Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Friday, March 29

Gapers Block
Search

Gapers Block on Facebook Gapers Block on Flickr Gapers Block on Twitter The Gapers Block Tumblr


Drive-Thru
« Beer News Roundup "The Loop" to Rival a "Manhattan" »

Event Wed Feb 23 2011

With Emanuel Comes Improved Food Policy

re.jpg
Now that the election is behind us, we can start looking ahead at Mayor-elect Emanuel's plans for food-related issues in the city--from resolving the Neanderthal food truck drama to improving access to healthy food in underserved areas. Interested in reading more? We've got the details after the jump.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO FRESH, HEALTHY FOODS
More than 600,000 of Chicago's three million residents live in neighborhoods that lack access to fresh food. Located primarily on Chicago's south and west sides, these "food deserts" make it difficult to purchase healthy and fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The lack of a store also cripples a neighborhood's ability to attract economic investment that will lead to job growth, and creates areas that show significantly higher rates of health problems. A recent study found that, among those living in neighborhoods with the worst access to fresh food, 1 out of every 100 residents die from cardiovascular issues - nearly double the rate found in areas that have access to grocery stores. While there is no simple solution to eradicate food deserts, the public health and economic development consequences require action.

A GROCERY STORE IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD
Rahm's plan to combat food deserts is based on finding creative solutions that draw on the strengths of the public-private partnerships, community organizations and corporate investment.

Send a clear message to retailers: doing business in Chicago requires doing business in all neighborhoods

Grocery stores and other retailers are finding that underserved communities can often serve as profitable locations for new investment. As an example, last year Walgreens started selling an expanded selection of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables at ten stores in Chicago that were selected specifically for their location in food deserts. As mayor, Rahm will hold meetings with corporate leaders to encourage them to continue diversifying their food options as they seek permitting to open stores in more affluent neighborhoods.

Utilize federal, state and local economic incentives to expand food options
While large chain stores are certainly part of the solution, Rahm will also make small- and mid-sized independent food retailers an integral part of his plan. Rahm will leverage federal programs like President Obama's Healthy Food Financing Initiative and the Federal New Markets Tax Program, which enables companies to get federal tax credits for investing in projects in economically distressed communities, to increase food options while generating economic development.

Other cities and states have seen success with these programs, which can be easily replicated in Chicago. In the state of Pennsylvania, the use of these programs has increased access to healthy food for 400,000 people, while creating or retaining 4,860 jobs. Other options that will be considered include giving employers a tax credit of $1,500 for every employee hired from within a food desert zone. Additionally, retailers may be eligible for tax-exempt bonds for use on a variety of store upgrades - from the actual purchase of a building to equipment, or even product purchases.

EXPAND URBAN AGRICULTURE
For centuries, Chicago's fertile land has been used to grow fresh produce and create employment opportunities. But today, city government stands in the way of a renaissance of local food production by limiting the size and revenue potential of these enterprises. Rahm wants to break down these barriers and help local businesses and non-profits to secure land, sell their produce on-site, and create after-school and job training opportunities. The initiative will focus expansion on Chicago's south and west sides where large food deserts prevent communities from accessing fresh and healthy produce.

Cut the bureaucratic and regulatory prohibitions on urban agriculture
On Chicago's south and west side, community efforts are already underway to convert empty plots - often in a state of urban ruin and a hub for crime and drugs - into community gardens. Rahm recognizes the value of these community-initiated efforts and wants to support them by cutting the arcane zoning regulations that make it difficult for community gardens to thrive. Previous efforts to open community gardens and farms in the city have been stymied by a lack of clarity around the zoning ordinances. In one instance, it took two years to open a single community farm simply because of the regulatory red tape. As mayor, Rahm is committed to eliminating these bureaucratic and regulatory obstacles so that Chicagoans can exercise their innovation and more readily develop agricultural solutions that meet their needs. In addition to updating the zoning guidelines, Rahm will also help develop a set of Site Guidelines, which will guide community and commercial garden installations to ensure that community gardens are able to be run in efficient and cost-effective manners.

Allow fresh produce to be sold on-site

Current Chicago laws prohibit businesses from operating in residential zones without rezoning. While this makes sense through most of the city, it prohibitsfood grown on agricultural plots from being sold on-site. Rahm will work with the City Council to reform the zoning code so that fresh produce can be sold where it is grown. This will have particular impact on Chicago's south and west sides where non-profit organizations are turning blighted lots into agricultural plots.

Expand permits for mobile food trucks and allow food to be cooked on-site
Mobile food trucks are a staple in many American cities, but Chicago lags behind. These trucks provide freshly-prepared food in neighborhoods across the city. Rahm will support a city ordinance to expand licensing for these trucks while ensuring that local small businesses aren't negatively affected. The new policy would reform the city's existing regulations that prohibit most forms of street food vendors. By expanding the variety and number of food trucks, Chicago can promote a new industry that creates good jobs and expands access to fresh food.


(Source: press release from Rahm for Chicago campaign, 2/1/11.)

 
GB store

Chitown Food Truccker / February 23, 2011 11:14 AM

It's about time we can expect some change to the archaic food laws. And just in time too. A popular food truck service for Los Angeles and San Francisco, has just expanded to include Chicago food trucks and I can't wait to see some of our trucks on their live map!

GB store

Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

The State of Food Writing

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...
Read this feature »

GB store

 

Events


Drive-Thru on Flickr

Join the Drive-Thru Flickr Pool.


About Drive-Thru

Drive-Thru is the food and drink section of Gapers Block, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. More...
Please see our submission guidelines.

Editor: Robyn Nisi, rn@gapersblock.com
Drive-Thru staff inbox: drivethru@gapersblock.com

Archives

 

 Subscribe in a reader.

GB store

GB Store

GB Buttons $1.50

GB T-Shirt $12

I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15