The Resolution generally recognizes the city's support for urban agriculture and community gardens, and commits the city to working collaboratively with partners to improve water access, transform vacant public land into community gardens, and meet with a group called the “Growing Green Initiative” to discuss urban agriculture programs (including ongoing programs and recommendations).
Refers to "residents who are disproportionately affected by preventable, nutrition-related diseases" (page 1)
There are multiple references to health, including food security (page 1); obesity, diabetes, heart disease, nutrition related diseases (page 1); a finding that "community gardeners consume significantly higher amounts of fruits and vegetables than average, which can lead to lower rates of obesity and related chronic conditions and better health" (page 1)
"Buying local food helps fight climate change and improves air quality by reducing the transport, packaging, and fossil fuel-derived inputs required to bring food from farm to table" (page 2)
Noting that "a local food system can support urban and regional small farms and local jobs, create business opportunities, and encourage the re-circulation of capital withinthe Northeast Ohio Region" (page 1); refers to promoting productive uses of vacant, underutilized land (page 1); and also that "the ability to grow, sell, and easily obtain a consistent, adequate supply of fresh local foods increases food security and empowers families and communities to be more healthy and self-sufficient" (page 2)
Findings include information on local food system landscape, community gardens, and their importance for access to healthy food, and information about local food initiatives (page 1-2). For example, the finding state that "community gardens increase the quality and variety of healthy foods available to East Cleveland residents who otherwise have easier access to fast food rather fresh, whole foods ..."
Title of resolution: "A Resolution recognizing the importance of healthy, sustainably produced and locally grown foods, community gardens and other forms of urban agriculture, and promoting the production, distribution, and consumption of such foods by and for the residents of the City of East Cleveland and its regional neighbors."
Uncodified Resolution No. 54-10