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Durham County awards $159,547 contract for 18-month food system assessment
Summary
The board approved an $159,547 contract with Key Environmental Consulting to complete an 18-month county food system assessment and 10-year strategic plan that will include community engagement, spatial analysis, policy review, and an implementation toolkit.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners voted to enter into a contract with Key Environmental Consulting for a countywide food system assessment and strategic plan valued at $159,547.
County Extension Director Donna Rewalt said the assessment will analyze the food system from "farm to table," identify assets and gaps, recommend policies and programs to improve food and nutrition security, and produce an actionable 10-year strategic plan with phased implementation and evaluation tools. The county expects an 18-month timeline for the project.
Raina Goldstein, the county food security coordinator, said the assessment will combine community engagement, review of secondary data, and GIS-based spatial analysis; staff emphasized a steering committee of community members and food-system stakeholders and multiple public engagement opportunities so the community can review drafts prior to finalization. Goldstein said 11 bids were received and Key Environmental Consulting was selected for its multidisciplinary experience and local connections.
Commissioner Jacobs asked for interim updates and public checkpoints during the 18-month process; Goldstein and Rewalt said staff would provide interim reports and opportunities for commissioners and the public to review findings. Commissioners also asked whether legal review of the service contract had been completed; staff said legal review had been done.
Commissioner Burns moved to approve the contract and Vice Chair Dr. Lee seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and the motion was approved.
The presentation noted Durham County has directed more than $3 million in ARPA funds to food-security investments and the assessment is intended to help prioritize and coordinate future spending.
