Traditionally, food policy has largely been determined by decision-makers in the federal government and private sector. This should not devalue city and state leadership in reducing hunger and increasing the availability of healthy food. Yet, the food system–the continuum of activities ranging from production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal –stretches well beyond the jurisdiction of any one official or city agency. To create a paradigm shift that results in empowering the city and state to expand their role in food policy, every relevant government agency’s policies must be informed by and strategically focused on a shared goal: to create a sustainable food system which provides economic, social, environmental, and health benefits.

To address some of the existing challenges and to leverage new opportunities in New York City’s food system, this report’s recommendations are organized under the following subjects:
• Hunger
• Urban and Regional Agriculture
• Food Distribution
• Economic Development
• Food and Nutrition Education
• Steps Toward Implementation