In an effort to promote a healthier Lorain, a unique collaboration has been forged between the City of Lorain, Lorain County Public Health Department, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, known as the Food Forward Lorain initiative. The primary objective of this project is to implement environmental and systemic changes, develop improved policies, and ensure that nutritious food is readily accessible to every Lorain resident. As we work towards accomplishing this mission, we value and seek your distinctive insights, feedback, and vision to enhance our community-driven decision-making process.

We deeply appreciate the diverse perspectives and cultural richness that each member of our wonderful Lorain community brings to this vital endeavor. Through Food Forward Lorain, our aim is to bolster the existing local food resources while establishing an efficient system for easy access to wholesome nourishment. Your real-life experiences, thoughts, and aspirations for a healthier Lorain are integral to our journey toward creating lasting, sustainable change. We encourage you to participate in this brief survey, as your invaluable input will shape policy development and drive tangible progress.

More about Food Forward Lorain

Food Forward Lorain is a partnership of community organizations working together on policies, systems and environmental changes to make healthy food available for everyone who lives in the City of Lorain.

Purpose:
To build upon existing community momentum, sustain efforts and encourage new partnerships to increase access to healthy food, and improve community well-being.

Why:
For community members to access to quality, nutritious food is fundamental to a healthy life. The City of Lorain is the largest city in Lorain County with a high poverty level. Residents face multiple barriers to health because of social and economic factors, or the Social Determinants of Health.

Objectives:

• Evaluate local food systems.
• Increase coordination of food system resources.
• Identify collaborative opportunities for solutions to system problems; initiate conversations, and convene relevant stakeholders.
• Aid in implementation.
• Promote outcomes.

More about the Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) Planning Grant

The USDA has invested $14.2 million in 52 grants, including one for the "Food Forward Lorain Initiative" in Ohio, as part of its Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive grants program. These grants, which include funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, aim to support urban agriculture and innovation in food production. The goal is to increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training, education, and help partners develop business plans and zoning proposals. This initiative builds on previous funding efforts and is part of the USDA's broader support for urban agriculture. UAIP grants support various stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs, addressing areas such as food access, education, business development for new farmers, and the development of policies related to zoning and urban production needs. The Food Forward Lorain Initiative is among the projects working to improve urban agriculture landscapes and enhance access to healthy food in economically distressed neighborhoods.