The Alamo Regional Food Security Network (ARFSN) was established to apply for the USDA Hunger Free Communities grant in October 2010. The group was originally called the Alamo Food Policy Council.

ARFSN was established as a joint effort of the Alamo Area Agency on Aging Senior Food Providers Committee, Hill Country Family Services, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Comal County Senior Citizen’s Foundation, Medina County Nutrition Programs, and the San Antonio Food Bank.

From inception, ARFSN has communicated and coordinated with the Food Policy Council of San Antonio. The two groups are taking different approaches to tackling hunger and food insecurity in south central Texas. The Food Policy Council of San Antonio has an established membership profile and is designed to promote a strategic road map to improve the food delivery system, including lobbying the Texas Legislature for necessary reform.

ARFSN is motivated to address the significant hunger that exists in our communities in a more direct manner. At this time, ARFSN is focused on establishing local food security/policy organizations in each county to promote greater coordination, collaboration, and communication at the county level.

To create an environment that supports food security in the communities of the Alamo Region by nurturing the growth of a sustainable local food system that is accessible to all through regional education, collaboration, and communication.

• To promote a sustainable regional food infrastructure that will support the economic viability of local farmers and to connect local food with the community in a safe, relevant, and affordable manner.
• To explore food insecurity issues that will promote a more comprehensive examination and public discussion of the regional food system.
• To educate and empower local residents about the food system, the benefits of local food production and consumption, and how to grow or access local food.
• To facilitate and coordinate discussion about food insecurity with food system stakeholders, government representatives, public and private organizations, food interest groups, and concerned citizens.
• To develop viable food policy recommendations and advocate for effective action by public and legislative decision makers that will reduce hunger and improve community health and wellness.