Fresh Produce Discussion Blog

Created by The Packer's National Editor Tom Karst

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Organic Consumers Association Statement on Starbucks Participation in Grocery Manufacturers Association’s


GMO Labeling Lawsuit against Vermont

FINLAND, Minn. –  The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) has called on Starbucks to withdraw from the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), an industry lobbying group that is suing Vermont to overturn the state’s GMO labeling law, and is behind H.R. 4432, a federal bill to preempt states’ rights to pass laws requiring the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food ingredients.
Starbucks responded to petitions by OCA and others, and to a blog post by Neil Young, with this statement: "Starbucks is not a part of any lawsuit pertaining to GMO labeling nor have we provided funding for any campaign. And Starbucks is not aligned with Monsanto to stop food labeling or block Vermont State law.”
The GMA also responded, stating: "Neither Starbucks nor Monsanto is participating in our lawsuit to overturn Vermont's GMO labeling law."
Ronnie Cummins, international director of the OCA and its Mexico affiliate, Via Organica, issued the following statement today:
“Claims by Starbucks and the GMA that Starbucks is not a part of the GMA’s lawsuit against Vermont, or the GMA’s efforts to pass a federal law preempting states from passing GMO labeling laws, ring hollow with consumers who are fighting for a right that consumers in 64 other countries already have.
“Corporations join lobbying groups like the GMA so they can maintain a consumer-friendly image while the lobbying group does the dirty work for them. When Washington State sued the GMA for money laundering, the GMA defended its creation of the ‘Defense of Brand Strategic Account’ to ‘better shield individual companies from attack,’ by claiming that the lobbying group speaks ‘with one voice’ for its members.
“A statement by GMA President and CEO Pamela Bailey, on the GMA website, says: ‘From rapidly changing consumer preferences to the public policy arena, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is uniquely positioned to bring the industry together, as one voice, to lead and to address those issues that no one company can solve alone.’
“Monsanto (also a member of the GMA) and the GMA have successfully blocked GMO labeling legislation in over 30 states, at a price tag of more than $100 million. Where did the GMA get this money? From its 300+ members, which include Starbucks (and other popular consumer brands).
“Starbucks is not a member of the International Dairy Federation of America (IDFA), also a party to the lawsuit against Vermont. However, by refusing to use sustainable, organic milk in its products, the coffee giant also, albeit indirectly, supports the IDFA.
“Consumers are fed up with corporate public relations schemes intended to portray companies like Starbucks as ‘caring’ about consumers, while at the same time, behind consumers’ backs, those companies support multi-billion dollar lobbying groups that pressure the courts and federal legislators to enact anti-consumer policies. It’s time for Starbucks to come clean, by withdrawing from the GMA and switching to organic milk, or consumers will kick them to the curb.”

USDA Food Safety Tips for Cooking Thanksgiving Turkeys




WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2014 – Thanksgiving is the largest meal many cooks prepare each year. Getting it just right, especially the turkey, brings a fair amount of pressure whether or not a host is experienced with roasting one. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations on how to properly prepare a turkey to make sure yours is both delicious and safe to serve.

“Unsafe handling and undercooking of your turkey can lead to serious foodborne illness, explains Maria Malagon, Director of Food Safety Education with USDA FSIS. “Turkeys may contain Salmonella and Campylobacter, harmful pathogens that are only destroyed by properly preparing and cooking a turkey.”

Consumers should follow certain steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. According to Ms. Malagon, “those handling and cooking Thanksgiving meals should be aware of the resources available to them and the measures they can take to keep food safe.”

Steps to follow before cooking a turkey:
Read labels carefully. Temperature labels show if the bird is fresh or frozen. If you plan to serve a fresh turkey, purchase it no more than two days before Thanksgiving.
Purchase two thermometers: a refrigerator thermometer to ensure the turkey is stored at 40 °F or slightly below and a food thermometer to make sure the cooked turkey reaches a safe 165 °F.
Thaw the turkey by using the microwave, the cold water method, or the refrigerator. The refrigerator method is USDA recommended.

