Task Force Minutes Nov. 28
1:00pm
Fargo Cass Public Health
Present: Joni Nudell, Kim Lipetzky, Hilary Markley, Lloyd Harding, Erin Kelly, Ashley Ladbury, Gina Nolte, Jake Coryell
Meeting high lights:
Jake, NDSU landscape architecture student, presented his Fargo food access map project he has been working on for a class. His map(s) show ½ mile access to grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, low income, minority, community gardens, farmers markets, transit lines, etc. A couple of “gap areas” were identified; his next step is to meet with Dawn M., city planner, to check about neighborhood groups/associations. Thanks to Jake for doing this and sharing with the group!
It would be nice to do this for all of Cass and Clay Counties – Jake is willing to help with this over Christmas break. Kim can help gather some of the data. If group members know of additional gardens (even if not open to public), church gardens, etc. send that information to Kim.
The group discussed the information on the map(s) and any additional information that might be helpful to identify gaps and determine potential food access problems. See list below for suggested items to include on the maps.
The group’s vision was discussed - Lloyd will send out an email discussion and all group members are encouraged to send in their vision for what they would like to see the food access task force accomplish.
The draft work plan document was discussed (it includes all ideas from previous meetings). It was decided to focus on completing the access maps first. The maps along with each task force member’s vision will help determine the future direction of the task force.
Google group is set up, members were encouraged to accept the invitation if they have not done so already. Kim will follow up with Megan to make sure all members on the task force, including the new members, have received an invite.
Megan was sick today but has agreed to be co-chair for the group.
Action steps:
Complete access maps of Cass and Clay counties by January 26th meeting to be shared with all task force groups at the meeting.
Lloyd will start a group discussion to obtain each member’s vision; send visions in before January 26th meeting.
Next meeting:
It was decided not to meet before the January 26th large task force group meeting. The large task force group meeting is January 26th from 2-4:00pm at Cass County Extension - 1010 2nd Ave S in Fargo.
Items to feature on the food access maps:
Grocery Stores (including WalMart and Target)
Farmers markets
Produce stands
Ethnic markets
Convenience Stores
Drug stores (Walgreen, CVS)
Restaurants – decided to keep sit down, local and fast food together at this point
Orchard glen and free nut/fruit trees (fruits of the city mapping)
Food pantries – hunger coalition list and churches
True community gardens – suggested to include all gardens since they may be opportunities, faith gardens too
Youth gardens
Open, available land
Schools including land
MAT Transit, Rural transit, Senior transit
Low income areas
Minority areas
Addition notes:
CSAs servicing areas/drop off locations – many variables, changes frequently – it was decided this may be investigated as part of a solution but not to map it.
May also want to consider age demographics later when investigating solutions
