HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 12-617RESOLUTION NO. 12-617
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Federal Way,
Washington, related to HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS POLICY
DEVELOPMENT.
WHEREAS, the City of Federal Way received a Communities Putting Prevention to Work
(CPPW) grant that funded research and draft policy development focused on access to healthy food
in the City of Federal Way; and
WHEREAS, as part of the CPPW grant agreement, staff is required to present recommended
policies and strategies to increase access to healthy food in Federal Way to the City Council for
consideration and recommended action; and
WHEREAS, as part of the CPPW grant program, a report entitled "Food Landscape in
Federal Way, Washington" (Food Landscape Report), attached hereto as Exhibit A, was prepared by
Urban Food Link and the UW Northwest Center for Livable Communities (Food Access Team); and
WHEREAS, as part of the CPPW grant program, a memorandum on policy and planning
recommendations for increasing healthy food access in Federal Way, dated October 14, 2011, (Policy
and Planning Memorandum), attached hereto as E�ibit B, was prepared by the CPPW Food Access
Team that outlined policy and strategy recommendations to increase access to healthy food in
Federal Way; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan, and Title 19, "Zoning and Development
Code" of the Federal Way Revised Code do not specifically address community gardens, pea
patches, urbah agriculture, and farmers markets; and
Resolution No. 12-617 Page 1 of 6
WHEREAS, the city of Federal Way has a successful farmers' market and an active
Community Gardens Foundation that supports and promotes the deveIopment of additional
community gardens in Federal Way; and
WHEREAS, there is increasing interest in urban agriculture, and the Washington State
legislature passed the "Cottage Food Operations", bill (SB5748) that permits production of food
products in a home kitchen; and
WHEREAS, city staff presented the Food Landscape Report findings and the
recommendations outlined in the Policy and Planning Memorandum to the City Council Land Use
Transportation Committee for consideration on March 5,. 2012; and
WHEREAS, staff is requesting that the C.ity Council direct staff to consider the
recommended policies and strategies contained in the Policy and Planning Memorandum during the
next annual update of the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, staff is requesting that the City Council direct staff to consider the
recommended policies and strategies contained in the Policy and Planning Memorandum as part of
the Community and Economic Development Department work program for future zoning code
amendments.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Directing staff to prepare comprehensive plan and zoning code amendments
addressing access to health f�aods. The City Council hereby directs staff to develop draft
comprehensive plan and zoning code amendments for City Council consideration that apply the
recommendations in the Policy and Planning Memorandum, as shown in E�ibit B, attached hereto,
Resolution No. 12-617 � Page 2 of 6
for improving access to healthy food in Federal Way.
Section 2. Severabilitv. If any section, sentence, clause ar phrase of this resolution should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstiiutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence,
clause or phrase of this resolution.
Section 3. Corrections. The City Clerk and the codifiers of this resolution are authoriaed to
make necessary corrections to this resolution including, but not limited to, the correction of
scrivener/clerical errors, references, resolution numbering, section/subsection numbers and any
references thereto.
Section 4. Ratification. Any act consistent with the authority and prior to the effective date
of this resolution is hereby ratified and affirmed.
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage by
the Federal Way City Council.
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
WASHINGTON this 20 day of March, 2012.
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
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ATTEST:
CITY CLERK, CA OL MC EILLY, CMC
Resolution No. 12-617 Page 3 of 6
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
`' G��%�
CITY ATTORNEY, PATRICIA A. RICHARDSON
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: March 13, 2012
PASSED BY THE CITY COLTNCIL: March 20, 2012
RESOLUTION NO.: 12-617
Resolution Na 12-617 Page 4 of 6
EXHIBIT A
FOOD LANDSCAPE REPORT
Resolution No. 12-617 Page S of 6
�
� October 2011
The Food Landsca e ln
p
Federal Wa , Washin ton
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Prepared by Kara E. Martin, Urban Food Link with Branden Born and Eva Ringstrom,
Northwest Center for Livable Communities and Amalia Leighton, SvR Design
•= ;,• let'sdothis
Made passible by funding from Public Health -
�� ��� le� 'sdothis Seattle & King County and the U.S. Department
• of Health and Human Services.
URBAN
F �. o�
Kara E. Martin, MUP
206.850.2877
Urban Food Link, LLC
P.O. Box 99056, Seattle, WA 98139
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 2 of 21
The Food Landscape in Federal Way,
Washington
The following assessment was conducted to gain an understanding of the City of Federal
Way's existing food environment. As the City of Federal Way examines and develops local
policies, regulations and programs related to food access, this report can be used to further
identify areas of community need and/or interest.
The following GIS (geographic information system) Definition of Food Access: Ensuring
assessment was conducted to gain an understanding that "healthy, high-quality, culturally
of where food retailers (e.g., supermarkets, appropriate options [are] available and
convenience stores, farmers markets) are located in affordable wherever people reach for
the community, identify areas where residents have food and drinks—in supermarkets,
limited access to healthy food options, and consider corner stores, restaurants, childcare
the role of socio-economic characteristics that centers, schools, after-school
influence how and where a person or household programs, healthcare facilities, and
purchases food. workplaces." Linda Shak, Leslie Mikkelsen,
and Sana Chehimi
(zoio)
Policy tools and strategies for addressing the food
access issues identified in this assessment are available in the University of Washington
Northwest Center for Livable Communities' Food Access Planning and Policy Guide. For
consistency, this assessment uses the same definitions and refers the Food Access Planning
and Policy Guide when appropriate.
This assessment looks at three general components of healthy food access:
• Location and types of food retailers
• Proximity of food retailers to residential areas and schools
• Socio-economics of food choice
At the end of this report, you will find recommendations for conducting additional analyses
that go beyond the elements addressed in this baseline assessment.
