The Connecticut Food Policy Council is the outgrowth of an ad hoc committee initiated by the Legislative Planning and Development Committee. During 1995-96, the committee, chaired by Representative Jefferson Davis of Pomfret and Senator Eric Coleman of Bloomfield, explored the current situation, causes and trends, and the potential role for state government. The committee focused on issues related to food production, food distribution and consumer concerns. The final report, Toward Food Security for Connecticut, summarized the committee’s recommendations for action.

A task force convened during 1996-97 to continue the committee’s work, was chaired by Representative Davis and Dr. Ronald Cotterill, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut. This task force recommended legislation that resulted in Public Act 97-11, Section 21, which established the Connecticut Food Policy Council and housed the Council within the Department of Agriculture.

The members of the Council are established by state statute:
• Two members from agriculture or an agriculture organization
• One member from an anti-hunger organization
• One member from the Cooperative Extension System
• One member who is a food retailer
• One member who is a produce wholesaler
• The Commissioner of Agriculture or designee
• The Commissioner of Administrative Services or designee
• The Commissioner of Education or designee
• The Commissioner of Transportation or designee
• The Commissioner of Health or designee
• The Commissioner of Social Services or designee

Make recommendations to the Governor.

Prepare and submit an annual report to the General Assembly.