New Orleans Community Food Charter

As citizens of Greater New Orleans, we understand that a vibrant local food system is central to the health of: 

• our families
• our economy 
• our schools
• our health care system
• our culture 
• our environment
• and our sustainable future

We also understand that the successful development of a local food system requires comprehensive and diverse strategies.

Therefore these strategies must:  

• Ensure the health and well being of all our citizens especially the most vulnerable – our elders and our children.

• Support our local and regional food producers to sustainably grow, harvest and sell the kinds of food that promote health in our communities, families and economy.

• Remove barriers to fresh food access. Some of these barriers include lack of transportation, inadequate wages, and the unequal distribution of retail outlets.

• Provide education which supports a healthy local food system by promoting environmental, nutritional, cultural, culinary, and horticultural awareness.

• Preserve our unique food culture, traditions, and heritage.

• Develop infrastructure and resources for city agricultural sites and gardens. These will grow our local food system and our local economy while beautifying our neighborhoods and increasing the availability of fresh, nutritious, and enjoyable foods.