Fairfax Food Council

703-246-8404 TTY 711
10777 Main Street, Suite 325
Fairfax, VA 22030
Diane Charles
Project Manager

Department Resources

Policy Task Force

The Policy Task Force of the Fairfax Food Council is comprised of diverse individuals and representatives from multiple organizations.

The Policy Task Force's purpose is to identify, prioritize, and advocate for policy issues that can positively impact the production and access to nutritious, equitable, sustainable, and affordable food for all in Fairfax County.

Develop and promote policy recommendations that improve food production and access to nutritious, equitable, sustainable, and affordable food for Fairfax residents.

Dr. Kerri LaCharite - George Mason University, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Associate Professor

Matthew Carlos - George Mason University, Higher Education PhD Student

Amy Biestek - No Kid Hungry, Senior Program Manager

Policy IconPolicy 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.

Paper and Pen IconCurrent 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.

Get Involved

The Fairfax Food Council’s Policy Task Force meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Meetings are virtual unless otherwise noted.

Subscribe to a work group or task force to receive meeting invites and notes.

Sign up for the Fairfax Food Council Newsletter for updates about food policy, food access and literacy, and urban agriculture, as well as activities and resources from around Fairfax County. The Food Council Newsletter is found under the Health and Human Services section. 

Additional Resources:

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