Department of Public Health city of chicago
April 29, 2016
Chairman Mitts and Members of the City Council:
I have enclosed an evaluation ofthe Produce Stand on the Public Way Pilot Program. This program, originally passed by the City Council in 2012 after approval by the Committee on License and Consumer Protection, has aimed to increase the accessibility of fresh produce, especially in areas underserved by grocery stores. The ordinance calls for the commissioners of CDPH, CDOT, BACP, and CDPD to submit an evaluation of the program 60 days before the pilot expires, which will happen on June 30, 2016. Accordingly, I am submitting our evaluation for your review. It contains information on the program background, the content ofthe ordinance, initial efforts, preliminary research, interviews with program participants, and recommendations for ensuring the program is as effective and sustainable as possible.
Thank you for your consideration of this evaluation.
Sincerely,
Julie Morita, MD ^ Commissioner -M'j
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333 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 200, CHICAGO. ILLINOIS 60604
Evaluation: Pilot Program for Produce Stands on the Public Way
Prepared by the commissioners of CDPH, BACP, CDPD, and CDOT
April 29, 2016
Program Background
The City of Chicago is committed to helping residents eat healthy, especially in areas with low access to nutritious food. In 2011, Mayor Emanuel held a series of grocery summits to discuss adding more grocery stores in or near underserved areas. The result has been increased collaboration between retailers and the City to find and capitalize on opportunities to improve access. For example, the Department of Planning and Development provided land and financial assistance for the Whole Foods now being built in Englewood and the Pete's Fresh Market that opened on the West Side. The City has also brought back and expanded the Double Value Coupon Program to help low-income residents buy fresh produce at farmers markets—nearly...
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