URBAN FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances ch. 2, art. III, div. 14

in effect

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 2-295 Creation; purpose; duties.

Sec. 2-295. - Creation; purpose; duties. There is hereby created a council, to be known as the urban food policy council (hereinafter "council") for the purpose of initiating and promoting actions that increase food access in the city, with a particular emphasis on activities in the urban core. The council shall advocate for policies that build a sustainable, equitable and healthy local food system with a goal of enhancing the health of the citizens of the city, strengthening local economies and market opportunities and reducing hunger and food insecurity. The duties of the council shall be as follows: (1) Develop strategies to address food access needs in food deserts; (2) Solicit external support for food-related initiatives; (3) Support and encourage programming related to food, nutrition, cooking, gardening, and other topics; (4) Devise strategies to increase retail options in food deserts; (5) Work collaboratively with the Forsyth Community Food Consortium on strengthening the local food system; (6) Serve as a forum for discussing food issues; (7) Educate members of the community about the importance of healthy, fair, and sustainable local food; (8) Explore ways to encourage and promote food-based entrepreneurship; and (9) Undertake such duties as may be requested by the mayor and city council. (Ord. of 4-17-17, § 1; Ord. No. 26-0063, § I, 3-3-26)

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 2-296 Membership; term of members; officers.

Sec. 2-296. - Membership; term of members; officers. The council shall be composed of nine members of the public. Initially the members shall be appointed for staggered terms. Three members shall be appointed for a three-year term. Three members shall be appointed for a two year term. Three members shall be appointed for a one year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms. Members shall have an interest in the food system, including food production, distribution, marketing, processing, consumption, access, disposal, etc. Members shall be residents of the city but cannot be employees of the city. Members shall be recommended by the mayor and approved by the city council. The members of the council shall elect a chairman and a vice chairman from their membership. (Ord. of 4-17-17, § 1; Ord. No. 26-0063, § I, 3-3-26)

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 2-297 Removal of members.

Sec. 2-297. - Removal of members. Members of the council shall serve at the pleasure of the city council, and may be removed by the city council. In order for the council to carry out its duties and responsibilities, it is necessary for all members to attend the meetings. If any member is absent for two consecutive regular meetings, without excuse granted by the council, the chair shall notify such member in writing of such member's absences, and if such member fails to attend the next regular meeting, the council may, by majority vote of the remaining members, request that the position be vacated and a replacement be appointed by the city council. Council members shall abide by the city's ethics policy. If it is determined that a council member has a prohibited interest or relationship, or has failed to abide by the city's ethics policy, said member shall be removed from the council by the city council. (Ord. of 4-17-17, § 1)

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 2-298 Meetings.

Sec. 2-298. - Meetings. (a) Generally. The council shall establish its own meeting schedule but in no event shall meet less frequently than once a quarter. All meetings of the council shall be open to the public, and reasonable notice of the time and place thereof shall be given to the public and subject to the statutes regarding open meetings and public records. (b) Records. The council shall maintain a record of member attendance, actions taken, findings, and recommendations. (c) Quorum and voting. A quorum to conduct business shall consist of at least five members. Official action by the council shall require a majority vote of those present and qualified to vote. The chairperson shall be entitled to vote. (d) Rules of procedure. The council is authorized to adopt by-laws, rules, regulations and operating procedures necessary to conduct the affairs of the committee and not inconsistent with the provisions of the codes of the city and state law. (Ord. of 4-17-17, § 1)

Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 2-299 Staff support.

Sec. 2-299. - Staff support. Staff from the office of sustainability will provide primary staff support to the council. (Ord. of 4-17-17, § 1; Ord. No. 2020-8, § 3, 6-15-20; Ord. No. 24-0203, § 8, 6-3-24; Ord. No. 26-0063, § I, 3-3-26)

Source: City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nc/winston-salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH2AD_ARTIIIBOCO_DIV14URFOPOCOFetched: 11/1/2026