These organizational guidelines accompany Resolution #02-02-11-02 of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, passed on February 2, 2012. These guidelines are to be used in the creation of the Food Policy Council and set forth the responsibilities of the Council as well as the commitment of the Board of Supervisors and Iowa Valley RC&D Food System Planner. These guidelines may be amended with approval of the Board of Supervisors.

I. Responsibilities

  • Provide ongoing advice and input to the county, municipalities, community boards, agencies, non-profits, businesses, etc. on food related issues as needed.
  • Annually hold two publicized public forums for the community to bring County food and agriculture issues and opportunity to the community's attention for action.
  • Develop a set of governing principles and strategic goals to guide future local government and community decision making related to food issues by January, 2013.
  • Provide an annual report of findings and accomplishments to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and Iowa Corridor Food and Agriculture Coalition advisory board.
  • Identify and report back to the Board by March 2013 on issues including but not limited to:
    • Local land use policies and rules related to food production and distribution; and
    • Methods for promoting rural and urban businesses to build regional demand for locally produced foods and food products; and
    • County government food purchasing policies and practices.
  • Develop a work plan and identify potential sources of additional funding for the Food Policy Council in subsequent years.

 

II. Membership

The Council shall have between 10 and 15 community members with a strong understanding of the various segments of a local food system. Members shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors to a term of four years with staggered appointments. In recruiting and selecting members for the Council representation from the following constituencies are preferred but not required:

  • Anti-hunger advocates
  • Education and outreach
  • Farmer/Rancher
  • Land Use and Conservation/Planning
  • Registered Dietician/Physician
  • Food Safety Specialists
  • Realtor/Developer/Housing
  • Restaurant/Institution
  • Food Distribution/Processing
  • At-large members
  • County Ex Officio Member
  • Municipal Ex Officio Member


III. Johnson County Commitment

Johnson County will provide the necessary county staff time to support the facilitation of Council meetings and activities and act as a place of contact for the Council. In addition to staff support, the Board of Supervisors will consider budget requests that support the development and success of the Johnson County Food Policy Council.

 

IV. Iowa Valley RC&D Commitment

The Iowa Valley RC&D Food System Planner will provide support to the Council by supporting meeting agenda development, speaker requests, and research support.


V. Budget

The Council may submit an annual budget request to the Board of Supervisors during the budget process. The Council shall seek and acquire further matching funds from grants, foundations and other non-county sources.


IV. Structure

At the initial meeting of the Council, members shall elect a Chair, Vice - Chair and Secretary. Committees may be formed by the Council but are not required.

The Council shall appoint from its membership two individuals to serve on the Iowa Corridor Food and Agriculture Coalition Advisory Board, coordinated by the Iowa Valley RC&D Food System Planner, to share information with other regional food policy councils, boards and councils and to insure the implementation of the Iowa Corridor Food and Agriculture Coalition Strategic Regional Food System Plan.