July 25, 2011


RE:  Kansas Health Foundation:  Access to Healthy Foods Planning Grant

Dear Mr. Usher:

On behalf of the City of Lawrence, I am writing with our strong support of, and commitment to the Kansas Health Foundation Access to Healthy Foods Planning Grant.  

Lawrence is a diverse and multifaceted city that provides many of the amenities of a large metropolitan area, while still maintaining a strong sense of community.  However, our residents face many of the same challenges in accessing healthy food as do communities across Kansas and the nation.  The City has several neighborhoods that are technically “food deserts” and 5,200 of our residents are in identified low-access areas (defined as more than 1 mile from a supermarket or large grocery store).

However, we also have a local foods and nutrition movement that is gathering momentum in our community,  a strong coalition of partner organizations, and LiveWell Lawrence, working to address food issues.  These organizations have laid a strong foundation for the next step:  Addressing policy barriers to healthy eating, and improving the food environment for our citizens.

The City of Lawrence pledges a commitment to this project, in the form of:

• Participation on the Leadership Team (list Commissioner and? staff here)
• If chosen, Leadership Team members from the City of Lawrence will commit to participate in a 2 ½ day collaborative leadership program.
• Leadership Team members from the City of Lawrence will participate in technical assistance and evaluation of these grants.

The City of Lawrence looks forward to this collaborative effort that will create policy solutions that make it easier for our residents to make healthy food choices in our community.

Sincerely,




City Commissioner