(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a proposed update to the city’s “Food Action Plan,” which helps city departments address food security and economy issues.
Harrell’s proposed 2024 plan is the first update to the original one developed more than 10 years ago. Seattle’s first Food Action Plan was developed in 2012 and adopted in 2013.
The Food Action Plan acts as the city’s framework to support community food security, support locally grown foods, support an equitable local food economy, and prevent food waste and climate pollution.
According to a news release, Seattle utilizes more than $30 million each year from all funding sources to support food work. This includes funding food security programs, food rescue efforts, and community gardening like “P-Patches.”
“We are building a city where all communities have access to fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant foods regardless of their race, neighborhood, or income,” Harrell said at a press conference on Thursday.
One of the main roadblocks for Seattleites having better access to food is the rising costs of goods. According to the proposed Food Action Plan, Seattle-area households spent 11.9% of their budget on food in 2020-2021, with $6,686 of their food dollars being spent on food at home and $3,568 on food away from home.
One example of Seattle’s food programs is “Fresh Bucks,” which distributes $40 to income-eligible households each month to buy produce at any participating retailer. Every $1 spent through the program is estimated to generate $1.54 in the local economy, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The program is highly sought after by Seattle residents with demand consistently exceeding available enrollment spots. The program has an active waitlist.
As part of the 2024 Food Action Plan, Fresh Bucks would be a priority program to expand so the $40 stipend would be more widely available.
The 2024 Food Action Plan also prioritizes racial and social equity. This prioritization is a result of the most current U.S. Census data from the 2012 Survey of Business Owners, which found that white-owned businesses in Seattle were valued at approximately $1 million. That is more than twice the national rate of $440,343. Black-owned businesses were worth $81,777, Native American businesses at $144,762, and Asian American businesses at $372,280.
The 2024 Food Action Plan was given a do-pass recommendation by the Seattle Sustainability, City Light, Arts and Culture Committee on Friday morning. It is expected to be voted on by the full city council on Sept. 17.