Urban Food Link will work with City of Federal Way, SvR Design Company, the Northwest
Center for Livable Communities, and Collins Woerman to review the key findings in this
assessment to evaluate appropriate policy recommendations that allow for increased
healthy food options.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 3 of 21
A note about the maps:
The maps included in this report, with exception of Maps 1 and 2, were specifically developed for
each of the King County cities that received a Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPV1�
Healthy Eating Active Living grant from Public Health - Seattle & King County (PHSKC). Due to
data availability and limitations as well as the funding available for assessment, it is worth noting
several points:
• Each oEthe CPPW-funded cities is receiving the same set of maps. Maps 3-6 are zoomed to
the city level and Maps 7-8 are provided at the county level.
• Food retailers were identified by the PHSKC public health permit database from March
2011. This database was then cross-referenced with the state Department of Social and
Health Services' database of establishments accepting food stamps. Businesses were then
categorized by type of food retailer. Food retailer definitions are based on classifications
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food and Nutrition Service, the federal
agency overseeing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP), commonly
known as the food stamp program.
• In accordance with research done by the Seattle Children's Research Institute, "fast food
restaurant" is defined as an establishment in which food is paid for before it is served and
there is no waiter service. Fast food restaurants were identified by locating known
national or regional chains and by conducting online research to identify local,
independently-owned fast food restaurants.
• The maps display supermarkets for all of King County; however, other food retailers (i.e.
convenience stores, small grocery stores) are provided only at the city level due to the
extensive data processing required.
• The American Community Survey 2009 and 2010 U.S. Census data will be released in the
coming months (Summer 2011). Maps such as Map 6 should be updated to provide a more
accurate portrayal of the community demographics and its relation to the food landscape.
The assessment provides recommendations of socio-economic characteristics that are
commonly associated with food insecurity and access.
The maps will be provided to the cities as jpgs and pdfs. Each city will also receive the data used
in the assessment so they can make modifications and do further analysis. Urban Food Link and
SvR Design will work with each city determine an appropriate timeline for providing the data.
Ma
Ma�
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ovided for each cit include:
# Title
Adult Obesity by Health Planning Area, King County, Washington, 5-year Aver
Adult Obesity by Health Planning Area, King County, Washington, 5-year Aver;
Location of Food Retailers and Current Land Use
Proximity to Supermarkets (%, % and 1 mile walking distances)
Poverty Rates and Location of Food Retailers
Proximity of Schools to Food Retailers (% and %2 mile walking distances)
#of SNAP (food stamp) Recipients in 2008 by Census Tract in King County, WA
# of WIC Clients in June 2010 bv Zip Code and WIC Authorized Retailers in Kin�
e, 1994-1998
e, 2004-2008
County, WA
Key Findings of Federal Way's Food Landscape
This assessment of the social, economic and physical dimensions of the Federal Way's food
landscape reveals several key findings: _
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• Federal Way has the county's third highest adult obesity ;.��'"' �
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rate, 28.1%—significantly higher compared to King _,,_;;,�.,,;,;.,��_.�, ��
County's rate of 19.8%. Diabetes prevalence among adults �� '�,_
over age of 18 is 7.5%, which is similar to the County's rate of �-•�-----�---�' -- ��
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5.4%. (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Public �.
Health—Seattle & King County (2004-2008)). � - "-• �•� '�
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• Over 87% of the city's land base is more than one half �1 '�'
mile from a supermarket. Due to the current urban form, �wa �-�� 4-•..% �
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where retailers cluster primarily along Pacific Highway �.�
commercial corridor and a couple small commercial areas in ____ �
the city, residents not living near these areas have to travel - '� �
more than one half mile to a supermarket from their home.
• There are low-income areas in Federal Way that are not within feasible walking
distance of a supermarket (i.e., more than one half mile). They include: the
residential area west of Interstate-5 and east of Steel Lake and Military Road (including
the Camelot Lots mobile home park), the multi-family residential east of Pacific
Highway and southwest of South Star Lake Road, and the residential area near the now-
closed Metropolitan Market (Dash Point Road and 312th Street SW).
• There are nearly four times as many fast food restaurants and convenience stores
to the number of supermarkets, small grocery stores and produce vendors combined.
• There are 24 fast food restaurants and 15 convenience stores within one half mile
of schools within the city limits.
• In 2008 there were over 14,100 residents enrolled in the SNAP, the federal food
stamp program. This number has likely increased with the economic downturn of the
past several years.
As demonstrated in the maps that follow, the city's built environment—the physical form of
the city which includes the street and land use patterns—influences where food resources
are located and how residents are able to access them. As a result, some people can more
easily access healthy food, while other people are required to travel further by foot, bike,
bus or car to reach food, particularly Eresh food. The key findings above and the supporting
information that follows in this assessment can help to guide community members and
decision makers, grounding the development of policy that seeks to address these issues.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 5 of 21
Health in the City of Federal Way and King County
While our health is influenced by personal decisions, it is also shaped by the places we live,
work and play. Unfortunately, not all King County residents have the same food options
available that allow them to make healthy choices. In some areas, the closest food retailers
are convenience stores and fast foods that typically do not offer healthy foods. Or, the
transit lines and sidewalks provide poor street connections between supermarkets and
residential areas. In King County there has been an overall increase of obesity and chronic
diseases in past decade; some areas in the county have had a higher increase than others.
When compared to the 15 most populous metropolitan counties, King County's
health inequities are among the worst in the nation. According to Public Health—
Seattle & King County:l
• 54% of King Counry adults are overweight or obese, 20% are obese, and 5.4% have
been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Diabetes prevalence and mortality rates for African Americans in King County are
among the highest in the nation—the third highest diabetes rate (12%) among the
15 largest U.S. metropolitan counties.
• 85% of adolescents in grades 8, 10, and 12 do not meet physical activity
recommendations.
• Obesity is at least twice as high among high school students who are African
American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Native
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander compared to white high school students.
According to the health planning area (HPA) in which Federal Way is locatedz has the
county's third highest adult obesity rate, 28.1%—significantly higher compared to
King County's rate of 19.8%. In addition, 63.2% of adults are overweight or obese.
Diabetes prevalence among adults over age of 18 is 7.5%, which is similar to King County's
rate of 5.4%. Maps 1 and 2 provide a comparison of adult obesity rates in King County from
1994-1998 to 2004-2008 averages.
