Food Policy Coalition Names First Director

Contact:
Karen Siebert

KANSAS CITY, MO.-Beth Low has been named the first director of the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition. Low will begin her position with the Food Policy Coalition immediately.

"We are thrilled to have someone as skilled and committed as Beth Low to move us forward as we make improvements to policies that affect the food we eat," said Gretchen Kunkel, president of KC Healthy Kids, which spearheaded the development of the Food Policy Coalition. "With the creation of the Food Policy Coalition and the hiring of our first director, Greater Kansas City is at the forefront of the national movement to make systemic changes to improve our food system."

The Food Policy Coalition was formed in 2009 and advocates for a strong local food system that provides healthy, sustainable and affordable foods for everyone living in Greater Kansas City. The coalition is an alliance of individuals, organizations, businesses and government representatives representing critical components of the local food system, including health care, agriculture, education, social services, food distribution, government, private business, nonprofit agencies and others.

"Every community has a food system, whether we are aware of it or not," said Low. "We need to look carefully at how our local policy decisions are directly or indirectly affecting the quality and access to food for all members of our community."

According to Low, Greater Kansas City's food system is affected every day by decisions and policies that determine how and where food is grown, how it is processed, distributed, prepared, protected and purchased, and how it is served in homes, schools and restaurants.

"I can think of few issues that have such an impact on the short- and long-term health of every single person in our community," said Low. "If you eat, you have a stake in our local food system."

Low previously served as a PRN social worker at Hope House in Jackson County. She has represented the 39th district in the Missouri General Assembly since 2005.

About the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition
The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition is a group of individuals, organizations, businesses and government representatives committed to ensuring that there is a healthy, sustainable and affordable food system for Greater Kansas City. The coalition promotes food policies that positively impact the nutritional, economic, social and environmental health of Greater Kansas City. More information is available at www.kcfoodpolicy.org.

About KC Healthy Kids
KC Healthy Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing obesity and improving the health of Greater Kansas City's children. KC Healthy Kids provides strategic leadership by informing, advocating and mobilizing the resources and talents of the community. Working in both Kansas and Missouri, KC Healthy Kids has led coalitions and launched initiatives designed to increase healthy eating and active living opportunities for children, including the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition, the Walking School Bus, the Schoolyard Gardens Initiative, Physical Activity Across the School Day and Good Food + Good Business = Good Futures. More information is available at www.kchealthykids.org.