Planning towards food security is critical to the overall sustainability of the region. Without reliable, healthy food, our residents live lives that are less rewarding and productive. Limited food access and food insecurity are inextricably linked to poverty and injustice. Community members who are struggling to feed themselves and their families can rarely find the resources or energy to address other needs, children who are hungry have difficulty learning, and communities without access to healthy food suffer from elevated levels of obesity and ill health.

Supporting and preserving agricultural lands and farms plays an important role in sustaining regional food security. Maintaining existing regional farmers markets and community supported agriculture programs is a key component to preserving agriculture in the region.