As noted in the Food Access Planning and Policy Guide and supported by national research,
in communities where healthy food options like fresh fruits and vegetables are available,
residents have better diets and lower rates of obesity and diet-related chronic disease. It is
critical to understand where and what types of foods are available within a community in
order to improve the options available to residents.
' Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; Public Health—Seattle & King County (2004-2008). More countywide
health data and maps are available at
2 The Federal Way HPA also contains the west portion of Auburn.
3 Health planning areas' (HPAs) geographic boundaries are comprised of one or more zip codes.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 6 of 21
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The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 7 of 21
Locations and Types of Food Retailers
Residents' healthy food choices depend in part on the types and prevalence of food
retailers in their community. In the Ciry of Federal Way, there are the following types of
food businesses:
Business Type #
Convenience stores 27
Farmers market 1
Fast food restaurants 71
Fruit and vegetable stand 2
Mobile vendors 16
Resta u ra nts 226
Small grocery' 10
Specialty (i.e., bakery) 11
Supermarket 13
Map 3 displays the food retailers in the city where people can purchase food for their daily
food intake. This category includes businesses in which people primarily purchase food,
often to be prepared, to meet their daily food needs. It does not include sit-down
restaurants.
Food retailers in Federal Way are primarily located along the Pacific Highway
corridor —including eight of the thirteen supermarkets. The other supermarkets are
located southwest of Pacific Highway corridor at SW Campus Drive by the 21St Avenue
Southwest and 1St Avenue South intersection. There is also a cluster of smaller retailers
(convenience stores and fast food restaurants) by city's southern border at 16th Avenue
Southwest and 356th Street Southwest. In the northwest part of the city there are only a
handful of convenience stores.
° Based on establishments with a public health permit (Public Health — Seattle & King County; March 2011). See
box "A note about the maps" on page 3.
5 "Fast food restaurant" is defined as an establishment in which food is paid for before it is served, there is no
waiter service and offers a complete meal. Brian Saelens, Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development.
"Food Enumeration Guidelines" (unpublished document, received April 21, 2011), Microsoft Word file.
6 Primarily businesses with waiter service but also includes coffee shops, ice cream shops, cafes, bars, taverns and
eating establishments in hotels, casinos and clubs such as golf courses. Establishments on corporate campuses are
included as well.
' A small grocery store sells primarily staple foods and annual foods sales are below $2 million.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 8 of 21
Location of Food Retailers and Current Land Use in Federal Way, WA*
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L�� � ��� � I C � � Accepls SNAP (food stamps) aod WIC
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_,� ���� `� �.�� ti _ ., . _.�., .. . Convemence store
� ;� � : � � , � � .� ; . � Speualty (ie butcher)
���, � ' . , • Other food retail (ie drugslore, warehouse)
�` �- .,�� i� �' � j � Frwt 6 vegetable stand
s � �1`�� �"`'(-' � �' � i , � � I � Farmers Market
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� � � --.L � � � �� Residential or accommotlation functions
,� � � g, '�� �j .,� - � _ , � General sales or serwces
� . ° i'��L��, � ' � � � � � - � � � Manufactunng & wholesale trade
. I ( i � �. � -��' ' Transportation communlcauonm. inbrmauon 8 uuht�es
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Sources: City of Federal Way. Public Health- Seattle & King County. King County GIS Center. Washington State Dept. of Social and Health
Services and Dept. of Health.
'Food retailers identified by public health permit database (March 2011) and DSHS food stamp retailer database (April 2011). Land use categories based on
American Planrnng Association's Land Based Classi(ication Standards for function.
Made possible by Iunding /rom fhe Department ol Health and ""`
Human Services and Public Health - Seattle & Kmy County F�� OD C�eafed June 2011 Uy U�ban Food Luik
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 9 of 21
While Map 3 shows the location of food retailers, it is also important to consider how much
easier it is for residents to buy less healthy food options rather than hea(thy options. This
important measure of food choice considers the ratio of food retailers that offer no, very
minimal options of, fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods compared to those
retailers in which fruits and vegetables are readily available.
A Retail Food Environment Index (RFEI) compares the relative amount of these two
categories by dividing the total number of fast food restaurants and convenience stores in
an area by the total number of supermarkets, small grocery stores and produce vendors
(produce stands and farmers markets) in that same area.g The resulting number describes
how much easier it is for residents to find and purchase food at retailers selling less healthy
options than it is to do the same thing at retailers selling healthy food choices.
RFE1=
Fast food restaurants + Convenience stores
Supermarkets + Grocery stores + Fruit/vegetable stands + Farmers markets
In the City of Federal Way there are nearly four times as many fast food restaurants
and convenience stores to the number of supermarkets, small grocery stores and
produce vendors combined. The calculation below shows that there are 98
establishments with very limited healthy options compared to 26 establishments that have
healthy options available.
City of Federal Way RFEI = 3.77
71 Fast food restaurants + 27 Convenience stores
13 Supermarkets +10 Grocery stores + 2 Fruit/vegetable stands + 1 Farmers markets
$ Businesses categorized according to public health permit classifications and USDA's categorization of businesses
accepting food stamps.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 10 of 21
Proximity of Food Retailers to Residential Areas and Schools
The following set of maps show where food retailers are located in relation to residential
areas, schools and other land uses. Map 4 shows areas that are within feasible walking
distances from a supermarket; areas outside of the one half mile buffer are not considered
to be within reasonable walking distance to supermarkets. Supermarkets (i.e., full service
stores with annual food sales of more than $2 million) were used as a proxy since they
rypically have a wide range of affordable and nutritious foods.lo
Proximity of Food Retailers to Residential Areas
Proximity of where residents live to supermarkets alone do not determine if an area has
low Eood access. In recent years the term "food desert" has become an increasingly
common way to describe areas that do not have easy access to supermarkets (i.e., within
walking distance in cities or a reasonable driving distance in rural areas) and are in low-
income communities. ll,lz While Map 4 identifies areas within feasible walking distances
from supermarkets, Map 5 then identifies low-income areas using 2000 U.S. Census data,1
Areas that have higher poverty rates (as of 1999) and that fall outside of the one half mile
buffer are considered areas with low food access. Since the 2010 U.S. Census and the recent
American Community Survey data were not available at the time of this assessment, it is
highly recommended that maps are updated to reflect the current state of the community.
