ORDINANCE NO. BL2010-807

An ordinance amending Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code to create a Food Policy Council.

WHEREAS, all citizens of the Metropolitan Government should have access to nutritious, affordable, sustainable and regionally grown food; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government should be a model advocate for increasing access to affordable, healthy food, and to promote a sustainable food system; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government that a Food Policy Council be formed consisting of informed and engaged community members to advise the City on all matters impacting our local food system.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Title 2 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new Chapter 2.162 creating a Food Policy Council:

Chapter 2.162 FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

2.162.010 Created.
There is created and established a “Food Policy Council” for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

2.162.020 Membership--Appointment and term of chairman and members.
A. The food policy council shall consist of eleven members to be appointed as follows:
1. The mayor shall appoint six members and the metropolitan council shall confirm each appointee. The six members appointed by the mayor shall represent stakeholders from various diverse segments of the local food system, including farmers, nutritionists, educators, anti-hunger advocates, and representatives from the food industry.
2. Two members of the metropolitan council shall be appointed by the vice mayor to serve as ex-officio members of the food policy council, and shall not be subject to confirmation by the metropolitan council.
3. One member shall be appointed by the director of health to serve as his/her representative without confirmation by the metropolitan council.
4. One member shall be appointed by the director of schools to serve as his/her representative without confirmation by the metropolitan council.
5. One member shall be appointed by the executive director of the farmer’s market to serve as his/her representative without confirmation by the metropolitan council.
B. The members of the food policy council shall serve without compensation for terms of three years each, except that, of the first members appointed by the mayor as regular members and confirmed by the metropolitan council, two shall serve for a term of one year, two shall serve for a term of two years, and two shall serve for a term of three years.
C. Any vacancy due to any cause shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.

2.162.030 Officers.
The food policy council shall choose a chairperson, and may choose such other officers as it deems necessary.

2.162.040 Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the food policy council shall include, but not be limited to, studying the food system in Nashville and Davidson County, and making recommendations as to how the metropolitan government can:
1. Improve access to healthy foods and promote healthy eating;
2. Promote the concept of community gardens throughout the area of the metropolitan government;
3. Improve the availability of fresh, local produce in the metropolitan Nashville public schools; and
4. Attract supermarkets in underserved, low-income neighborhoods.

Section 2. That this Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Erica Gilmore