The collaborative efforts of the hosts led them to form the NYC Food Forum (NYCFF), a gathering of food-active organizations that collectively support a better food future for New York City. In October of 2013, NYCFF developed A Food Primer for Our New Mayor, which outlines broad objectives in five food-related areas: Hunger, Healthy Food, School Food, the Food Economy, and Food Governance. More than 80 food-active organizations have signed on to the Primer as a guiding document for food advocacy and policy in the de Blasio administration. 

 

During these first few months of our City's transition to a new administration, NYCFF is working to advance food issues with elected officials in both the City Council and the office of Mayor Bill de Blasio. We are committed to bringing food to the forefront of NYC public policy, to amplifying the efforts of NYC's food-active organizations by working together toward this shared goal, and to engaging the City in dialogue on how to best achieve a more equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food system in our City.

Food Policy Recommendations for Potential Early Action

 

Members of the NYCFF steering committee and the broader NYCFF have drafted a set of recommendations selected from specific issue areas in the Primer that were identified as having the most potential for early action by the new administration and City Council. These recommendations are being shared by the NYCFF with elected officials and staff in face-to-face meetings and are meant to provide a basis for dialogue and action. The recommendations don't represent a comprehensive list of all NYCFF groups' priorities and are not being considered a comprehensive platform.   

 

Food Governance

 

As part of our continued work and conversations with the NYC Council, NYCFF has been given the unique opportunity to provide input into legislation that will create a NYC Food Council. As the legislative process advances, we will share opportunities to attend a public hearing and provide input and comment into the legislation. In the interim, if you have specific input regarding the structuring of this legislation please contact NYCFF at newyorkcityfoodforum@gmail.com.  

NYCFF is made up of more than 80 food-active organizations that have come together to advance our shared vision and goals for a better food future for every New Yorker. Our success, including the Candidate Forum and the food Primer, is due in no small part to the ongoing work, organization, and leadership of the NYCFF Coordinator - an intensive and paid staff position. Please consider supporting our work. Your contribution will enable us to continue working to advance good food policy. Contributions from individuals and member organizations welcome!

• If you are affiliated with an organization that has not yet signed-on to the Primer, consider signing-on and becoming a voting organization of NYCFF.

Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for more updates in the future.

If you have any questions, please contact the NYC Food Forum coordinator, Caitlin Salemi at newyorkcityfoodforum@gmail.com.