Over 87% of the city's land base is more than one half mile from a supermarket. [n
Federal Way the areas not within a feasible walking distance (more than one half mile) of a
9 While some food desert studies have used one mile as a measure for feasible walking distance, we believe the
distance is too far in considering the groceries one would carry from a store. The planning field often uses a 10
minute walk or quarter to half mile as a reasonable walking distance as acceptable. The buffer is determined by
the street network rather than a Euclidean or "bird's eye" distance from a supermarket.
lo Future mapping analysis may consider other healthy retail options such as small grocery stores, farmers markets
and produce stands.
11 Sarah Treuhaft and Allison Karpyn. Grocery Gap: Who has Access to Healthy Food and Why it Matters. Policylink
and The Food Trust, 2010. Available at:
lz USDA Economic Research Service. Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food—Measuring and Understanding
Food Deserts and Their Consequences: Report to Congress. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2009.
Available at: .
13 Various measures have been used to define low-income areas in food desert studies. The USDA uses a poverty
rate of 40 percent or higher of an area with people living below 200% of the federal poverty level. The federal
Healthy Food Finance Initiative, a partnership between the Treasury Department, Health and Human Services, and
the USDA, uses 20% or above. Available at •
la In addition to poverty rates, population density should be considered to determine "low access" areas. While
some areas may have high poverty rates, there may be areas with low population density (e.g. industrial areas and
airports) in which identifying the area as "low access" would be misleading. The Healthy Food Finance Initiative
applies the following density measure for a community to qualify as "low access:" at least 500 people and/or at
least 33 percent of the census tract's population must reside more than one mile from a supermarket or large
grocery store (for rural census tracts, the distance is more than 10 miles).
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 11 of 21
supermarket include the residential areas from the city's north to south borders between
the Pacific Highway and 21St Avenue Southwest as well as the area west of 21St Avenue
Southwest to the shoreline.ls In addition the neighborhoods north of Steel Lake and east of
North Lake are not within feasible walking distance of a supermarket.
There are several low-income areas in Federal Way that are not within feasible
walking distance of a supermarket. This includes the residential area near 320th St. S
between of 1St Ave. S and 8th Ave. S, which includes both single and multi-family housing
with a 20% overall poverty rate. In addition, the multi-family residential area (with a 20%
poverty rate) by Twin Lakes Elementary at 47th Ave. SW and 320th St. S is also more than
one mile from a supermarket. Its closest food retailer is a Chevron gas station. Of particular
note are three low-food access areas that have poverty rates above 40%: the
residential area west of Interstate 5 and to the east of Steel Lake and Military Rd. is not
within feasible distance of a supermarket or any other food retailer such as a convenience
store and limited transit access. This area includes the Camelot Lots mobile home park. In
addition, the multi-family residential east of Pacific Highway and southwest of South Star
Lake Rd. lacks adequate access. Finally, the residential area near the now-closed
Metropolitan Market (Dash Point Rd. and 312th St. SV1� no longer has a nearby supermarket
within one half mile.
This initial analysis focuses on the more common factors that impact residents' access to
food and does not does not consider vehicle ownership, public transit availability,
geography (e.g., hills), street/sidewalk network and conditions, and other healthy food
resources that influences a person's physical access to healthy foods.
Proximity of Food Retailers to Schools
In Map 6, a one half mile buffer was used around schools to identify areas where
convenience stores and fast food restaurants are within walking distances of schools. When
located within a few blocks of schools, these types of food retailers, who sell a larger
proportion of low-nutrient foods, may contribute significantly to poor snacking and overall
energy and caloric intake of youth.lb
In Federal Way there are 24 fast food restaurants and 15 convenience stores located
within one half mile of a school. Several schoo(s that have four or more convenience
stores and/or fast food restaurants within one half mile include Harry S. Truman High
School, Federal Way High School and Federal Way Public Academy. Of particular note,
Federal Way Public Academy has five fast food restaurants nearby.
is Due to data being available only for King County, supermarkets in Pierce County are not shown and, therefore,
areas along the south border may inaccurately appear to not be within a feasible walking distance of supermarket.
16 Kelley E. Borradaile, Sandy Sherman, Stephanie S. Vander Veur, Tara McCoy, Brianna Sandoval,loan Nachmani,
Allison Karpyn, and Gary D. Foster. Pediatrics (2009) 124:
1293-1298.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 12 of 21
Proximity to Supermarkets in Federal Way, WA
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��
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r � — lJ /
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�
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.�. 1 f I, �7� � I,
Il � �.�' ' �„� }�`��`;� i '�� f1 ���� � Legend
� � ` r� ,
t ACCOPU SNAP Ifoad at�mpai �nd WIC
�
� � �� • qtwpts SNAP Itootl atampei
� I I � .
,, . . . . . � .. � . SupormarFCt
Federal Way , �- __ .�.� , s��� 9 �o«� v
� ��,_� .
� � . Convenicncc atore
. . , ,' ' Spec�aity Iie bulcher i
. � ,. � _'_ tt� Other food retad Ue tliuq>io�e ,�a�u,o�.�c•i
. � � � �. � Frurt 8 vogeL�blo stantl
. �. . . �w .. . .. � . � Formcrs Markct
� �� i �}.� � � .. ' . � . �ry0n _ NAthin 1;1 mi from a supa�»artict
:/
I ., i � .. ... .� . ��,. � '. . _ 1�4�t�:mi fromasupermarhet
.. i �'t , �� I�. .•}` 1�_� 1 mi from a supermarket
, F � , �
� . ,i � � .. . _ � � � G4� ol Fedcral Way boundary
. . i� � 1`i � � Frceway
. . , ` �.... �,,.�, � �I�. � � . Strcet
\ � I ,
. . �� I .� � � .