Steps to follow when cooking a turkey:
Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before touching any food to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness.
Do not wash the turkey. This only spreads pathogens onto kitchen surfaces. The only way to kill bacteria that causes foodborne illness is to fully cook the turkey.
Keep raw turkey separated from all other foods at all times.
Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils when handling raw turkey to avoid cross-contamination. Wash items that have touched raw meat with warm soap and water, or place them in a dishwasher.
Cook the turkey until it reaches 165 °F, as measured by a food thermometer. Check the turkey’s temperature by inserting the thermometer in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.

Steps to follow when consuming leftover Thanksgiving food:
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacteria from growing on the food.
Store leftovers in shallow pans or containers to decrease cooling time. This prevents the food from spending too much time at unsafe temperatures (between 40 °F to 140 °F).
Do not store stuffing inside a leftover turkey. Remove the stuffing from the turkey, and refrigerate the stuffing and the meat separately.
Avoid consuming leftovers that have been left in the refrigerator for longer than 3 or 4 days (next Tuesday to be exact). Use the freezer to store leftovers for longer periods of time.
Keep leftovers in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs if the food is traveling home with a guest who lives more than two hours away.

Consumers with more food safety questions can visit FoodSafety.gov to learn more about how to safely select, thaw and prepare a turkey. They may also call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or chat live with a food safety specialist at AskKaren.gov, available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, in English or Spanish.

FSIS will provide Thanksgiving food safety information during November on Twitter, @USDAFoodSafety, and on Facebook, at Facebook.com/FoodSafety.gov.

Consumers needing help on Thanksgiving Day may contact the USDA Food Safety Hotline from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.


Friday, November 21, 2014

Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Delayed Action on 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards

Statement by Bob Stallman, President,
American Farm Bureau Federation,
Regarding Delayed Action on 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards


WASHINGTON, D.C., November 21, 2014 – “Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the nation by reducing our country’s dependence on foreign crude oil, reducing air pollution and providing good-paying jobs within rural America. That is why the American Farm Bureau Federation is disappointed in the Environmental Protection Agency’s notice of delay in issuing 2014 standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program. Rather than set 2014 standards by the end of the year, EPA has once again delayed action on the 2014 standards.

“This significant delay and inability of the EPA to set standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program creates unneeded uncertainty in the marketplace. Even though EPA took the appropriate course in reconsidering its proposed rule after receiving substantial pushback from rural America, Farm Bureau continues to believe that adhering to the framework of the RFS2 remains the best approach.”

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Beverage Companies Spent $866 Million Advertising Unhealthy Drinks Last Year Alone Heavily Targeted Children and Teens

Beverage Companies Spent $866 Million Advertising Unhealthy Drinks Last Year Alone
Heavily Targeted Children and Teens

WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) issued the following statement today in response to the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity’s report on sugary drink nutrition and marketing, Sugary Drink FACTS 2014.

“Over the past 30 years we have seen a substantial increase in obesity and diabetes in the United States, a trend that is particularly alarming among our children. Research shows that food and beverage marketing is an important factor contributing to children’s poor diets, obesity and diabetes, and undermines parents’ influence on their children’s diet and healthy eating. The associated medical expenses are driving healthcare costs higher and even reducing the number of potential military recruits. And this report makes clear that beverage companies continue to aggressively target advertising of unhealthy drinks to our children and adolescents.

“This is atrocious. We must keep working to address the dual epidemics of diabetes and obesity and the evidence is clear that sugar-sweetened beverages are a key contributor to the problem. The Federal Trade Commission has reported that the overwhelming majority of foods and beverages marketed to children are of poor nutritional quality. The agency must continue its important work so we know where to focus our resources. The Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children has issued guidelines for the food industry’s marketing methods, which aim to help children make healthier food choices. The Rudd Center’s report provides further evidence that we must do more to address this public health issue.”

