About the Regional Food System Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin

Everyone needs to eat to survive; however, our food system is mostly disconnected from the public eye. The food system is a complex web of activities, processes, and actors involved in producing and delivering food to consumers. A sustainable food system supplies food security and adequate nutrition for all in a way that protects economic, social, and environmental interests for future generations.

VISION 2050—the long-range land use and transportation plan for the Region—recognizes the need to make healthy food accessible in all areas of the Region, acknowledges the relationship between the Region’s urban centers and agricultural resources, and recommends developing a regional food system plan. To support this recommendation, the Commission is developing a Regional Food System Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin. This plan is aimed at increasing food access, reducing economic and health disparities, supporting locally owned and sustainably operated farms, preserving productive agricultural land and sensitive natural resources, and connecting the stakeholders throughout the Region that produce, process, distribute, and consume food.

Tying it all Together

The seven-county Region is home to many initiatives designed to improve access to healthy food for those in need, reverse economic and health disparities, and preserve natural resources. They include planning efforts undertaken by the Region’s counties, local governments, and community organizations; efforts to increase access to healthy food such as farmers markets and urban agriculture; efforts to improve economic opportunities and transportation options in areas of need; and efforts to support agriculture and preserve the Region’s most important natural resources.

While the initiatives related to healthy food access, equity, agriculture, and the environment are impressive, they could be strengthened by expanding connections and interaction at the regional level. One way to achieve this is through a regional planning effort. SEWRPC is in the unique position of serving all 154 counties and local governments in the Region, urban and rural. SEWRPC is also in the unique position of having developed a comprehensive plan for the Region that includes principles and recommendations that can be incorporated into a regional food system plan to strengthen existing initiatives and organizations and address all aspects of this complex issue. SEWRPC Executive Director Kevin Muhs stated that the plan will “be a guide to improving healthy food access and production throughout the Region” and that the plan can play a key role in “tying it all together.”

About SEWRPC

The Regional Planning Commission is the official areawide planning agency for infrastructure and land use for Southeastern Wisconsin. The Commission serves the following seven Southeastern Wisconsin Counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. Under State law, Commission plans are advisory to local and State governments.