� I l � l i , (PBGIfIC 0 0.4 0.8 1.6 Miles
I
Sources: Public Health- Seattle & Kmg County. King County GIS Center, Washington State Dept. ol Social and Health Services and Dept. o/ Health.
'Food retailers idenlified by public health permit database (March 2011) and DSHS tood stamp retader database (Apnl 2011).
Made possible by lunding lrom the Department ol Health and
Hiunan Services and Pubfic Health - Seatfle & King Cowity F• OD C�eated May 2011 by Uit�an Food Link
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 13 of 21
Poverty Rates (in 1999) and Location of Food Retailers in Federal Way, WA
'Food retailers identified by public health permit database (March 2011) and DSHS food stamp retailer database (April 2011).
Made possible by funding lrom the Department of Health and
Human Servkes and PubDc Healih - Seattle 8 King County
--�,. a,.�
F� OD C�eafed May 2011 by Urban Food Lmk
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA \ Page 14 of 21
Sources: Publ�c Health- Seattle & King County. K�ng County GIS Center. U.S. Census 2000, Washmgton State Dept. o(Social and Health
Services and Dept. of Health.
Proximity of Food Retailers to Schools in Federal Way, WA
� �t �� K t
Des Moi es % ' �
. . . . _ . � � � ' r
� . _._
� � I
. .. � - �- I '� � '
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� � .. . � y� • � � .._ �.. ' 1 '.i :. �. � , � �,, .
� � . .... ` .. .. .t . _,_.. . : � .__ i'� ..
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.�_�
.
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I �
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�` r- �• .;s t`
t � �1 �f Legend
Y � ��
_ � . � � ederal �UWay � A : Accepts SNAP Ifood slamps� antl WIC
� {. � . � Accepls SNAP Ifootl stampsi
� �, �: ,�. � . � ' 1 . _,,._,��_ � � SuParm�rhet
. . . • �-�-� ., -
� .. � � . / I` '
. � Small grocery
, ,� � � . � . I . .
. Convemence sro�e
: � � c ' • I , . , . � . Speaally iie butchen
' -�f �� � � 4 � 11 ��� � .� OtherretadOeCrugstore warenoueci
, i
I ' ' �i � .. ... ' .. ;...
_��`� �=�-«�_Z � �, � : ; � 1 Fastfootlrestaurant
2,._,�` ; � 1 :
�., � � . . . J . . r � � • . . � Frurt 8 vegetable stantl
i _.
• �'� � . : . ' , . ,:' gQna - FarmeryMarkel
r � 'Y ����."... ' � � 1 I,.. , j.. � SCh001
� 1 �_ r �. . _ WM1hIl11i4l1111f0(i1�5Ch001
�� I _ LNM1hin t iy - 1�2 mi from a school
�
:`�� � t ' L� � Qry of Feaeral Way boundary
� � fr
I .-_ ;
. . � � . ��-1. .. / � eeway
. � , < <,{.._
� i i, ... �- . �: .� . Strcet
� � PacifiC
I i . 0 0 3 0.6 1 2 Miles
I � t011 I ' `r�—H—i—�-��—i
Sources: Public Health- Seattle & King County. King County GIS Center. Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services and Dept. of Healfh.
'Food retailers identified by pubhc health permit database (March 2011) and DSHS food stamp retailer database (April 2011).
Made possible by lunding (rom the Department o/ Health and
Human Serv�ces and Public Health - Seattle & K�ng County. F" OD Creafed May 2011 by Urban Food Link
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA \ Page 15 of 21
Economics of Food
Another factor influencing healthy food access is the cost and/or affordability of food. In
King County, many households report that they experience a lack of access at all times to
enough food for all household members to lead an active, healthy life, referred to as food
insecurity.l� In King County, approximately 13.4% of residents are food insecure (the state
rate is 14.8% and the national rate is 16.6%) and the average cost of a meal is $2.77 (the
state rate is $2.59 and the national rate is $2.54).
There are two federal food assistance programs available to assist individuals and
households who are food insecure. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP,
commonly referred to as food stamps) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
program assist low-income families and their children to purchase food through an
electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card or a WIC check. Stores licensed to accept SNAP and
WIC are reimbursed fully for customer purchases using these payment methods. Currently
there are 53 retailers in Federal Way licensed to accept food stamps and nine
authorized to accept WIC (Maps 1-6 identify locations that accept SNAP and WIC). 20
[n 2008 there were over 14,100 people enrolled in the food stamp program (SNAP)
residing in the census tracts located within, or partially within, Federal Way (see Map 7).zl
These numbers reflect only the number of resident enrolled in the federal food assistance
programs and not total number of residents who may be eligible.
Food businesses' sales play an important role in a city's daily commerce. The variety and
type of food establishments available in a jurisdiction could lead to potential sales, or
leakage, spent outside of Federal Way. Food purchased for at-home and away from home
consumption is a significant portion of Federal Way residents' annual expenditures. Based
on 2002 Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Surveys and 2000 U.S. Census
data, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Employment and Training Institute (ETI)
estimated that residents spent 38% of their annual expenditures on food purchased
for preparation, or "at home," and 15% on food away from home, or "eating out" (see
Table A).zz
17 M. Nord, M. Andrews, and S. Carlson, S. Household Food Security in the United States, 2006. Economic Research
Report No. (ERR-49) (November 2007).
18 Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America (2011). Available at
19 The methodology for determining the cost of the meal is based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan which outlines a
"market basket" of food items meeting a person's basic dietary, nutritional needs for a week.
20 In February 2011 there were 175 WIC authorized retailers in King County.
zl Washington State Department of Social and Human Services (2008).
zZ ETI Purchasing Power Profiles have not been updated for more recent CEX or Census data. Available at
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 16 of 21
# of SNAP (Food Stamp) Recipients by Census Tract in 2008 in King County, WA
laMaForestPaik 6"
Snaebne Kennor�, _
DuvTll
._.. ,..'� , _ .� Swykom�sh
_ . � . . . Krtkland . :
� l � 7 " �- RedmCh�
. i r� N��� vanow Po�nl
Munls Pant
C,nnaeun
ctya.: t+�u
s •.� :. Mea�oa � ,.