DeLauro has introduced legislation (H.R. 2831) which would end deductions for marketing food of poor nutritional quality directed at children and the SWEET Act (H.R. 5279) which would impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

CONSUMER REPORTS ISSUES NEW CONSUMPTION GUIDELINES BASED ON ANALYSIS OF ARSENIC LEVELS IN RICE PRODUCTS & OTHER GRAINS


Recommendations include restricting children’s intake of hot & cold rice cereals, rice pasta & rice drinks

CR continues to call on FDA to set standards, especially for products children consume most

YONKERS, NY ― Consumer Reports (CR) is issuing new consumption guidelines for consumers based on its latest analysis of data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its own testing for arsenic levels, particularly inorganic arsenic (IA), a carcinogen, in rice and other grains and has developed a point system to help adults and children reduce their exposure to arsenic without eliminating rice.  CR also says children should rarely eat hot rice cereal or rice pasta and those under the age of 5 should not replace milk with rice drinks based on elevated arsenic levels.

The latest analysis and updated recommendations from Consumer Reports come nearly two years after the organization released its original report on arsenic in rice in 2012.  These latest tests found that the IA content of rices varies greatly depending on the type and where it was grown.  CR has identified better choices with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic, including white basmati rice from India, Pakistan or California and U.S. sushi rice. CR tests also found lower arsenic options for other grains such as amaranth, millet, and quinoa.

The full report, “Arsenic in Your Rice: The Latest,” is available online at ConsumerReports.org and in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports, which hits newsstands next week.

“We are very pleased to learn that there are lower arsenic choices when it comes to rice and alternative grains.  This is great news for consumers who can now use our information to make better decisions for themselves and their families and reinforces our advice to vary your grains,” said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, Director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports.  “In the meantime, we continue to call on the FDA to set standards for arsenic in rice-based foods and are particularly concerned about the effects on children.”

Consumer Reports’ Findings & Recommendations

Consumer Reports tested 128 samples of basmati, jasmine, and sushi rice for arsenic and combined the results with findings from its 2012 tests and data from the FDA’s analysis of arsenic in rice for a total of 697 samples and determined that the inorganic arsenic content of rice varies greatly depending on the type of rice and where it was grown. CR also looked at IA levels in 114 samples of nonrice grains and analyzed FDA data on the IA content of 656 processed rice-containing products.

Below are some important findings based on CR’s new analysis:

White basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan, and sushi rice from the U.S., on average has half of the IA amount of most other types of rice.  Brown rice has 80 percent more IA on average than white rice of the same type; brown basmati from California, India, or Pakistan is the best choice because it has about a third less IA than other brown rices.
All types of rice (except sushi and quick-cooking) with a label indicating that it’s from the U.S., Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas had the highest levels of IA in Consumer Reports’ tests.  White rices from California have 38 percent less IA than white rice from other parts of the country.
Organic rice takes up arsenic the same way conventional does, so don’t rely on organic to have less arsenic.
Gluten-free grains, including amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and polenta (or grits) had much lower average levels of IA. Bulgur, barley, and farro, which contain gluten, also have very little arsenic.  Consumer Reports recommends that consumers vary the type of grains they eat.

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications.  Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and

Monday, November 17, 2014

OSHA urges retailers to keep workers safe during major sales events

OSHA urges retailers to keep workers safe during major sales events
WASHINGTON — As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is encouraging retail employers to implement safety measures to prevent workplace injuries during major sales events, including Black Friday.
Tragic consequences and risk to workers can occur if the proper safety procedures are ignored. In 2008, a retail worker was trampled to death when shoppers rushed through the store to take advantage of holiday sales.
"During the hectic shopping season, retail workers should not be put at risk of injury or death," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "OSHA urges retailers to take the time to adopt a crowd management plan and follow a few simple guidelines to prevent unnecessary harm to retail employees."
OSHA sent letters to major retailers to remind employers about the potential hazards involved with managing large crowds at retail stores during the holiday season when sales events attract a higher number of shoppers. Retailers are encouraged to use the safety guidelines, Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers, provided in the OSHA fact sheet they received.
Crowd management plans should, at least, include:
On-site trained security personnel or police officers,
Barricades or rope lines for pedestrians that do not start right in front of the store's entrance,
The implementation of crowd control measures well in advance of customers arriving at the store,
Emergency procedures in place to address potential dangers,
Methods for explaining approach and entrance procedures to the arriving public,
Not allowing additional customers to enter the store when it reaches its maximum occupancy level, and
Not blocking or locking exit doors.
The letter sent to major retailers, retail associations and fire associations can be viewed at https://www.osha.gov/ooc/alerts-letters.html#letters.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance

