City of St. Louis Planning Commission

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The City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan’s primary objective is to “use the City’s limited resources in efficient and innovative ways, and foster revitalization to promote a vibrant, attractive, prosperous and healthy community for present and future generations.” The plan uses a three-pronged definition of sustainability (with economic, social and environmental drivers) to develop seven goals, 50 objectives, 317 strategies, assessments and potential funding tools. A notable objective for food and agriculture under the topic of urban character, vitality and ecology is building a community-based urban agriculture industry through updated zoning codes, broadening the definition of urban farming to include unconventional practices, and developing policies that permit leasing of vacant lots for community gardens. The plan also seeks to engage and empower youth through the development of green jobs in the food sector and increased access to affordable, healthy food. To ensure equal access to amenities, opportunities, safety and health throughout the city, the plan proposes incentives to new markets to locate in areas “identified as food deserts,” tax incentives to provide fresh produce, and establishment of a shuttle bus that links residents with fresh, local, and healthy food. In the broader scope of health, well-being and safety, a key objective of the plan is increased access to healthy, local food and nutritional information. This objective includes strategies such as eliminating food deserts, connecting food growers with consumers, begin healthy food choice education at the elementary level, improve availability of farmers markets and local foods, provide education on nutrition, and deliver healthy food to those in need.