The purpose and intent of the Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to develop a comprehensive Durham County food system assessment and 10-year strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to: • Honor and uplift relationships between land, people, and food in Durham. • Identify pathways and opportunities for Durham County government and affiliated partners to support new and existing initiatives that address the root causes of food insecurity and clarify the roles that local government, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders should play in supporting these initiatives • Outline the resources, policies, practices, and programs necessary to sustain food justice and food sovereignty in Durham County for generations • Develop recommendations for implementation and evaluation of the plan. According to the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (n.d.), “Access to quality, nutritious food is fundamental to human existence. Secure access to food can produce wide ranging positive impacts, including economic growth and job creation, poverty reduction, trade opportunities, increased global security and stability, and improved health and healthcare.” A comprehensive food system assessment and plan will provide Durham County staff with recommendations and strategies that help the County work towards these positive impacts, while increasing food security. Furthermore, a strategic plan would support Durham County government in future shared decision making and planning to guide County-level investments, policies, policies, practices, and programs.
