Task Force Recommendations Support Strategies for Addressing the Food Ecosystem in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force has completed its work, and presented the 2022 Food Security Task Force Final Report and Recommendations to the Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) on Thursday, January 20, 2022.    

The Prince George’s County Council established the Food Security Task Force under Council Resolution CR-062-2020 with a goal of identifying challenges and opportunities, and providing recommendations for creating a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food system in Prince George’s County. The 21-member Task Force included stakeholders representing government, not-for-profit, faith-based, food providers, the university & health community, and the private sector.

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, thanked the Food Security Task Force for their commitment to effectively address food security in Prince George’s County 

“The Food Security Task Force Report and Recommendations will guide the County in its work to ensure Prince George’s County residents have physical and economic access to the foods that will enable them to live healthy, productive lives. The Council appreciates the diligent work of the Task Force and looks forward to reviewing the final report and recommendations.” 

The Task Force has provided eleven recommendations in its final report - four foundational and seven general - including the creation of a County Food Security office; maximizing participation in federal food programs; establishing communication strategies; and additional incentives to support healthy food options.

District 4 Council Member and Food Security Task Force Chair, Todd M. Turner, says the final report reflects the work group’s mission to examine a wide range of issues related to the demand and supply of healthy food in the County. 

“The Food Security Task Force Final Report and Recommendations provide a strong foundation by setting the table for addressing food insecurity in the County, and its impact on residents, institutions and businesses as we continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  I applaud the Task Force members, County Council, County staff and our consultant team – the Institute for Public Health Innovation - for their diligent work. I also want to commend my Council colleagues, County Executive Alsobrooks’ Administration, and our community stakeholders for their active engagement during this process and look forward to the implementation of the recommendations.”

The Prince George's County Food Security Task Force builds on the work of the Food System Study initiated by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Two research projects were inspired by the study; the 2015 Healthy Food for All Prince Georgians project assessment and the 2018 Healthy Food Policy Project published by “Prince George’s County Food Equity Council: Taking on Food Swamps through Policy Change.” 

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