��`.< . . . . . � Sammam�sh
h
&d�svus
6eau. Art6
hluic�r Iv.�� .
1�/aquah
Newr,aslb ��
�.
.. . �..t.._.�
pi 3
�
Snoquaimie
HorN Bend
Legend
�. s h
� # of SNAP Chents m 2008
<.;�� `�
� �,,, ` " p• ve�ey 10 - 213
214 - 508
�At° 509 - 930
l..�-:
� 81tdc Qanioi,d
_ 931 - 1498
� ����� - 1499 - 2732
Paapc
0 2 5 5 10 M�les
E ,n,daw
Sources: Pub6c Health- Seattle 8 King County. King County G!S Center, U.S. Census. Wash�ngton State Dept of Soc�al and Health Services.
Made possible by lunding from the Department ol Health and -- �d••
Human Serv�ces and Public Health - Seattle & King County. F" OD Created May 2011 by UrUan Food Lmk
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 17 of 21
# of WIC Clients by Zipcode* and WIC Authorized Food Retailers in King County, WA
Made poss�ble by lund�ng Irom the Department o/Health and --
Hurnan Services and Public Health - Seattle & King County F� OD Created May 2011 by Urban Food Lmk
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA
Page 18 of 21
Page 18 of 21
Sources: Pub/ic Health- Seattle & King County. K�ng County GIS Center: U S Census. Wash�ngton State Dept. of Health.
Purchasing Profile for CPPW-Funded Cities
City Z � p Population Area Food at Home Food Away from Home Total Purchasing Power
code (16 categories)
2000 Square Est. annual Expenditures/ % of total Est. annual Expenditures/ % of total Est. annual Expenditures/
Census miles expenditures sq. mile purchasing expenditures sq. mile Purchasing expenditures sq. mile
power power
98146 25,593 4.44 $37,516,503 $8,449,663 39% $14,287,685 $3,217,947 15% $97,151,199 $21,880,901
Burien 98148 9,533 3.37 $15,220,622 $4,516,505 39% $5,790,756 $1,718,325 15% $39,129,443 $11,611,111
98166 20,163 5.96 $33,826,255 $5,675,546 37% $13,928,035 $2,336,919 15% $91,273,215 $15,314,298
98168 30,412 9.03 $42,723,806 $4,731,318 40% $15,598,990 $1,727,463 14% $107,835,916 $11,941,962
Des Moines 98148 9,533 3.37 $15,220,622 $4,516,505 39% $5,790,756 $1,718,325 15% $39,129,443 $11,611,111
98198 33,807 7.44 $48,648,760 $6,538,812 38% $18,877,289 $2,537,270 15% $126,915,139 $17,058,486
Federal 98001 25,495 17.95 $38,344,502 $2,136,184 38% $15,249,252 $849,541 15% $102,119,010 $5,689,081
Way 98003 42,614 12 $64,403,278 $5,366,940 39% $24,115,554 $2,009,630 15% $164,772,204 $13,731,017
98023 47,500 10.25 $72,871,405 $7,109,405 38% $29,133,645 $2,842,307 15% $194,298,655 $18,955,966
98030 n/a
Kent 9803 64,181 15.59 $95,590,697 $6,131,539 39% $36,236,945 $2,324,371 15% $247,974,534 $15,906,000
98032 28,756 16.65 $43,898,692 $2,636,558 39% $16,890,879 $1,014,467 15% $113,190,480 $6,798,227
98042 38,249 30.71 $58,563,148 $1,906,973 37% $23,774,806 $774,171 15% $158,181,919 $5,150,828
98052 50,138 18.81 $87,221,301 $4,636,964 35% $40,849,766 $2,171,705 16% $249,802,412 $13,280,298
Redmond 98053 31,050 32.37 $53,110,371 $1,640,728 35% $24,330,606 $751,641 16% $153,326,918 $4,736,698
98074 n/a
98148 9,533 3.37 $15,220,622 $4,516,505 39% $5,790,756 $1,718,325 15% $39,129,443 $11,611,111
98158 n/a
SeaTac 98168 30,412 9.03 $42,723,806 $4,731,318 40°/o $15,598,990 $1,727,463 14% $107,835,916 $11,941,962
98188 22,269 9.79 $34,856,863 $3,560,456 39% $13,305,681 $1,359,109 15% $89,541,575 $9,146,228
98198 33,807 7.44 $48,648,760 $6,538,812 38% $18,877,289 $2,537,270 15% $126,915,139 $17,058,486
Snoqualmie 98065 3,710 21.25 $6,001,740 $282,435 37% $2,472,552 $116,355 15% $16,282,867 $766,253
23 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Employment and Training Institute, 2004. Available at
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA
Page 19 of 21
Page 19 of 21
Additional Analysis
This report provides an initial analysis of the existing food landscape in the City of Federal
Way by looking at the social, economic, and physical dimensions of the City's food
landscape and focusing on those common factors that impact residents' access to healthy
food. Each city is unique and has different community needs and interests, data availability
and staff capacity; therefore, each city may want to investigate other elements of healthy
food access for a more in-depth analysis. Additional GIS analysis related to the food
landscape may include, but are not limited to:
• Transit support of the food landscape: Transit lines, schedules and location of bus
stops showing the accessibility and connectivity of public transit to and from food
retailers to where people live and work.
• Physical barriers in the food landscape: Geography and land uses showing steep
hills, waterways, bridges, highways and large land tracts (e.g., airports) that create
additional physical access barriers.
• Opportunities to improve the food landscape: Community food resources such as
community gardens, schools gardens, publicly-owned vacant land (for potential
community garden sites), urban farm sites, food banks, soup kitchens and nutrition
education programs in which people access and/or learn about healthy food.
• Socio-economic conditions of people living within the food landscape:
Characteristics such as income, ethnicity, vehicle ownership, employment, and
education have been shown to influence food security and access in communities.
