Pittsburgh Food Justice Fund
In the summer of 2021, when cities across the country were preparing to receive millions of dollars from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), many saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the development of local food systems. In San Diego, California, for example, the Board of Supervisors allocated $20 million for food assistance for vulnerable people and support for community gardens. Similarly, in Phoenix Arizona, $9.7 million were allocated to support food banks and pantries, farmland preservation, resilient and sustainable agriculture projects, and a food systems business incubator.
In response to the $335 million in ARPA funds the City of Pittsburgh was set to receive, the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council worked with our wide network of partners to develop a proposal for a $10 million Food Justice Fund. This amount, which represents less than 3% of overall ARPA spending and would be distributed over 4 years, has the potential to make a tremendous impact on our local food system.
A Food Justice Fund will increase our City’s capacity to produce food, support food businesses and workers, and uplift community led solutions to food security. Through an open application that any individual, organization, or business can apply to, and a decision making body with community leaders at the table, a food justice fund will provide much needed investments in community gardens, corner stores, and new capital projects. Similar funds in Philadelphia and Chicago have provided examples of how these funds can work and the immense impact they can have.
Despite having nearly 40 speakers attend public hearings to voice their support for the Food Justice Fund, it was not included in Pittsburgh’s ARPA spending plan. Since then, the Food Policy Council and our network of supporters have met with City Council members and other public officials to build more support for the fund. Thanks to the leadership of Councilwoman Gross and Mayor Gainey, we are optimistic that a Pittsburgh Food Justice Fund will be established in 2022. Stay tuned for more updates, information and calls to action!
