A Message from Our Manager, Rosa Baker: |
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I am renewed with hope and determination for the future of our regional food system as we really settle into 2026. Despite challenging shifts in National and state-level food policy, we’ve taken important steps to strengthen our regional collective impact. I’m thrilled to share that we are welcoming 11 fresh new voices and perspectives to our Food Policy Council, all individuals who share our commitment to building a more equitable and resilient food future for all in Greater Cincinnati (more below).
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Our initial focus is alignment, ensuring our actions align with established frameworks such as the newly published regional sustainability playbook through ThriveTogether, as well as more global models such as the Milan Urban Food Pact. We also want to support and align with local grassroot efforts making a difference in our community.
Through education and advocacy, the FPC is working to increase local food purchasing by institutions, supporting local Farm to School efforts, and expanding urban gardens and food hubs throughout Cincinnati, tackling wasted food by building connections and educating stakeholders. Together, these efforts reflect the FPC's commitment to growing a food system that works for all residents of Greater Cincinnati. Here are some ways to see our work in motion in March and April:
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These are all great opportunities to reaffirm our shared vision. The challenges we face, from food access to climate resilience, are significant, but so is our collective power to create change. Let’s continue to work together, inspired by what’s possible when we unite around a common purpose. |
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| Cheers, Rosa Baker Manager, Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council |
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Member Spotlight: WeTHRIVE! |
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WeTHRIVE! is an initiative through Hamilton County Public Health that aims to create sustainable changes that improve residents’ health, safety, and well-being. WeTHRIVE! teams can be formed by communities, schools, or early care and education providers interested in making Hamilton County a healthier place to live, work, and play. |
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Many teams recognize the need to bring nutritious food options into their communities, schools, and early care and education locations. Teams have hosted produce pop-up events, created mobile food distribution points, installed Little Free Pantries, created gardens, and implemented Farm to Early Care and Education strategies.
WeTHRIVE! staff have also been working with partners like Green Umbrella and Produce Perks Midwest to create more opportunities for residents to access local produce. One opportunity to learn more includes our upcoming collaborative webinar on Expanding Healthy Local Procurement Using the Foodservice Guidebook.
Interested in becoming a Green Umbrella member and collaborating on future events? Learn more today. |
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New Food Policy Council Members |
We are thrilled to announce the newest members of our Food Policy Council! Their passion, expertise, and dedication will help us drive meaningful change in our region. Together, they bring fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing a resilient local food system. Get to know more about our new and returning Food Policy Council Members through our recent blog.
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Wednesday, March 4 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Virtual
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Join us for a virtual training session on how to put the Guidebook for Resilient Regional Food Systems into action. You will learn why local food systems matter, how to advocate for more local food procurement, and actionable strategies and tools to help implement change in your community. Whether you’re an organizational leader or a food systems advocate, you’ll gain insights into collaborative approaches, resource-sharing, and innovative solutions to foster community resilience through increased local purchasing.
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The Guidebook and this training are presented through the partnership of the Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council and the WeTHRIVE! Initiative. |
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February 26-28 130 W. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
Studio Kroner presents a three-day exhibition that transforms the community-driven publication Cincinnati's Foodshed: An Art Atlas into an immersive gallery experience exploring the people and systems shaping the region's food economy. |
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The exhibition features original works from the Atlas, new neighborhood food maps by Karen Bohyen and Scott Hand, and graphic-novel-inspired storyboards by Stephen Kroger and Alan Wight designed to spark conversation about local farmers, chefs, activists, and enterprises working toward a more sustainable and equitable food system. Schedule includes: |
Opening Reception: Friday, February 27, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM Panelists: Shannon Carr, Dominic Bly, Peter Huttinger, Barb Liphardt Facilitated by: Alan Wight & Stephen Kroger |
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Professional Opportunities |
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Featured Opportunity: Rural Action’s On-Farm Apprenticeships |
Rural Action is offering paid on-farm apprenticeship and internship programs in Appalachian Ohio, connecting eager learners with experienced farmers for hands-on agricultural training from approximately April to September. Apprentices (18+) earn $20/hour paid by Rural Action, who also facilitates placements and check-ins, with preference given to applications received before February 28. Register here for Rural Action's paid on-farm Apprenticeship program.
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Are you a local farmer interested in selling directly to Early Childcare Centers in our region? Please respond to this email and let us know. We are happy to include your farm as an upcoming resource to support ECE centers in switching or increasing local procurement. |
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More opportunities & resources: |
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We’re introducing this little corner of the newsletter to feature some fun multi-media resources to inspire food system changemakers in our community! Do you have a must read, watch, recipe, etc? Email us with your suggestion for the chance to be included in our next newsletter! Here are some of Rosa’s recent inspirational chews: |
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Minimalist Baker is one of my favorite recipe sites! They offer tons of Vegan and Gluten Free versions of classic recipes, as well as a unique array of global inspired cuisine. This homemade Miso Soup is so simple and comforting this winter. |
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This thoughtful conversation featuring Leah Penniman, the Co-Executive director of Soul-Fire Farm, explores how systemic oppression of BIPOC communities in the U.S. has shaped farmland ownership, while offering ways to advance racial justice in food systems. |
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An exploration of how agriculture can dramatically cut emissions while keeping farmers financially viable. By shifting policy toward farmer incentives, climate-safe practices and profitable farming don't have to be a trade-off. |
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This short video by BBC Storyworks celebrates the recent transition of Blue Rock Station in Ohio into a Farmland Commons model, a community land trust approach where farmland is permanently protected from development and held collectively, offering regenerative farmers fair, long-term leases. |
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Reply to this email to reach the new Food Policy Council Manager, Rosa, or for questions regarding membership, visit here or email membership@greenumbrella.org. |
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The Food Policy Council Is Sponsored By: |
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Green Umbrella leads cross-sector collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati. |
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