USDA Announces Karis Gutter as USDA's First Military Veterans Agriculture Liaison


New Position Will Coordinate Ongoing USDA Support for Active Duty Military and Veterans

Des Moines, Iowa, Nov. 14, 2014 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced Karis T. Gutter, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran and current USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS), as the first USDA Military Veterans Agricultural (MVA) Liaison. The MVA Liaison will coordinate USDA leadership across the Department to provide information, resources and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The MVA Liaison will also have authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans.
Deputy Secretary Harden made the announcement at the Farmers Veterans Coalition and Drake University Agriculture Law Center's inaugural national conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
"Many of America's veterans come from our rural communities, and are often drawn back to the land upon returning to civilian life," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "Veterans are key to building our future generation of farmers, land stewards and conservationists. USDA already has a number of initiatives to help veterans find meaningful work in agriculture upon returning home, but this new position will help coordinate our efforts and make programs easier to navigate. I look forward to Karis' leadership as we continue to support America's heroes."
Gutter, native of Terry, Mississippi (pop. 1,099), began his career in public service as an enlisted United States Marine Corp Reservist. Gutter served as a Corporal in the Marine Corps as a communications and field radio operator for six years and participated in humanitarian relief in support of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. Prior to his USDA service, Gutter worked for the Hinds County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi and on Capitol Hill as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02).
"Serving as USDA's first Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison is a great honor," said Gutter, who is also attending the Iowa conference. "As a Marine, I know military veterans have unique skills, training and perspective. My job is to make sure military veterans have full access to USDA's resources and services to help them succeed in civilian life."
The USDA Military Veteran Agriculture Liaison, which reports directly to the Office of the Secretary, is a new position created by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill also authorizes USDA to offer priority preference to veterans in several programs including the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
Since 2009, USDA has invested in housing, job training and financial assistance for veterans including:
Providing safe and sound housing through Rural Development's Rural Housing Service by making 9,301 single family guaranteed housing loans, 952 direct home loans, 766 home improvement loans and 1,445 home improvement grants to veterans and their families.
Investing over $2 million to training and experience for over 600 veterans through the Veterans Fire Corps, many of which become permanent Forest Service employees. There are over 10,000 veterans employed across USDA.
Partnering with the Corporation for National Service (CNCS) and other federal agencies to develop the 21st Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) to create opportunities for veterans to restore and conserve natural resources. Earlier this week, USDA and CNCS announced the project locations of expanded 21CSC opportunities in 11 states. In addition, the Forest Service invested over $21 million in FY14 and leveraged $18 million from partners to engage approximately 11,000 youth and veterans in training and employment opportunities.
Closing 689 Farm Service Agency Farm Ownership Loans (totaling $106.8 million), 3,881 traditional Farm Operating Loans, (totaling $236.4 million) and 592 microloans (totaling $11.3 million) to veterans. Recently, the Farm Service Agency announced it would recognize leadership positions in the military as a way to satisfy experience requirements when applying for microloan funds.
Investing $5.4 million to veterans through Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans and over $1.1 million in Conservation Loans.
Launching a dedicated website for veterans and military families about available federal nutrition programs.
Chartering the USDA Veterans, Reservists, and Military Families Task Force (VRMF) to strengthen and coordinate programmatic and outreach efforts across the Department to better serve military and veteran families.
Integrating veterans into USDA efforts for new and beginning farmers.
Today's announcement of the Military Veteran Agriculture Liaison was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Have Access to High-Speed Internet


