Pasco Commissioners unanimously approved the creation of a “Food Policy Advisory Council” on Tuesday. Commissioners discussed the mission of the council and its affects at the May 19 meeting. Pasco will be one of only four counties in Florida and the only county in Tampa Bay with such an advisory council, joining Duval, Miami-Dade, and Orange counties. The council will facilitate the development of responsible policies improving access to culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound and affordable food produced in Pasco County.

Commissioners will appoint the first members of the council which will include representatives from across the community. Experts in agriculture, health, education, marketing, and other areas will be invited.

The first task of the council will be to conduct a food assessment. This will be followed any an analysis of the findings of the assessment. Following that will be proposals for specific actions.

The idea developed from the work of several individuals looking to improve local food production and distribution. Commissioner Kathryn Starkey supported the establishment of a planning group, with Pasco’s Todd Engala as a staff liaison. Other members of the proposal committee included Travis Morehead, a local business owner and farmer, Dell deChant, a USF Professor and New Port Richey’s Environmental Committee chairman, Deanna Krautner with the Florida Department of Health, and Dr. Whitney Elmore with the University of Florida County Extension.