One thousand friends of food : strategies for the implementation of local food policy in New York City

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration into how New York City can incorporate local food system planning into their existing sustainability program by capitalizing on recent energy and grassroots initiatives. I argue for the importance of local and regionally produced food as a part of food system sustainability, and propose that food issues be addressed at the local level. In order to learn how food planning transforms from a social and advocacy movement and into policy, I compare food policy initiatives in Chicago, San Francisco, and Vancouver. My analysis of each city's food program reveals their shared aspiration to provide affordable, accessible, and fresh food with few adverse environmental impacts. Each city's strategies are the product of local conditions, interests, and political culture. I recommend that as the New York City government looks towards coordinating food policy, these precedents illustrate the necessity of tailoring urban food policy practices to suit local conditions, community culture, and needs. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of nascent food policy efforts while suggesting roles for policy makers, community groups, and citizens in New York City.