Connectivity Varies Across U.S. Metros and Demographic Groups
      An estimated 78.1 percent of people in U.S. households had a high-speed Internet connection last year, according to a new report released today from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, digital divides exist among the nation’s metropolitan areas and demographic groups.
       These statistics come from the American Community Survey, which collected data on this topic for the first time in 2013 and is the largest survey used to examine computer and Internet use in the U.S.
       Although most Americans have access to computers and high-speed Internet, differences in high-speed Internet use were as large as 25 percentage points between certain age and race groups, while divides between specific income and educational attainment groups were as large as 45 percentage points. In addition, among the nation’s metro areas, Boulder, Colo., had one of the highest rates of high-speed Internet use at 96.9, while Laredo, Texas, had one of the lowest rates at 69.3 percent.
       The report released today, Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2013, includes analysis of household computer ownership and Internet use by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, income and education. It covers areas of the country with populations larger than 65,000.
       “These new statistics show how the American Community Survey gives communities the information they need on both computer and Internet access for their residents,” Census Bureau Director John H. Thompson said. “As the Census Bureau continues to move more surveys online to reduce respondent burden, these statistics inform us of areas that have high and low Internet use. These statistics also provide the information communities and federal agencies need to make decisions to improve and expand broadband Internet access for all Americans.”
 Metropolitan Areas
       The report shows that 75.2 percent of metropolitan area households reported high-speed Internet use, compared with 63.1 percent of nonmetropolitan households. In addition, 85.1 percent of metropolitan households reported owning a computer, compared with 76.5 percent of nonmetro households.
       “In the past we’ve only been able to look at computer and Internet use patterns down to the state level, but with this new research we can actually start to understand what’s happening in American cities,” said Thom File, a Census Bureau sociologist and the report’s author. “As computing technologies continue to evolve and become more central in American life, it’s increasingly important to understand where disparities and divides exist across the country. These new statistics allow us to do exactly that.”
       Some states, such as California, Florida and Washington, had a variety of high and low performing areas within their borders, often very near one another. California, for example, had rates of computer ownership and high-speed Internet use above the national average. However, certain parts of the state, specifically those in the San Francisco Bay Area (including Napa, San Francisco and San Jose), had high percentages of computer ownership and high-speed Internet use, while metropolitan areas in the nearby Central Valley (including Bakersfield, Fresno and Hanford) had significantly lower estimates on both indicators.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Young Farmers and Ranchers Tell EPA to Ditch the Rule



WASHINGTON, D.C., November 12, 2014 – America’s young farmers and ranchers are speaking out on the devastating impact their new businesses will suffer under the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Waters of the U.S. rule, the American Farm Bureau Federation said.

AFBF’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee outlined its key concerns regarding the Waters of the U.S. rule in formal comments submitted to the EPA.

“EPA keeps grasping for control over our farms and ranches,” AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Chair Jake Carter said. “Young farmers and ranchers are the future of American agriculture, and we take our role of protecting the land seriously. This proposal puts serious roadblocks in our way without any material improvements in water quality.”

Young farmers and ranchers are especially vulnerable to increased costs in farming. Since the already narrow “normal farming and ranching” exemption in the Clean Water Act excludes farms and ranches that started operating after 1977, farmers and ranchers with newer businesses will need permits for basic farming activities, including simply moving dirt.

Under this proposed rule, the only thing that is clear and certain is that it will be more difficult to farm and ranch, or to make any changes on the land—even if those changes would benefit the environment, the AFBF committee said.

