HOTCOG’s Dorthy Jackson Appointed to Central Texas Regional Food System Council Steering Committee

Waco, TX — October 2025

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is proud to announce that Dorthy Jackson, Regional & Economic Development Manager, has been appointed to serve on the Steering Committee of the Central Texas Regional Food System Council (CTX RFSC). Jackson will represent local governments in the region and contribute to strategic efforts that strengthen food access, support local producers, and promote a sustainable and resilient food system across Central Texas.

Four of the six counties Jackson serves—McLennan, Falls, Limestone, and Freestone—are part of the Central Texas Regional Food System area, which faces ongoing challenges in food accessibility, agricultural sustainability, and equitable economic development.

“This Council provides a vital opportunity to align regional efforts that impact both our local economies and the well-being of residents,” Jackson said. “By working together, we can improve food access, support local producers, and ensure that our communities are more resilient.”

About the Central Texas Regional Food System Council

The Central Texas Regional Food System Council was established by the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) to address broad challenges across the 21-county Central Texas region, including McLennan, Falls, Freestone, Limestone, and surrounding counties outside of the HOTCOG region.

Its mission is to coordinate data, resources, education, policy, and advocacy to develop innovative solutions that promote equitable access to healthy food and foster economic opportunity for producers and communities alike

The Council envisions a thriving, sustainable, and resilient food system that supports access to fresh and nutritious food for all residents, encourages local food production, strengthens supply chains, and supports long-term community and economic health.

The Steering Committee’s Role

The Steering Committee serves as the Council’s strategic leadership body, providing governance, setting priorities, and approving policies that shape regional collaboration.

Membership includes representatives from local governments, agriculture, research institutions, philanthropy, community members, and the food industry. Dorthy Jackson joins a diverse group that includes the Central Texas Food Bank, Bell County officials, local food coalitions, UT Austin’s Department of Nutrition Sciences, and private-sector partners such as Amazon Fresh.

The committee meets quarterly to advance initiatives that address food insecurity, support infrastructure development, and guide region-wide strategies.

Regional Focus and Launch Priorities

At its launch meeting on October 24, 2025, Steering Committee members shared their hopes for the Council’s impact across Central Texas. Common goals included:

• Collaboration and Action – turning ideas into coordinated initiatives that create measurable results.
• Centering Community Voice and Equity – ensuring residents most affected by food insecurity are represented in policy and program development.
• Addressing Core Community Needs – developing solutions that confront root causes of hunger and strengthen the food economy.

The Council’s work will be guided by the Central Texas Food System Data Insights report, which revealed that 18.2% of Central Texans experience food insecurity, a rate higher than both state and national averages. The data emphasizes disparities among racial and rural populations and calls for stronger infrastructure, local food access, and policy coordination

HOTCOG’s Continued Regional Leadership

Through this appointment, HOTCOG strengthens its role as a regional collaborator and advocate for local governments. Jackson’s participation ensures that the perspectives of city and county leaders are included in developing strategies that link food security, economic resilience, and regional planning.

As HOTCOG continues to support initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development, this collaboration with the CTX RFSC underscores the organization’s commitment to building stronger, healthier communities throughout the Heart of Texas region.

About the Heart of Texas Council of Governments

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) serves Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties, promoting regional planning, economic development, and intergovernmental cooperation. HOTCOG works with member governments and partners to enhance infrastructure, workforce opportunities, and community resilience throughout the Heart of Texas region.