Local Organizations Band Together To Improve Philly's Food Sources

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Local organizations have announced a new comprehensive plan to improve Philadelphia's food system.   A special event was held today at Reading Terminal Market.

The plan, called "Eating Here," is designed to strengthen the food system that feeds the Greater Philadelphia region.

Barry Seymour (above), executive director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, outlines the goals of the plan:  "Promote access to fresh food, helping to teach people where they can find fresh food and how to prepare it.  We want to support local farmers, we want to support local farmers' markets."

And to help implement the plan, the William Penn Foundation is making almost a half-million dollars in grants to local organizations.

One recipient, Weavers Way Community Programs, grows a "hope garden" at the Stenton Family Manor, a homeless shelter.

"Most of the food we grow goes into the kitchen," says Rachel Milenbach, executive director.  "Some of it goes to area farm stands to go to people in the neighborhoods of Northwest Philadelphia."

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060.