[iNews24 Reporter So Jin-seop] Okcheon County in North Chungcheong Province has kicked off a new food committee aimed at building a community-centered, sustainable food system.
The committee celebrated its launch at Okcheon County Hall on the 6th and includes 40 members, from farmers and consumer advocates to distribution officials, educators, welfare organizations, and subject-matter experts.
They'll provide policy guidance and coordinate initiatives to create a thriving local food ecosystem that keeps fresh food, jobs, and resources circulating in the community.
Going forward, the committee will gather community input and map a development direction for food policy across the board. Key priorities include strengthening connections between local farms and consumers; expanding public and school meal programs; increasing food support for vulnerable residents; improving local direct-sale markets and regional distribution systems; and promoting food education and healthier eating habits.
Lee Joo-hwa, head of Okcheon County’s Local Food Team, said, “We will actively support the food committee as a communication channel that amplifies diverse resident voices and helps craft sustainable food policies tailored to Okcheon County.”
