The Obama Administration is to partner with 27 communities to boost neighborhood revitalization through local food enterprises - Local Foods, Local Places - to empower creative economic development in rural and urban communities in 22 states.

Today, on behalf of the White House Rural Council, six federal agencies joined together to announce the selection of 27 communities in 22 states that will participate in Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative that helps communities increase economic opportunities for local farmers and related businesses, create vibrant places and promote childhood wellness by improving access to healthy local food.

Developed as a partnership between USDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority, this initiative is part of the White House Rural Council's Rural Impact work to improve quality of life and upward mobility for children and families in rural and tribal communities.

Source: USA News Release...

The Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University hosted a capacity-crowd workshop on leveraging local food movements in building resilient communities.  Various models for markets were featured as well as opportunities for creative economic development.

Pat Inman