Regional collaboration to develop sustainable and equitable food systems in North Texas
Collective Impact
In Texas, small farmers, ranchers, and small agri-food businesses were struggling even before the pandemic, because they received only 15 cents of every dollar spent on food. Of note, that 15 cents on the dollar is less than half of what farmers were receiving for their goods 20 years ago. Limited access to fresh, healthy food is a complex challenge that calls for comprehensive, coordinated solutions. North Texas is about to become more heavily populated with population projections more than doubling from the current 7.2 million residents by the year 2050. In this rapid growth scenario, all sectors of the region have grave concerns which prompt the question, “How will North Texas fare as it confronts the diverse population projections together with the associated environmental, economic, and social challenges that are sure to follow?”
1/7
TEXANS EXPERIENCED FOOD INSECURITY BEFORE THE PANDEMIC
5MIL
TEXANS-THE HIGHEST OF ANY STATE-LIVE IN FOOD DESERTS, ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES IN THE US
1/3
OF TEXANS ARE OVERWEIGHTS DUE TO AN IMBALANCED DIET & RISK DIABETES, CANCER, & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
8%
OF FOOD GOWN LOCALLY IS SOLD LOCALLY, THE REST TRAVELS THROUGHOUT THE US
1/3
OF ALL FOOD IS WASTED IN THE US, WHILE MILLIONS STRUGGLE WITH FOOD INSECURITY
x2
US FOOD IMPORTS HAVE NEARLY DOUBLED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS
Our Areas of Impact
NTFPA will develop and convene a high-functioning collective of diverse stakeholders to create a cross-sectoral impact in North Texas food systems.
NTFPA will broaden, educate, and engage the diverse participation of the North Texas community to advocate for more equitable and sustainable food policies.
NTFPA will increase and diversify participation in the North Texas food system.
NTFPA will curate research and develop a new multi-institutional research agenda to support more informed and equitable decision-making around food systems and food policies in North Texas.
Connection to UN SDGs
A sustainable food system is a food system that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations are not compromised.
This means that:
- It is profitable throughout (economic sustainability);
- It has broad-based benefits for society (social sustainability); and
- It has a positive, or neutral, impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability).
A sustainable food system is the core of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In Spring 2021, NTFPA convened to collaboratively develop a strategic plan for our organization. During that time we developed our vision and mission as well as was established 5-year goals that are aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
NTFPA Brochure
The Office of Sustainability is pleased to provide a digital copy of the NTFPA brochure to read or download.