Policy Successes

• Increased the number of fresh, healthy food access points by successfully advocating for changes in zoning codes that increased the number of allowable sites for farmers' markets to operate.
• Improved food access while increasing opportunities for environmental stewardship by successfully advocating for zoning code changes that now allow edible gardens in front yards,
• Improved food access during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by successfully advocating for the safe reopening of community edible gardens.

Current Policy Focuses

The Fairfax Food Council envisions an equitable and sustainable food system where food is valued as a basic human right. In pursuit of a healthier, more food-secure Fairfax County, the Food Council's Policy Task Force is exploring policy options:

• To help remove stigma, normalize conversations, and increase awareness of and enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• To launch and support a food benefits navigator program to help individuals find food and application assistance.
• To amend the county's zoning codes to allow for more small-scale agribusiness opportunities that bolster the local food system and boost the local economy.

Additional Resources:

• Fairfax Food Council SNAP Brochure
• SNAP Is Linked With Improved Health Outcomes and Lower Health Care Costs
• The Positive Effect of SNAP Benefits of Participants and Communities
• SNAP Retailer Training Guide
• SNAP Navigator Program
• Understanding the County Role in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Home-Based Business - Zoning Ordinance