ROOM AT THE TABLE - Intersight - University at Buffalo

Fresh and processed foods reach consumers via a complex
distribution network that includes supermarkets, restaurants,
and other retail businesses. On average, there are 35 food retail
destinations per 10,000 residents in the county. Not everyone in Erie
County has similar access to food. Inner­city neighborhoods, for
example, have fewer supermarkets and are mainly served by smaller
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of all county residences are especially disadvantaged as they have
extremely low vehicular access and their homes are located farther
than a 10­minute driving distance from fresh food sources such as
supermarkets and grocery stores. Strategies to bring locally grown
and healthy produce to the most vulnerable Erie County consumers
will promote food security and create markets for farmers (Ch. 4).
The food disposal component of the county’s food system
offers great challenges and opportunities. We estimate that in 2009
alone Erie County’s food system generated about 101,816 tons of
food waste (equivalent in weight to 20,000 Hummer Sport Utility
Vehicles). Efforts to reclaim food waste through composting or
other methods can help replenish soil and be an energy source in the
county (Ch. 5).
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consequence to the county. Our analysis shows that Erie County’s
food system generated about $9.9 billion in sales and supported
more than 82,000 jobs in 2009. Increasing the demand for local
(and healthy) foods can have an even greater positive impact on
the local economy. A 20 percent increase in demand for fruits and
vegetables, for example, generates $984,023 in sales and 9 jobs in
Erie County. If, along with the 20 percent increase in demand for
fruits and vegetables, consumers were to buy a higher proportion of
locally­grown fruits and vegetables, the county would experience
a positive economic impact of $1.9 million in sales and 19 jobs.
7
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economic development opportunity as well. A 20 percent increase
in the number of food processing units would create $1.2 million in
sales and 63 jobs in Erie County (Ch. 8).
By attending to the food system, Erie County government
has an opportunity to simultaneously rejuvenate the farming sector,
promote health of residents and foster economic development.
Based on our assessment as well as best practices from around the
nation (Ch. 11), we outline 20 recommendations to strengthen Erie
County’s food system (Ch. 12). Key recommendations outlined in
the plan include the creation of a Food Policy Council, establishment
of a regional food hub in Erie County, creation of a county website
on agricultural resources, development of a master Erie County food
system contact directory, and reorganization of public procurement
policies to clearly express a preference for foods grown and
processed in Erie County. Although this plan is primarily intended
for implementation by the county government, other stakeholders
in Erie County can use our assessment to guide their actions to
strengthen agriculture and the food system in Erie County.
Erie County Key Facts and Figures
Residents: 919,040 people
Acres of Cropland: 99,445 acres of cropland
Average farmer age: 57 years
Adult obesity rate: 26.9 percent
Adult diabetes rate: 9.8 percent
Annual food system sales: $9.9 billion in sales