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Food and Farm Council reappointments approved; pantry director highlights local produce partnerships
Summary
The commission approved several joint Wichita–Sedgwick County Food and Farm Council appointments. Jeremiah Ortiz of Dear Neighbor Ministries described partnerships with three local farmers and serving farm-fresh produce to more than 1,500 households in late 2024.
The Sedgwick County Commission voted to adopt resolutions reappointing and appointing members to the Wichita–Sedgwick County Food and Farm Council. Justin Wagner presented items c through g together because they involved the same advisory body created jointly by the city and county in 2022.
Jeremiah Ortiz, program director at Dear Neighbor Ministries, said the pantry pivoted to invest in local produce in July 2024 and now partners with three local farmers. "For the last 6 months of '24, we served over 70 different varieties of farm fresh, nutrient dense produce to over 1,500 households," Ortiz said, calling the change a "paradigm shift." Other appointees and council members described the group's diversity and its work on food security and food reuse efforts.
Commissioner Howe asked the council to prepare a short presentation for the commission on the county's food issues; council members said a preliminary report is in progress and that members expect to present in the coming weeks. The board thanked appointees, swore them in and encouraged the council to continue outreach and education work in the community.
