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Support Healthy Food, Nutrition and Environmental Conservation in the Farm Bill
Jeff Gangemi Jun 11, 2012 food stamps 0 comments
The Farm Bill is a hefty piece of legislation with incredibly broad implications for food accessibility, economic viability of small farms, and a host of programs that impact local food systems across the country. The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) has brought together a long list of environmental experts, celebrity chefs, and other leaders to work for a better Farm Bill. Together, they have put together an open letter to Congress and delivered it to every member in anticipation of the Senate debate on the bill. They are urging Congress to cut crop insurance subsidies and redirect that money into vital investments in nutrition, healthy food and conservation programs. And they...
Celebrating our Nation's Farmers' Markets
Remy Franklin Aug 12, 2011 food stamps 0 comments
National Farmers' Market Week wrapped up last Friday, but there's still a buzz in the air. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack proclaimed the week a celebration of the "benefits of farmers' markets and the bountiful production of our Nation's farmers." Indeed, there was much to get excited about. According to the USDA, "farmers' markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of family farms; revitalize communities; offer consumers affordable, convenient, and healthful products and potentially reduce childhood obesity." The good news? The number of farmers' markets in the United States grew 17% last year. There are now 7,175 farmers'...
A New Business Model for Farmers' Markets
FarmPlate May 25, 2010 food stamps 1 comments
Farmers' markets might be the easiest way for a consumer to connect directly with the farmers that grow their food. Outdoor markets are a social scene in themselves--a weekend venue where community members can connect, socialize and buy fresh food that supports the local economy. Why then, aren't more people shopping weekly at farmers' markets? A new article by The American Prospect highlights the areas in which the farmers’ market business model could be improved to address problems facing low-income consumers: high prices, limited availability of food staples and awareness of farmers’ markets. Picking up a few items at a farmers’ market to make dinner can get pricey quickly, especially if...
Farm Bureau Opposes Climate Change Bill
FarmPlate Jan 12, 2010 food stamps 0 comments
The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention kicked off in Seattle last Sunday with a heated keynote speech about climate change legislation from AFBF president Bob Stallman. Stallman called on members of the six million strong group--the largest farm group in the U.S.--to unite despite differences in farm size and ideology to aggressively oppose climate change legislation in Congress. The climate bill, which Stallman calls "misguided, activist-driven regulation," was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last summer and is currently being reviewed by the Senate. The bill calls for a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. In order to achieve this goal, a...