Collaborating for Change: Davis County Food Environment Work Group Expands through Food Security Council Support
By Emma Parkhurst
The Davis County Food Environment Work Group (FEWG) is a multi-organizational collaborative dedicated to improving access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food in Davis County, Utah. The group envisions a community where food systems and policies are centered on the needs and desires of all residents, ensuring that every individual can access and enjoy healthy meals. Although Davis County is often seen as an affluent region where food insecurity might seem unlikely, local professionals know otherwise—the number of residents facing food and nutrition insecurity is steadily rising.
The FEWG’s approach to addressing this issue centers on building strong partnerships. While around a dozen organizations are actively involved in the FEWG, a recent opportunity to present their work to the Food Security Council (FSC) significantly broadened the group’s reach and impact.
Amberly Lambertsen and Emma Parkhurst, the current facilitators of the FEWG, welcomed the invitation to share the group’s initiatives with the FSC. Their presentation to the FSC not only highlighted ongoing efforts in the county, it also sparked new opportunities for collaboration. Amberly and Emma made valuable connections with state-level partners who had previously been unaware of the group’s work. In addition, FSC members offered referrals and contact information for other organizations that could potentially join the FEWG.
As a result of this engagement, the Davis County Food Environment Work Group has expanded its network and welcomed fresh voices and perspectives. These new collaborations will enhance the group’s ability to support food security efforts across the county and strengthen the impact of its initiatives moving forward.
If you need additional information, please contact Palak Gupta.