Food Policy Audit update

During the next few general meetings the FPAC is discussing the food policy audit tool. The FPAC is using the results of the policy audit to learn more about food access in Erie and to identify some possible areas of action.

This audit was made in collaboration with a public health class at Mercyhurst University. To conduct the audit, students chose an area of food policy they were curious about, conducted research on how that policy affected our Erie community, and interviewed stakeholders. The topics covered include transportation to food, access to land for growing food, protection of migrant farm workers, emergency food directories and school lunches. 

When the general group met on January 13, one of the topics discussed was transportation to food. The recent snow has reminded us all what it is like to experience barriers to transportation. 

Interviews and data collection on transportation to food in Erie revealed that while there are several alternatives in our community for accessing food, it can still be a challenge. Getting to food when you’re homebound or don’t have a car complicates what others experience as a simple errand. SNAP online purchasing, Meals on Wheels, and using the EMTA are alternatives available in Erie. 

However, SNAP online purchasing gets expensive with tipping and delivery fees, not to mention lengthy wait times. Meals on Wheels, a program that serves hundreds in Erie, often has a long wait list to get into the program. EMTA provides valuable transportation resources to us all, but getting to and from a grocery store efficiently is not always easy.

Members of the FPAC and beyond can have an immediate impact by volunteering for organization like Meals on Wheels and Second Harvest Food Bank. 

If you’re curious about any of these topics or have something you’d like to share, please join our next general meeting on February 10th. Find the Zoom link below in the “Upcoming Meetings” section.