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Norfolk Food Policy Council urges $287,000 for nutrition equity fund to expand markets and community food programs
Summary
The Norfolk Food Policy Council urged the council to include $287,000 in the FY26 budget to reactivate a nutrition equity fund for year-round farmers markets, grocery co-ops, grants to nonprofits, and food education programs that would address local food insecurity.
Jay Boone, speaking for the Norfolk Food Policy Council, urged council members to restore a $287,000 allocation to the nutrition equity fund, first set aside in 2022, to support citywide, community-led food access initiatives.
Boone said Norfolk currently faces the highest food insecurity rate in Hampton Roads (approximately 13.5 percent) and described the investment as a way to support year-round farmers markets, community-owned grocery co-ops, grants to grassroots partners, and nutrition education that can improve health and local economic resilience.
"A $287,000 investment today creates pathways to food security, small business growth, and a thriving local economy tomorrow," Boone said, urging council to align the fund with the city's green-infrastructure goals and workforce development in urban agriculture.
The request was presented as part of multiple public comments during the budget hearing; council members did not vote during the hearing. The proposal will be considered during upcoming budget deliberations.
