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Board approves Food Policy Council bylaws, MOU with community foundation and reopens council applications
Summary
Supervisors approved bylaws for a new Lake County Food Policy Council, authorized an MOU with the Lake County Community Foundation to serve as fiscal agent, and vacated current council seats so an application process can be reopened. The council will pursue local food resilience, infrastructure, and market development.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors on June 3 approved governing bylaws for a newly organized Food Policy Council, authorized a memorandum of understanding naming the Lake County Community Foundation as fiscal agent, and voted to vacate the existing membership so the county can reopen the application period and reconstitute the council.
Why it matters: council organizers and Blue Zones Project representatives said the council will focus on strengthening local food infrastructure and markets, supporting food‑production workforce development, and improving food access and disaster resilience. In practical terms the council will pursue grant opportunities, advise on zoning and policy that affect local food production and processing, and coordinate partners including schools, health systems and nonprofit organizations.
What the board approved: supervisors adopted Food Policy Council bylaws and approved a revised MOU (version 2) with Lake County Community Foundation as fiscal sponsor. The board also voted to vacate current membership and reopen applications so a fresh slate of members can be appointed under the adopted bylaws.
Who will participate: presenters and participating organizations listed Blue Zones Project, Lake County Farm Bureau, Adventist Health, the Lake County Community Foundation, and other community groups. The council’s draft bylaws call for an 11‑member council with co‑chairs, standing committees and an executive committee; the board and organizers said the exact membership will be established once applications are received and reviewed.
Comments from the public and board: community speakers urged attention to agricultural land preservation and food sovereignty issues, asked for public posting of agendas and minutes, and encouraged strong tribal engagement as the council designs programs. Supervisors emphasized the need for a sustainable operational structure and praised Lake County Community Foundation for agreeing to act as fiscal agent.
Next steps: staff will publish a new application for membership, and council organizers will work with the foundation to establish grant and contract pathways. The board asked the council and foundation to return with documentation of MOU execution and to coordinate with county staff on any future grant applications.
Ending: supervisors framed the council as a long‑term, cross‑sector effort to improve agricultural markets, food access and local resilience.
