Where we stand with the farm bill reauthorization and how partnerships achieved success for community food access and local food systems

The presenter will provide an overview of the current status of Farm Bill legislation. Regardless of whether or not Congress completes a full five-year Farm Bill reauthorization before the APHA meeting in November, this presentation will address lessons learned from the 2012 and 2013 debates in Capitol Hill and from grassroots engagement during this process. The presenter will exemplify how broad organizational partnerships were successful in furthering food and farm policies that impact community health, including advancements in the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, in Farm to School programs, and in general for healthy food access. Finally, the presenter will identify opportunities for communities to play a role in shaping the future of food and farm policy and its impacts on the health of communities.