SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The City of Sioux Falls is announcing plans to help create the Sioux Falls Urban Agriculture Coalition to bolster sustainability efforts and expand food access.
The coalition is a collaborative effort of local producers and organizations partnered with the City: The South Dakota Department of Health Office of Child and Family Services, Minnehaha Conservation District, Fruit of the Coop, Tillford Rye Farm, IronFox Farm, and Dakota Rural Action.
The coalition seeks to improve the availability of—and access to—healthy and affordable food, as well as support sustainable, economic, and educational opportunities involving urban agriculture and innovative technologies in urban farming within Sioux Falls.
“Growing our own food is one tool we have to fight challenges in food access priority areas,” said Shelby Kommes, Public Health Prevention Coordinator. “Urban agriculture can be used to get nutritious foods into the hands of our community members.”
In addition to addressing issues with food access, urban agriculture is also a key effort toward creating a more sustainable Sioux Falls.
“Urban food is at the nexus of sustainability,” said Holly Meier, Sustainability Coordinator. “It leads to economic, social, and environmental benefits for Sioux Falls by supporting local growers and jobs, improving food access and a sense of community, and reducing emissions from the transport of food while connecting us to nature in urban life.”
A kickoff meeting will be hosted from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 27, at the Downtown Library (200 North Dakota Avenue). This meeting agenda will include information on why a coalition is needed, what the group could look like, and draft goals for the coalition.
For more information, follow the Sioux Falls Urban Ag Coalition on Facebook to receive updates about upcoming meetings. An online form is also available for those who wish to receive email updates.
(The City of Sioux Falls contributed this report/news release.)
