issues that need to be addressed.

The executive order is intended to help Washington qualify for federal funding as well as funds from other available sources. In addition, it will provide information to help promote nutrition, educate the public on the issue of hunger and preserve productive farmland.

�We lose 70,000 acres of farmland every year, the average age of our farmer is 57, obesity is epidemic and hunger is on the rise,� said Ellen Gray, a spokesperson for the Washington Good Food Coalition. �Our local food system needs attention. Collaboration across all sectors of the food system is critical toward addressing these unsustainable trends. We applaud the Governor for taking this important and innovative first step and look forward to the Food Policy Council�s recommendation.