Plan will guide local food development in west central Minnesota

Residents of Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties are invited to comment on the first draft of a plan that will guide local food development in their region. People can view the plan and share their comments via an online form on the PartnerSHIP 4 Health website.

The plan was created by asking people in the region about their ideas for improving the local food system through asset mapping meetings, a survey, and a local food tour. Residents of the four-county west central region have until Monday, August 21, to provide their comments on the plan.

To build a strong local food system, communities need a roadmap to guide their way. The West Central Regional Food System Plan will be that guide for investing time, energy, and resources in the four-county region. Those investments will help boost the local economy and increase access to fresh healthy food.

PartnerSHIP 4 Health received funding to develop the plan from the West Central Initiative. The plan was developed by a project team consisting of PartnerSHIP 4 Health, Mezclada, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, West Central Initiative, and CHI Health.