LP5: Access to Fresh Food

(3 points)

Purpose

Reduce embodied energy of food transportation and increase resident access to fresh food.

Criteria

A. Conservation:

Design and permanently protect a minimum of 10% of the total project site as agricultural land for the production of produce or livestock for local sale and consumption. Work with local farmers or agricultural agencies during the project’s conceptual stages to design and develop a working farm.

The farm should be located in an area suitable for cultivation, with adequate sun access, topography and hydrology.

B. Urban:

Design and permanently protect land in the development as community garden plots. 

• The total area of garden plots must equal twice the average residential unit size. 
• For projects obtaining points for density, the total area of garden plots must equal the average residential unit size.

Unit size is measured by the square footage of the building envelope.

Create more garden plots based on demographics of occupants as necessary. The garden should be located in an area suitable for cultivation, with adequate sun access, topography and hydrology and must be suited with a tool shed and water access at a minimum. Property management guidelines, home owner association documents or other controlling documents should reflect landscape maintenance of the community garden area.

OR

Organize and maintain a contract with a local Community Support Agriculture (CSA) system or similar service for delivery of fruits and vegetables produced within 150 miles of the project. The benefit can be organized at the developer’s discretion but should, in total, subsidize the cost of a CSA share for each unit by a reasonable amount for a minimum of 3 years from the date of first CO.

OR

Locate the project within 1/2 mile linear distance of a neighborhood farmers market or within ¼ mile walkable distance to a destination transit stop which links transit riders to a farmers market. The service between transit stops must be regular and the destination transit stop must be within ¼ mile walk distance of a neighborhood farmers market.

Verification

• Narrative describing how the farm will be developed, operated and managed. Include at least the following information: 
  • Name and contact information for the farmer or agency representative with whom the project is working to design the farm or to design the community gardens. 
  • Funding mechanism for the farm. 
  • Names of personnel working on the farm operation and design plans. 
• Permitted site plan indicating location and size of the farm or garden area. 
• Controlling documents, such as an easement document or deed restriction, indicating the permanent preservation of land. 
• Controlling documents, such as Property Management documents or HOA documents, reflecting the maintenance of the garden area. 
• Inspection by an ECC Technical Advisor.

OR 

• Narrative describing how the CSA program is structured. 
• Contract with CSA or HOA/Property Management documents ensuring the benefit is funded for required time period.

OR 

• Area map indicating the location of the neighborhood farmers market and the linear distances and/or walkable routes. Include a scale on the map.