Guest Series: Richard Villadoniga
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In a new series, Metro Jacksonville takes a step back to listen to, promote, and discuss the editorials, personal accounts, and vocal opinions of some of the key players in the preservation and progression of our community. This week, Richard Villadoniga, founder of Slow Food First Coast provides the background being Jacksonville's upcoming inaugural Duval County Food Summit.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-apr-guest-series-richard-villadoniga
Is there no regulations that could force convienent store to carry a minimum of fresh food to use the term "food store". Before the corporate takeover of local food marts fresh food used to be availalbe. My mom says way back every little store carried at least some veg.
Is there no way of connecting local gardeners with local "convienent" stores to supply them with local veg.
That's a great question Garden Guy. I am member of the Healthy Jacksonville Duval County Food Policy Council and to my knowledge there is there is no way to force convenience stores to carry fresh foods in their establishments. It really boils down to supply and demand as far as determining what the stores will carry.
I like your suggestion of connecting local gardeners to those stores to help supply fresh produce. I'm curious to hear your thoughts about how we can bridge those relationships.
Great editorial Richard! You do great things and we love working with you on this deep problem that exists in Duval County. More local politicians need to take on this cause
Amanda
Nice editorial, the event looks very interesting! If I weren't already signed up to volunteer at another event that day, I would consider going. I'll look forward to reading about what all transpired during the event.
Ruckus....arent there regulations on what they can and cannot sell? They cant sell beer wit no paperwork. The the vendors that supply them may be the people to talk with. Any tax breaks could be removed for those that dont carry fresh goods. These stores make millions from our community..shouldnt we demand some kind of standard? We all know some of that cash leaves not only the city but the country. We allow them to sell everything to run an illegal drug. Shouldnt we ask for better?
As far as connecting gardeners with stores..a little social engineering and a bunch of signs at every feed store in the area. I think convenient stores just don't want to deal with it and fresh foods age. But if the Gate can offer banana and apple..they can also offer broccoli and cucumbers. I wonder how many city tax breaks these stores get and we allow them to offer 90% of there coolers if for alcohol.
Thanks for your interest in these issues, Garden Guy. We are currently working to make Jax a more urban agriculture-friendly city. Our initiatives include not only eliminating food deserts, but allowing for hens in certain residential areas and creating economic incentives to foster the creation of a regional food hub. As you can imagine, getting everyone involved (politicians, citizens, businesses, DCSD, Health Department, Planning Department, churches, non-profits, etc) to work together to transform our city is a challenging task and that's why we created the Duval County Food Policy Council. We would love to have you get on board and bring your concerns and passions to the table!