The Food Council of Blaine County, Idaho is a network of individuals and organizations that are working together to build a stronger local food system. It connects farmers, food processors, distributors, restaurants, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders in order to develop projects and policies that will benefit the community. The University of Idaho Sustainability Center and the Office of Community Partnerships provide resources for students and interns to work on related projects. The Food Policy Council of Santa Fe, New Mexico is an example of a city-sponsored food policy council that Blaine County could replicate.
Life's Kitchen is a Boise-based nonprofit organization that helps at-risk young adults become self-sufficient through comprehensive food service training and life skills. The Treasure Valley Food Coalition is a not-for-profit organization that supports a vibrant local food economy in the Treasure Valley food shed in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. The Idaho section of the Green Building Council promotes sustainable design, construction, and operation in buildings to create a better quality of life in Idaho. The One Sky, One Earth Food Coalition works to promote healthier lives and lifestyles on the Coeur d'Alene tribal reservation through food.
Ken Meter from the Crossroads Resource Center in Minneapolis has conducted community and regional food assessments throughout the county. The Treasure Valley Food Coalition works with diverse community partners to improve the resilience, integrity, and economic vitality of the region's food system. USDA Rural Development grants for rural commercial enterprises can be used for feasibility studies and other projects that create employment, including those related to food production and processing. The Northwest Inland Food Network connects people, places, food and farms through education and outreach.
The Office of Community Partnerships evaluates, plans, and researches a variety of food system strategies across the state. Direct Local Food is a Boise-based startup that offers an online wholesale market for local foods. The collaborations between these organizations have been instrumental in strengthening the local food system in Blaine County. Through their efforts, they have been able to increase access to healthy foods for all members of the community. They have also been able to create jobs in the area by providing resources for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own businesses related to food production or processing.
Additionally, they have been able to provide educational opportunities for students and interns who are interested in learning more about sustainable agriculture and food systems. The collaborations between these organizations have also been beneficial for local farmers. By working together, they have been able to increase access to markets for their products as well as provide resources for farmers who are interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices. Additionally, they have been able to provide resources for farmers who are interested in diversifying their operations by adding value-added products or services. Overall, the collaborations between these organizations have been instrumental in strengthening the local food system in Blaine County. Through their efforts, they have been able to increase access to healthy foods for all members of the community as well as create jobs in the area by providing resources for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own businesses related to food production or processing.