Further analysis oE data available by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Employment and Training Institute may reveal retail sales leakage (neighborhoods
are underserved by retail establishments or where residents purchase many of their
goods outside the neighborhoods) or surplus. Understanding spending habits of
residents by their household size, type, and income levels will be particularly helpful
in determining appropriate strategies to support existing Eood retailers or attract
new food retailers.
• Policies to support the food landscape: Reviewing local policy and regulatory
framework (e.g., food policy councils, food charters, school food policy, local plan-
making, zoning regulations, design regulations and other standards) will likely help
understanding any land-use related gaps and barriers identified in the assessment.z
z4 The Food Access Policy and Planning Guide provides recommendations for elements to consider when
undertaking a policy scan.
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 20 of 21
Data Details Available Source
% of persons living below 2000 Census data by block group U.S. Census Bureau
200% federal poverty level
King County Department of
Farmers markets Days and hours in operation Natural Resources & Parks
(2010)
Food retailers with public Type of health permit (i.e., Public Health—Seattle &
health permits grocery, meat/seafood, etc.) King County (March 2011)
Food retailers accepting food Includes business type WA Dept. of Social and
stamps categorization Health Services (April 2011)
Food retailers accepting WIC WA Dept. of Health
checks (February 2011)
Health risk data at the HPA level:
• Diabetes prevalence Public Health—Seattle &
Health Planning Areas (HPAs) � Percent overweight and obese King County (2008)
(adult age only)
Coded according to American
Land use Planning Association's Land- City of Federal Way
Based Classification Standards
School sites Public and private King County GIS
Level (e.g., elementary)
Street network King County GIS
Number of SNAP clients (i.e.,
SNAP client count food stamp) by census track in WA Dept. of Social and
2008 Health Services (2008)
WIC client count Number of WIC clients by ZIP WA Dept. of Health (2010)
code as June 1, 2010
The Food Landscape in Federal Way, WA Page 21 of 21
EXHIBIT B
POLICY AND PLANNING MEMORANDUM
Resolution No. 12-617 Page 6 of 6
MEMORANDUM
To: City of Federal Way
From: CPPW Food Access Team
UW Northwest Center for Livable Communities, Urban Food Link, and SvR Design
Date: October 14, 2011
RE: Policy and planning recommendations for increasing healthy food access in Federal
Way
Federal Way is already taking many positive steps to improve access to healthy food in the
city. With additional supportive policy language in its Comprehensive Plan and implemented
within the land use code, the City can formalize and solidify its commitment to making
Federal Way a place where residents have many opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. This
memo is designed to help development of healthy food access policies by summarizing our
team's work with the city to date and pointing out specific resources for future use.
The attached table describes opportunities for improving food access in Federal Way. These
recommendations are based on the findings of The Federal Way Food Landscape
Assessment coupled with issues and opportunities identified by and discussed with City of
Federal Way staff in earlier meetings. The table begins with a list of items that were previously
noted by City staff. The second part of the table describes opportunities and the related
strategies that can be taken to address additional issues arisingfrom the findings of the Food
Landscape Assessment. The recommendations cover the following topics:
1. Establish farmers market policy language
2. Ensure farmers market viability
3. Establish community garden policy language
4. Facilitate community gardens on private, vacant land
5. Establish urban agriculture policy language
6. Support existing and potential healthy food retailers near residential areas
7. Explore mobile vending opportunities
8. Prioritize transit and pedestrian access to food retail
9. Facilitate small retailers' knowledge of public health permits
10.Create a healthy school food zone
11. Monitor the balance of healthy to less healthy food stores
12. Ensure commitment to healthy food access beyond the CPPW grant period
The table indicates where actions involve Comprehensive Plan amendments, land use code
and zoning modifications, or other actions such as resolutions, technical assistance, or
further study. The final column suggests resources from the Food Access Planning and Policy
Guide, the Model Language document, and other places that will be useful as the City
continues this work. In addition, the City expressed interest in common definitions and model
ordinances; the Model Language document provided by the Northwest Center for Livable
Communities provides ordinances and definitions for "community gardens," "farmers
markets," "urban agriculture" and related uses that are considered as best practices across
the field.
1
Issues and Opportunities Cplan Zoning Other Recommended Polices or Strategies
Items from the Food Landscape Assessment previously discussed with or identified by Federal Way staff
• Comprehensive Plan: Promote establishment of farmers markets as a land
use (Public Health Law & Policy, Establishing Land Use Protections for
Farmers' Markets, Oakland, December 2009, pp. 10-11).
1. Establish farmers • Zoning: As a legally defined and allowed use as of right (i.e., rather than by
market policy X X X permit), farmers markets gain greater stability, increased location options,
language and reduced permitting requirements (NWCLC Model Language, p. 15).
• Require/encourage vendors to acceptfederal nutrition program (SNAP and
WIC) benefits. As a policy, this specification can occur within the within the
land use code definition.
• In exploring the vacant Albertson's site for farmers market use, contact
Karen Kinney at the King County Agricultural Program for advice on how
others have set up similar arrangements and done market demand studies.
• Review Food Landscape Assessment to identify areas of need and whether
current zoning allows farmers markets as a land use in those areas.
2. Ensure farmers . Facilitate joint-use agreements for potential sites such as school or church
market viability X X parking lots; offer farmers market sites on city property at no or minimal cost
(e.g., parkland, community centers, city plazas).
• In locations where a traditional market may not flourish, consider alternative
farmers market formats such as fruit/vegetable stands or mini farmers
markets, and where such uses are allowed in the land use code (example
small format farmers market permit is available in the NWCLC Model
Language, p. 18).
Federal Way has recently updated its community garden policies, and can
further refine the definitions and procedures by enacting the following best
3. Establish community practices, as well as others outlined in the Food Access Planning and Policy
garden policy X X X Guide.
language . Com rehensive Plan: Include lan ua e about su
p g g pport for and prioritization
processes for new city-supported garden locations (e.g., in underserved
areas), which frames gardens as food access in addition to recreational
Issues and Opportunities �P p' Zoning Other Recommended Polices or Strategies
uses.
• Zoning: Allow community gardens as a permitted use in all or most zones
(NWCLC Model Language, p. 22).
