ADVOCATE

Local Matters knows advocacy - at the community and legislative levels - is a fundamental part of working toward food justice.

Where We Stand: Policy Priorities

Nutrition Education

Local Matters advocates that comprehensive nutrition education is fundamental to decreasing the rate of chronic diet-related disease in the next generation. Therefore, we affirm that nutrition education should be included in health education curriculum across Ohio and be made available to all in grades K-12.

Healthy Food Access

Local Matters recognizes that too often, one of the first barriers to eating healthy is access to healthy foods. We advocate for systemic change that creates the opportunity for everyone to access healthy, affordable food.

Food-Related Social Safety Nets

Local Matters looks to the government – local, state, and federal – to do their part in ensuring that social safety nets, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), exist for and are accessible to those who need help. We work with our representatives to be a voice for food justice, for our neighbors struggling to make ends meet, and for a sustainable food system.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is the backbone for a healthy, robust food system. We advocate for a food system that protects consumers, producers, farmers, food, and environment. Each participant in the system has the potential to affect our health, livelihood, and future.

Advocacy Resources

To find out what Congressional, State Senate, and State House District you live in, visit the Franklin County Board of Elections Sample Ballot page and search your address.

Not a Franklin County voter? You can still find your Congressional, Ohio Senate, and Ohio House representatives by clicking on each hyperlink.

2022

Election Guide 2022
Hear directly from your 2022 candidates! For the 2020 election season, Local Matters published an election guide for Franklin County, posing questions related to food justice to candidates running for public office. Building upon our 2020 Election Guide, Local Matters has created this guide for the 2022 midterms. The goal of the guide is to provide information on candidates’ priorities and support of policies, as well as to encourage greater participation in the democratic process.

2020

Election Guide 2020
Make your voice heard with Local Matters! This election season, join Local Matters in rallying for food justice issues. The lack of food access and education in our communities is not a partisan issue. Every candidate needs to understand the food-based challenges our neighbors face each day and how those challenges contribute to racial injustice. Candidates must have a plan to help end food disparities.

Looking for information about coronavirus-related advocacy? Local Matters recommends tuning into Food Research and Action (FRAC) for important updates on federal legislation. FRAC provides informed, food and equity-focused perspectives and calls to action on legislation. During this time, Local Matters is leaning on their diligent work to stay up-to-date about what is happening with federal relief efforts related to COVID-19.

Campaign 2020
Throughout the 2020 election season, Local Matters is tracking what presidential candidates are saying about SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). We will use our Facebook and Instagram pages to post what candidates say, paired with facts about SNAP and the role it plays in Ohio. You can also watch our advocacy highlight reel on Instagram for an overview of what we have seen so far!
#SNAPMatters #FoodisPolitical

2019

Call to Action
Pick up the phone for health education standards!

Senate Bill 121 is still being considered by the Education Committee and we need to garner more legislative support. Local Matters has compiled talking points and Education Committee member contact information for those who are in support of Ohio implementing K-12 health education standards.

Read about the proposed legislation that would implement Health Education Standards throughout Ohio - House Bill 165 and Senate Bill 121.

Supplement: Local Matters House Committee Testimony and Local Matters Senate Committee Testimony
Local Matters offered proponent testimony to the Committee on Primary & Secondary Education on House Bill 165 and to the Senate Education Committee on Senate Bill 121 to share why we, as a nonprofit in Central Ohio, believe Ohio needs to adopt Health Education Standards for K-12 students.