Monday, November 10, 2014

MINNESOTA SCHOOL DISTRICTS AIM TO REDUCE GMOs in SCHOOL FOOD GMO Awareness Day is paired with efforts to transition to non-GMO foods



November 10, 2014—(Minneapolis, MN) Five Minnesota school districts raised awareness last Wednesday about genetically modified foods. All five plan to take steps to reduce GMO content in school meals. Schools in Hopkins, Minneapolis, Orono, Shakopee, and Westonka celebrated GMO Awareness Day on November 5 by offering non-GMO menu options and communicating to students and families about GMOs.
“GMO Awareness Day sparked a lot of good conversations,” said Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary and Nutrition Services at the Minneapolis Public Schools. “We also received a lot of positive messages, both from inside and outside our district.”
Director-level staff at the five districts began meeting to discuss GMOs in April, 2014, and decided to hold a collective awareness-raising event to help engage their communities.

“We want to start conversations about the foods we serve and how our decision-making works,” said Laura Metzger, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Westonka Public Schools. “Our students will grow up to make their own decisions about the foods they eat, so this is an opportunity for education.”
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals produced using a technology that merges DNA from different species to create new combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Now that most corn, soy, canola, cotton, and sugar beet crops grown in the United States are genetically modified, it is estimated that up to 80 percent of processed foods in U.S. supermarkets contain GMOs. Though there’s been little research on the human health impacts of GMO consumption, animal feeding studies have linked GMOs to cancer, allergies, infertility, and more. Three U.S. states—Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont—have recently joined more than 60 countries worldwide requiring disclosure of GMO content on food packaging.
Weber said he’s seen increasing interest in the GMO issue among school nutrition directors. “Many of us are already working to reduce food dyes and additives and bring in produce from local farms,” Weber said. “Reducing GMOs is another way we can support kids’ long-term health.”
To implement reductions in GMO content, nutrition directors are communicating non-GMO preferences to vendors and distributors, switching to non-GMO cooking oils, and working to eliminate other risk ingredients. “It’s been great to collaborate with other districts on this effort,” Metzger said. “It’s allowed us to share ideas and make sure we’re not reinventing the wheel.”
The five districts serve a total of about 56,700 meals per day.

Friday, November 7, 2014

What Sad Statistic Do More than 20 Percent of American Children Share?


4 Ways You Can Help Alleviate the Problem
While most Americans will worry about eating too much this holiday season, 16 million of our country’s children live in households that struggle to afford food, according to a 2012 report from the United States Department of Agriculture.
“We hear about ‘food insecurity’ quite a bit, especially after the 2008-09 economic crash, but I think most people don’t have a clear picture of what that means,” says Lois Brandt, a former Peace Corps volunteer and author of “Maddi’s Fridge,” (www.MaddisFridge.com), a children’s picture book that asks the question: what do you do if your best friend’s family doesn’t have enough food?
“Food insecurity means an empty refrigerator. Food insecurity means soda instead of milk. Food insecurity means a child coming to school hungry and unable to focus. Poverty may not look exactly the same in our country as it does in a war-torn region or a developing country, but it is affecting our children and their futures. Sometimes, working parents have to choose between rent and food, medicine and food, or gas and food.
Brandt suggests four things you can do to help prevent childhood hunger.
•  Support non-profit organizations like Feeding America (www.FeedingAmerica.org). Previously known as Second Harvest, Feeding America is a national network of food banks that feeds more that 37 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. It’s the nation’s leading organization for countering hunger and educating the public about this crisis.
“Public awareness is important,” Brandt says. “Many people simply do not know that we’re surrounded every day by hungry children.”
•  Talk to your children about childhood hunger and how they can help.  “When I was a child I opened my best friend’s refrigerator to get a snack and was shocked to see it held almost nothing,” she says. “I didn’t know what to do.”
As an adult, Brandt says she’s amazed by the number of people who share with her their own stories of childhood food insecurity.
“Rather than sheltering your children from this sad fact of American life, talking to them about it can help nurture their compassion and empathy,” she says. “And there’s plenty they can do to help, from making posters to raise awareness, to organizing a food drive at school.”
Taking action teaches children that they do have the power and ability to change the world for the better. 
•  Don’t make childhood hunger a political issue. Of course, childhood hunger doesn’t exist in a vacuum; issues like welfare, minimum wage, income inequality and access to health care – all of which are heavily politicized – surround the problem. Whatever your take on these topics, realize that no matter the decisions a parent has made in his or her lifetime, children are innocent and have no control of their family’s circumstances.
•  Volunteer with your family at a shelter or food pantry during the busy holiday season. While serving or cooking food for a holiday-themed meal at a shelter during Thanksgiving or Christmas does not solve the larger problem, it will affect every person whose life you touch that day. Your efforts and kind words can become a fond, lifelong memory for a child, or remind adults that others care and they’re not alone.
Volunteering also has personal benefits, not the least of which is knowing that, despite whatever problems you’re facing, you were able to help someone else.  

