Spring 2021  I  Issue 2 

SCFPC is Expanding its Board of Directors

Accepting applications through April 2nd

The SC Food Policy Council is excited to announce that it is expanding its Board of Directors! The Board of Directors is comprised of individuals from across the state working in the broader food system. However, our organization requires and currently lacks more broad representation that mirrors the wealth of diversity of the greater population affected by issues in the food system. We invite those who have not had a voice in making decisions about our food system, historically or presently, to be included in our efforts through joining our Board of Directors.

 

Applications are due by April 2, 2021. To apply, please fill out the application form.  Answers should be in-depth enough to provide individuals that do not know you with an understanding of your motivations and interests in joining the SCFPC. For questions, email Zach Herrnstadt, scfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com. If you would like assistance filling out the application form, please call (803) 993-8710. Please share this announcement with your contacts.

 

The application form can be found by following this link: https://forms.gle/YyKNr2CnWPmhyySM9

or by visiting our website: https://www.scfoodpolicy.org/board-of-directors

SCFPC Quarterly General Membership Meeting on April 27 from 1-2:30pm

Be sure to sign up for the Quarterly General Membership Meeting taking place virtually on Tuesday, April 27th from 1-2:30pm. As a member, we would ask that in the coming days you take a few minutes to reach out to at least one other person to invite them to become a member of SCFPC and attend the next quarterly meeting.

 

Sign up today!

SCFPC Membership Attend Inaugural Virtual Convening

The Inaugural Membership Virtual Convening took place on January 29th, with over 30 members attending. The event began with an introductory presentation by members of the Board and staff. Attendees then participated in small group discussions focused on identifying priority issues on which the council could potentially focus moving forward. Thanks again to all of our attendees for the wonderful energy and insightful discussion!

 

Visit our website to watch the a video of the event!

 

Local Food Policy Councils Awarded Development and Expansion Grants 

The University of South Carolina SNAP-Ed Implementing Agency, in partnership with the SCFPC, has awarded $11,700 each to 8 existing or newly forming local food policy councils (FPCs) around the state. The Local FPC Development and Expansion Grants will provide funding for newly forming local FPCs to accelerate their development and existing FPCs to expand their capacity to identify and advance policy, systems, and environmental change strategies for improving healthy food access and ensuring food equity.

 

Shekinah Miller, Healthy People Healthy Carolinas Coordinator at Impact York County (IYC), said IYC applied for the grant to help bring equity to the area’s food systems. "IYC is working toward equity being the foundation of all the work we support. IYC understands policy causes change in systems and institutions. We are excited to move forward with grassroots efforts that address food insecurity and inequality. This work is necessary as we work toward ensuring dignity around food systems in York County."

 

Awardees are part of the following communities: the City of Florence, Greenville County, Greenwood County, the City of Mullins, Oconee County, Orangeburg County, the Cities of West Columbia and Cayce, and York County. Congratulations to all of the recipients!

In the News

Food Assistance in American Rescue Plan Act Will Reduce Hardship, Provide Economic Stimulus

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - The American Rescue Plan Act includes $12 billion in key investments to food assistance programs to mitigate the nation’s extraordinarily high levels of hunger and hardship, which has disproportionately affected households with children and communities of color.

 

Have Local Food Hubs Proved they should Play a Bigger Role in Emergency Food Aid?

Food Print - GrowFood Carolina was one of many food hubs around the country that was able to quickly and effectively move excess food from farmers to hungry people, despite the fact that fresh food from small farms is rarely considered a reliable source of emergency food aid.

 

New Exemptions Will Help Narrow the SNAP Gap for College Students During the Pandemic

Food Research and Action Center - The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. 

 

USDA Extends Free Meals to Children through Summer 2021 Due to Pandemic

NBC News - The pandemic forced local food hub GrowFood Carolina to shift its primary focus from restaurants to direct-to-consumer sales, leading to a new program that further supports South Carolina farmers and communities in need of fresh produce.

 

Upcoming Events

Alliance for a Healthier SC 3rd Annual Health Equity Summit

Virtual Event

March 24, 2021 from 9:30am-12pm

 

Shifting financial power: A discussion about shared gifting for food councils

Virtual Event

March 25, 2021 from 1:30-3pm

 

Gullah Geeche Herbal Gathering

John's Island, SC

March 27, 2021


SC Food Policy Council Quarterly General Membership Meeting

Virtual Event

April 27, 2021 from 1pm-2:30pm

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