SMFSA has focused on both short and long-term changes. In their “Garden in Every School” campaign, the group advocated for garden-based education for both health and environmental awareness. Their work on permitting on-farm water storage has been diligent and ultimately rewarded by changes in State permitting requirements. The group’s farm-to-institution program is among the state’s most robust in connecting healthcare institutions with farms.
Ag Innovations founded SMFSA and has provided facilitation and staff support throughout its 8-year life. Based on principles we have honed in dozens of similar community-based collaborations, the San Mateo group reflects the best of what we have learned about empowering local leadership for change.
“Ag Innovations has done a great job of mediating between agricultural and environmental interests to help them find common ground on controversial issues.”
Results
San Mateo County Local Food Feasibility Study
Reports & Papers
The San Mateo County Local Food Feasibility report explores how to distribute more local produce to public (e.g., hospital, school, and county facilities) and private institutions.
MoreProducing, Distributing, and Consuming Healthy Local Food: Ingredients for a Sustainable Food System
Reports & Papers
The San Mateo County Food System Alliance’s policy brief Producing, Distributing, and Consuming Healthy Local Food: Ingredients for a Sustainable Food System provides recommendations for a healthy food system applicable to any community.
MoreSan Mateo County Garden-Based Learning Call-to-Action
Reports & Papers
Garden-Based Learning Call-to-Action urges the community to join the San Mateo Food System Alliance’s goal to establish a garden in every school.
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