Women in Ag Survey: Gauging the Aspirations and Needs of Women in Agriculture




WASHINGTON, D.C., November 7, 2014 – The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program has launched “Women in Ag,” an online survey that aims to gauge the goals, aspirations, achievements and needs of women in American agriculture in a number of different areas.

All women who are farmers, ranchers, farm/ranch employees, employed in agricultural businesses, pursuing ag-related higher education or supportive of agriculture in other ways are invited to participate in the survey at womeninag.fb.org.  Respondents must reside in the United States. Farm Bureau membership is not required to participate.

“This comprehensive survey is the first of its kind to ask women in-depth questions about how they are connected to agriculture and what leadership skills they think are most important today, as well as the top business challenges they’re facing,” said Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.  “All women involved in agriculture – not just Farm Bureau members – are invited to participate in the survey,” Gilbert emphasized.

Data collected from respondents will be used to gauge trends related to the achievements of women in agriculture, including leadership positions, business successes and election to public office.

The AFB Women’s Leadership Committee is sponsoring the survey and is working with other farm and agriculture organizations to encourage participation. Participants will be eligible for an opportunity to win one of five $100 gift cards after the survey closes. Preliminary findings from the survey will be released in February 2015 at AFBF’s FUSION Conference in Nashville, Tennessee; the full report will be released in late spring.

MomsRising Good Food Force visits DC



WASHINGTON DC -- On Friday, November 7th, moms and their families with MomsRising’s Good Food Force will be on Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on the importance of healthy school food.   Moms and their families will deliver the storybooks to members of Congress that highlight how healthy school food is fundamental to the long term well-being of America’s children.

As part of this effort, MomsRising’s Good Food Force will emphasis to members of Congress how nearly one in three kids in America are at risk for nutrition-related diseases like Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, and how nearly 40% of students buy one or more snack at school each day.

"Every day, 30 million school lunches are served in our nation. Our children count on us to make sure those meals are as healthy and nutritious as they can be. This is no easy task, but our kids are worth it,” explained Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO of MomsRising.org.  “Moms won't give up on healthy school lunches and Congress shouldn't either!"

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MOMSRISING’S GOOD FOOD FORCE: http://www.momsrising.org/page/moms/good-food-force

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Berkeley Votes to Tax Sugary Drinks



Statement of CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson

Berkeley voters have shown it can be done.  A community’s health can trump Big Soda’s insatiable appetite for profit.  With passage of Measure D, Berkeley is now poised to make a welcome dent in soda consumption and in the city’s rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other soda-related diseases.  And importantly, the city will now have an important new stream of revenue it will use to promote children’s health.  This is a historic victory for public health and a historic defeat for the increasingly disreputable soda industry.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and the American Beverage Association can no longer count on spending their way to victory.  But they better keep their checkbooks out:  We expect that cities, towns, and state legislatures all over the country are taking a close look at what happened in Berkeley and many will be readying similar campaigns to tax soda in the years to come.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest also supports a federal tax on sugar drinks.  Last July, Rep. Rosa DeLauro introduced the SWEET Act, which would impose one-cent tax per teaspoon of sugar in soft drinks.  Such a tax would both reduce drink consumption and raise upwards of $10 billion a year that could be used for health programs.