Montgomery County Food Council

Food security - the Montgomery County Food security plan was released in 2017, and serves as the blueprint for how every local business, nonprofit, government agency and resident can contribute to ensuring all Montgomery County residents have access to sufficient, nutritious Food. Mcfc's network includes more than 75 Food assistance organizations and hundreds of Food security stakeholders who convene on a bi-weekly basis to share best practices, resources and community needs. Mcfc regularly leads conversations among representatives of local and state government agencies, nonprofit partners, and community members to identify opportunities to reduce Food insecurity in Montgomery County.

General programs - community-wide education, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives focused on the Food system elements holistically in order to cultivate a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable local Food system in Montgomery County.

Policy - the organization is an active participant in urban and rural policy and process change.

Food economy - the organization seeks to develop and sustain an economically viable local Food system through relationships with local Food entrepreneurs, retailers, restaurateurs, distributors, farmers, and Food and beverage businesses, and the expansion of the moco made program. Through the moco made program, the organization seeks to increase the visibility of the more than 75 Montgomery county-based Food businesses and farms through connections to networking opportunities, new individual, retail, and wholesale customers, educational resources and events, and more.

Food Council - the Food Council program manages the recruitment, selection, and participation of 25 volunteer Council members who bring subject matter expertise, leadership, and network engagement to the organization's work.

Environmental impact - mcfc seeks to protect and improve the local environmental resources of Montgomery County related to agriculture and Food, by collaborating with environmental stakeholders and policymakers to implement programs and policies that will promote sustainability in our Food system.

Food education - the organization's Food education initiatives are intended to improve the eating habits of those who live, work, or play in Montgomery County. This encompasses education related to gardening and agriculture, Food safety, nutrition, cooking, shopping for and preparing Food, and waste avoidance. Having access to Food education and resources will empower Montgomery County residents to make informed choices that support their health, community and environment.