• As outlined in the model language above, require soil testing for new
community garden development and urban agricultural uses.
• Conduct inventory of vacant (public and private) land available in the city
and prioritize lands by area of need. Suggested methods include those by
Megan Horst (Growing Green, UW Masters Thesis, 2008) or King County.
Communicate these prioritized land opportunities to potential community
garden groups or farmers markets.
4. Facilitate community • Develop and facilitate temporary or interim land use agreements between
gardening on private, X landowners and community groups or residents who are interested in
vacant land gardening on public or private, vacant land (NWCLC Model Language, p. 27).
• Zoning: Land use code language can support food production as an
income-generating enterprise. Strong language distinguishes between
activity types; allows home occupation and sales; considers delivery times,
5. Establish urban structures, and signage; and potentially offers incentives for new
agriculture policy X developments that incorporate urban agriculture (e.g., rooftop gardens).
language Find details and examples in the Food Access Planning and Policy Guide.
The City of Seattle's 2010 urban agriculture ordinance is also considered
best practice for allowing home-based food production and sales.
The city can increase the availability of healthy food near residential
development by increasing the neighborhood commercial in these areas or by
6. Support existing and locating such uses at access points to residential developments.
potential healthy food X X . Some neighborhoods in Federal Way have limited access to full service
retailers near supermarkets, but hold opportunity for small retail development. Consider
residential areas small retail clusters, such as the intersection including Northshore Quality
Produce Market on 21St Ave SW, where healthy food options could be
promoted and increased through accepting food stamps/EBT, small
Issues and Opportunities �p Zoning Other Recommended Polices or Strategies
markets, and cooperative buying clubs.
• Zoning: Consider allowing small retail clusters in or near neighborhoods or
near pockets of existing mixed uses. Explore where neighborhood
commercial can be added and promoted near low-access areas, including
near Camelot Square and Mark Twain Elementary.
• Zoning: Ensure fruit/vegetables stands (mobile or fixed) as an allowed use
all/most areas.
• Business incentives: Incentivize fruit/vegetable stands locating in priority
areas (e.g., through reduced permit fees, streamlined permitting process).
• Development incentivizes: ground-floor retail and open space for
food-related uses in new developments (commonly higher density), which
can include food retail, small grocery, farmers market, community gardening
areas, or small/temporary or less intensively used food retail uses such as
mobile vending or produce stands. The same can be done for open-space in
neighborhood commercial that can be used for produce stands and farmers
markets.
• Zoning: Adopt a food cart zone or include mobile food vending provisions in
the land use code to increase food options for employees near employment
centers, transit-oriented development, and low-access areas. (See PHLP's
7. Explore mobile Model Produce Cart Ordinance.)
vending opportunities X X • Business incentives: Incentivize fruit/vegetable and other healthy food
stands locating in food access priority areas (e.g., near schools and parks,
low-access areas). This can be done, through reduced permit fees,
streamlined permitting processes, providing waterproof EBT machines, etc.
Issues and Opportunities �p Zoning Other Recommended Polices or Strategies
• Comprehensive Plan: Establish goals and standards for neighborhood
access to retailers of fresh produce or within a reasonable distance from
transit-oriented development.
• Other plans: Include similar goals in a Transportation Master Plan or Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan and cross-reference with goals of Complete
8. Prioritize transit and Streets work to increase bike, pedestrian, and transit access to stores.
pedestrian access to X X . Review whether adequate transit or shuttle alternatives are available from
food retail residential neighborhoods and elderly populations to nearby supermarkets
and farmers markets.
• Facilitate discussions with full service supermarkets about the benefits of a
store-run shuttle or transit coupon program between the store and
low-access areas. Suggestions for working with stores to support shuttles
are detailed in the Food Access Planning and Policy Guide.
Some food retailers operate without a public health permit; these businesses
9. Facilitate small tend to be immigrant-owned and are unaware of the permit requirement.
retailers' knowledge X . Permitting and licensing: Within the City's business licensing system,
of public health include information for food retailers that a county public health permit is
permits legally required (in most cases) and how to apply.
Currently, there are 15 convenience stores and 24 fast food restaurants near
schools. This is an opportune time to protect the food environment near
schools.
10.Create a healthy
school food zone X X • Comprehensive Plan: Adopt goal to create healthy eating environments
where children learn and play, such as schools and parks.
• Zoning: Adopt a"healthy school food zone" (NWCLC Model Language, p. 43).
Issues and Opportunities Cplan Zoning Other Recommended Polices or Strategies
Additional considerations identified by the Food Landscape Assessment
• Comprehensive Plan: set goal for keeping current Retail Food Environment
Index (RFEI) from rising and use it periodically as an assessment tool.
11. Monitor the balance Federal Way currently has nearly four times more convenience stores and
of healthy to less X X fast food retailers than healthy food retailers (3.77).
healthy food stores . Support new and existing healthy food retailers, which will increase the RFEI
score. See recommendations for businesses and farmers markets above.
• Comprehensive Plan: Adopt a community "health" or "food system" element
or integrate goals into existing elements (Food Access Planning and Policy
Guide).
• Comprehensive Plan: Include statements in plan's vision and overarching
objectives that highlight healthy food access goals for all of the Des Moines
community, through supermarket access, small grocers, farmers markets,
corner stores, community gardens, etc.
• Other plans: Food access goals can be included across other city plans, such
as a Transportation Master Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Parks
12. Ensure commitment and Recreation Master Plans, or sub-area plan.
to healthy food X X . Pass a Healthy Food Resolution and/or create a long-term action plan
access beyond CPPW (NWCLC Model Language, p. 2). Such resolutions allow the City to frame
funding
food access and educate citizens on the importance of and its commitment
to this topic.
• Initiate an inter-departmental team in the City to coordinate efforts and
develop strategies regarding food systems issues and opportunities. This
can involve monthly meetings where staff share efforts, trouble-shoot
common public concerns and request, and strategize for greatest impact.
• Collaborate with the Puget Sound Regional Food Policy Council by providing
public comment on the City's needs and interest in regional coordination
and support, attending meetings, etc.