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After council discussions, the first policy of it’s kind in Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed on June 6th, 2016, by the city council for urban agriculture (UA).
The new Urban Agriculture and Food Policy plan, developed by La Semilla Food Center, will help the 16.8% food insecure community to have more access to healthier foods through food distribution in towns, cities schools and communities.
How?
The plan includes three goals including supporting healthy and food-secure communities, having stronger and more vibrant local food economies and supporting healthier ecosystems, and smart environmental stewardship resources.
Driven by the community, the plan was prepared by the Urban Ag working group of the Mesilla Valley Food Policy Council (MVFPC). The MVFPC created in 2012 was created as a task force to foster links between food, health, and economic development. La Semilla Food Center, the New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Las Cruces initiative, and the council have all worked together on the new food policy plan, seeing urban agriculture as a strategy for business development, job training, community development, health education, democratic process, and more.
The Dona Ana County community has higher risks for diet-related diseases, and also suffers from higher risks of childhood hunger and unequal access to healthy foods.
The new food policy plan may help the area (66.8% Latino) have access to healthier food environments and be able to continue to build and create more agricultural economic opportunities.
Want to learn more?
See the Urban Agriculture and Food Policy Plan here and find out more about how to connect with the La Semilla Food Center!
Take action! Share your comments on the Supporting Gardens in El Paso and New Mexico! forum.
Copy & Share on Twitter: Congrats to @lasemillafoodcenter @LaSemillaFC for the new urban ag food policy! #SaludAmerica http://salud.to/1Pp4CHr
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
