Governor Sebelius: Food Policy Council will make Kansas food
supply more secure, will offer economic benefits

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today lauded the establishment of the Kansas Food Policy Council, announced today in Salina. "I know that the Food Policy Council will make our food supplies more secure, will strengthen the agricultural economy, and enhance the overall health of Kansans across the state."

Led by Roderick Bremby, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Dan Nagengast, Executive Director of the Kansas Rural Center, representatives from state government, local organizations and USD 305 announced the formation of the Kansas Food Policy Council, which will stand as an important element of Governor Sebelius' Healthy Kansas initiative.

"This state council represents an important step in our reconsideration of how we think about food as a crucial resource," said Secretary Bremby. "We're eager to work with the council, and with its coordinator, Dan Nagengast, to address all food-related issues."

The primary objective of the Kansas Food Policy Council (KFPC) is to bring together a diverse group of public and private sector stakeholders to examine food systems in the state. The KFPC will make policy recommendations regarding ways in which the food system and related practices can be improved to enhance the health of the Kansas population, strengthen local economies and market opportunities, improve coordination and efficiency, protect the environment, and reduce hunger and food insecurity.

Membership on the KFPC will be defined broadly, to include both governmental and private-sector representatives from all aspects of the Kansas food system, including production, distribution, markets and consumption.

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