The purpose of the Whatcom County food system committee is to draft, implement, provide oversight for, and regularly update a county-wide food system plan to strengthen our local and regional food system.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
The committee will report directly to the county council or other appropriate advisory boards, commissions, and committees as necessary to carry out the following functions:
A. 
Conduct stakeholder outreach, assess current food system assets and challenges, and draft a report on the current state of these challenges in Whatcom County, utilizing and building upon the work of the community food assessment.
B. 
Develop a food system plan for Whatcom County that addresses current challenges and works towards a food system that includes healthy people, a strong local economy, environmental sustainability and a valued workforce with measurable goals and specific benchmarks to be met, including input from the agricultural advisory committee, the marine resources committee, the public health advisory board, and other appropriate policy groups in developing the plan.
C. 
Identify prioritized action items, funding needs, and specific time frames for decision-making and completion for Whatcom County to implement the food system plan, for confirmation by the county council. Oversee the implementation of these action items, and review implemented programs for effectiveness.
D. 
Ensure ongoing assessment of food system needs and periodic updating of the food system plan at least every three years or as necessary.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
The food system committee shall include the following nine members appointed by the Whatcom County executive and confirmed by the county council:
A. 
Four members representing healthy food economies, preferably one representative each with experience in farming (local sales), farming (export sales), fishing, and food processing/distribution.
B. 
Two members representing healthy people, preferably one representative each with experience in food consumption, nutrition/public health.
C. 
One member representing healthy workforce, preferably with experience in labor issues.
D. 
One member representing healthy environments, preferably with experience in natural resources.
E. 
One member representing the Whatcom Food Network.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
The term of office for appointed members shall be four years; provided, that the terms of those first appointed shall be staggered so that four will be appointed for two years, and four will be appointed for four years. The member representing the Whatcom Food Network shall be appointed for two-year terms to align with changes in Whatcom Food Network membership duties. Appointment of members shall comply with Chapter 2.03 WCC.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
A. 
Meetings of the committee shall be open and accessible to the public and shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.
B. 
At every meeting, the committee will schedule an open session to take public comment.
C. 
Written records of meetings, resolutions, research, findings and recommendations shall be kept and such records shall be submitted to county staff and shall be made public, including posting on the county website.
D. 
The committee shall adopt its own rules and procedure for the conduct of business.
E. 
The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members who shall preside at its meetings.
F. 
The committee shall determine its meeting schedule and agenda, but shall meet at least quarterly.
G. 
The committee may form and appoint ad hoc committees to work on specific issues, so long as at least two committee members are also members of the ad hoc committee.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
The committee will have full support from the council, the county executive's office, and county department staff to conduct and complete its tasks in an efficient and effective manner. The Whatcom County health department will provide the primary staff support for this committee.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)
At least annually, no later than June 30th of each year, the committee will provide a report and recommendations to the county council and executive on their progress towards completing the goals of this group.
(Ord. 2018-058 Exh. A)