Strengthen the local food system and increase access to healthy food options using strategies such as:
- Increasing the effectiveness of community gardens, especially in underserved areas.
- Reducing access to low nutrition food (e.g. junk food, fast food).
- Preserving agricultural lands for purposes of producing food, fiber, and fuel.
- Participating in a local or regional food policy council.
- Develop an incentive program that will assist convenience stores with providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items.
- Develop a land bank to convert tax-reverted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community gardens or “satellite farms.”
- Prioritize underserved areas when locating new grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and mobile grocers. Use financial incentives, technical assistance, and other services to improve the quality and selection of healthy foods available to underserved areas.