Author

Image of Blaire-Bryant.jpg

Blaire Bryant

Legislative Director, Health | Large Urban County Caucus
Image of Julia Cortina.jpg

Julia Cortina

Associate Legislative Director, Human Services & Education | Immigration Task Force

Upcoming Events

Related News

Among our numerous responsibilities, serving as the front line of the social safety net is a primary function of county governments to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities for our residents. County governments are steadfastly committed to protecting our residents’ quality of life, including by ensuring they can access the nutritious food they need to thrive. 

Food insecurity often corresponds with poor nutrition, which can negatively impact health, educational outcomes and productivity in all individuals, but especially in children. Meanwhile, diet-related diseases are some of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.

Counties are key partners with the federal government in developing, implementing and administering food and nutrition programs at the local level. Across the nation, county governments are leading efforts to combat hunger by transforming local food systems and often serve as conveners and/or key partners for local food councils. Counties sponsor programs in partnership with community organizations to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets, organize food drives and support local food production. We are also investing significant portions of our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) allocations to combat food insecurity.

However, the county role in supporting food security and nutrition extends far beyond the administration of federal nutrition programs. Counties are owners and operators of the services, resources and systems that shape the way our nation produces, delivers and provides access to healthy, nutritious food to all the nation’s residents. This includes building and maintaining critical infrastructure that supports transportation routes from food producers to providers, and investing in facilities that provide food to low-income and vulnerable populations such as schools and public libraries. Counties are also responsible for consumer protection, economic development, employment and workforce training, emergency management, land use planning and zoning, which all support the social, environmental and economic conditions that keep our nation’s food system running. 

Download Full Report

Tagged In:

Related News

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein discusses overdose data and trends May 1 at the NACo Large Urban County Caucus fly-in. Photo by Bryan Dozier
County News

Ongoing support is crucial for counties tackling overdose rates

The best treatment option for polysubstance use is “contingency management,” which is when someone with substance use disorder is given an incentive, such as money, for not using.

Walworth County, Wis. Supervisor Brian Holt describes how regional coordination helps counties get a better picture of their priorities. Photo by Bryan Dozier
County News

Proposed federal mandates cloud opioid treatment

Counties are positioned to quickly feel the effects of Office of National Drug Control Policy’s new priorities.

A teacher sits with a small group of young students
Press Release

National Association of Counties expands programming to build childcare supply

NACo announces the launch of its Childcare Supply Network. This new peer learning network will support local leaders in addressing childcare challenges and co-creating sustainable solutions to strengthen local childcare systems in response to workforce needs. 

San Diego County’s Child Support Services student workers help staff at an outreach event for the department.
News

California county program helps spark student careers

San Diego County created a win-win program to fill open staff vacancies and give college students real-world work experience.

Children play at a local child-care business created with help from Stanislaus County, Calif. Photo courtesy of Stanislaus County
County News

California county, non-profit help launch child-care startups

Adrianna Segura, a Stanislaus County, Calif. mother of two, was licensed to be a home-based child-care provider, but she didn’t know the first thing about starting a business. She knew how to take care of children, but she wasn’t sure how to file taxes, create contracts or what her rate should be.

Stethoscope on dollars
Advocacy

NACo offers new Medicaid resources as Congress advances Budget Resolutions with major Medicaid reform implications

On April 10, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to adopt a Senate-passed budget resolution, marking the next step in the budget reconciliation process. The proposed funding levels therein represent significant potential cost shifts to counties, particularly in the area of Medicaid financing. To help county leaders understand what’s at stake, NACo has developed two new resources.

Upcoming Events

re
Webinar

Ask a Public Health Expert: The Resurgence of Measles

Join NACo on Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET for a webinar on the resurgence of measles and what county leaders need to know. As outbreaks emerge across the U.S., this session will cover the history of measles, the importance of vaccination, current trends and how counties can respond effectively. The hour-long webinar will feature a 30-minute expert presentation followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from public health experts and get your questions answered.

Image of GettyImages-1402700291.jpg
Webinar

Enhancing Child Welfare: Best Practices for Measuring and Improving Outcomes

Join us for an insightful webinar focusing on child welfare specifically designed for county governments. We will delve into evidence-based practices, informed funding decisions, cost efficiencies, and effective program management. Key areas of discussion will include out-of-home placements, prevention services, and reunification services.