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Monday, March 29, 2010

FOCUS on School Food - They Hit a Home Run!

Dear Friends,

 

Clearly, I am not a writer or journalist or I would know how to come up with catchy headline to highlight the real champions for change in school food from 25 big cities that met in Chicago over this past weekend.   (My friends and colleagues have asked me to start a blog, and I have resisted because it doesn’t matter what I think -- what is important is to get the word out about the really exciting work you all are doing out there!)

 

This gathering was hosted by the School Food FOCUS initiative (www.schoolfoodfocus.org).   which is transforming Food Options for Children in Urban Schools (thus named FOCUS) . FOCUS cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, New York, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Portland, Saint Paul, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. – among others.

 

I want to congratulate  School Food FOCUS for bringing together  these champion food service managers, community  partners with local food industry folks and the key staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA)  who are committed to improving school meals.  – that is providing healthy food in ways that build on the local and regional food economies, without providing more harm to the environment. (USDA has recently put tog ether a food environments atlas  to help communities understand food choices with community characteristics:  www.ers.usda.gov/FoodAtlas/ )

 

The event reinforces First Lady Michelle Obama’s program to fight childhood obesity, Let’s Move (http://letsmove.gov) which also focuses also on healthier food in schools.  Gail Christopher, of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation also made an impassioned statement about the health disparities  and young children – particularly African-American and Hispanic – who are particularly vulnerable to the influences of the neighborhoods and environments they are raised in.

 

Coincidently, the TV reality chef Jamie Oliver – who also had his camera rolling at this meeting — debuted’s his Food Revolution program Friday highlighting the epidemic of childhood obesity.  While this TV is clearly aimed a ratings and perhaps a little shock value, Oliver’s more thoughtful ideas of school food  can be seen in his TED presentation from this past February:www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html .

 

Also, Deb Eschmeyer of the National Farm to School Network (www.farmtoSchool.org)  reports that, the One Tray policy team’s initiatives (http://onetray.org/) on Child Nutrition (Http://www.schoolmealsmatter.org/ )  and many other groups are highlighted on Oliver’s website in the School Food section. In addition, Chef Ann Cooper is featured along with her LunchBox Project.  In addition, there is a separate section for Food Heroes.

 

As Hank Herrara points  out ”Jamie Oliver is “is very late to the battle. He rides into it far behind the army that has done the fighting”.  Writer, and Food and Society Fellow Andrea King Collier thinks it may be unfair to call Jamie late to the party without saying that he has the potential to do what folks in the field cannot. She says he should be considered a worthy partner and “ bravo” to who anyone who can communicate outside food activists’ lane!

The episodes are all available online: http://abc.go.com/watch/jamie-olivers-food-revolution/250784/255823/episode-102

 

 

Cheryl Danley
Academic Specialist
C.S. Mott  Group for Sustainable Food Systems
Dept of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS)
Michigan State University
309 Natural Resources Building
East Lansing, MI. 48824-1222
Phone: (517) 432-0309 * Cell: (313)492-3496
Fax: (517) 353-3834
email: danleych@msu.edu
website: www.mottgroup.msu.edu

 

Friday, March 26, 2010

Child Nutrition Reauthorization Update

Hi all,

Here’s the latest news summary on the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition - http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/child-nutrition-passes-senate-ag-committee/. As you’ll see, Michigan’s Senator Stabenow did sign on to co-sponsor Senator Leahy’s “Growing Farm to School Programs Act”. Thanks for all your efforts to build support for this bill!

 

Happy Friday,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Farm to School Marketing Guide Now Available!

Farm to School Marketing Guide Now Available

 

Helping farmers link with local schools

>> www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

March 25, 2010

 

A new resource to help Michigan farmers market their agricultural products to local schools is now available on the Michigan Farm to School website at www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

The term “Farm to School” applies to a variety of initiatives but centers around efforts to incorporate local foods into meals in school cafeterias. These local food purchasing programs offer a variety of benefits such as expanded market opportunity for farmers, closer relationships among food service directors, farmers, and vendors, improved access for school children to local foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and support of the Michigan economy.

                                                           

Interest and participation in local food purchasing is growing among Michigan food service directors, but more farmers with a wider variety of products available for more of the school year are needed to meet this demand. Marketing Michigan Products: A Step-By-Step Guide provides  tools and information to prepare farmers to access school markets. Reviewed by farmers and an advisory committee, the Guide includes tools to help farmers address food safety, make insurance decisions, understand school food funding, link with local schools and Farm to School resources, and prepare marketing packets and school food bid documents. Although there are no one size fits all solutions or strategies for Farm to School programs, Marketing Michigan Products outlines the steps to follow and questions to ask and answer as farmers embark on this new marketing venture.

 

The Michigan Farm to School website also hosts Purchasing Michigan Products: A Step-By-Step Guide, a companion guide to help school food service directors purchase local food. Tools for using local food in school fundraisers, links to recipes for incorporating local food in school meals programs, and links to other organizations working on Farm to School are available as well. Interested readers can subscribe to the Michigan Farm to School listserv, and school food service directors and farmers can register their programs on the Michigan Farm to School Directory. Link to local food with Michigan Farm to School!

 

 

Colleen Matts, Farm to Institution Specialist with the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University, coordinates Michigan Farm to School and developed Marketing Michigan Products. This guide was funded by Michigan State University’s Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs). 

 

PG  Logo.JPG    mott logo.jpg    MSU wordmark_rev_wht.GIF

 

 

 

Colleen Matts, Farm to Institution Specialist

Tel: 517.432.0310

Email: matts@msu.edu

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu 

 

      Logo final hires.jpg

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

FW: Discounted registration ends FRIDAY 3/26 for TAKING ROOT

 
Register NOW!  Discounted early registration ends FRIDAY 3/26



TAKING ROOT: 5TH NATIONAL FARM TO CAFETERIA CONFERENCE
Detroit, Michigan, May 17 - 19, 2010
 http://www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org

Registration prices will increase after Friday, so register today for this exciting conference.
http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/registration/login

Field Trips Filling Up Fast
You don't want to miss out on these trips! Register to reserve your seat for one of the field trips or short courses.
http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/schedule/pre-conf

Exhibit Hall
Universities, non-profits, government agencies, and for-profit businesses are encouraged to feature themselves in our Exhibit Hall during the conference. Sign up for a table by April 23.
 http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/exhibitors

Workshop Details Posted Online
Workshop descriptions and speakers are now posted online at http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/schedule/workshop-details/

About the Conference
Farm to Cafeteria programs are -TAKING ROOT- in schools, hospitals, colleges, day care centers, and other institutions. Come to Detroit and learn about successful models across the country and how you can start and scale up a program in your community.

Workshop Tracks:
Integrating Education Opportunities into Farm to Cafeteria Programs
Farm to School Innovations
Farm to Cafeteria: Beyond the Plate
Engaging Farms in Food & Education
What's Great in the Great Lakes Region
Organizing from the Neighborhood to the Nation
Smorgasbord
To Market, To Market


--
Emily Becker
Membership Coordinator & Conference Planner
Community Food Security Coalition
(503) 954 - 2970

3830 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97202
www.foodsecurity.org

TAKING ROOT, 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, Detroit, MI,  May 17 - 19, 2010
Early registration deadline: March 26
http://www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org

Food, Culture & Justice: The Gumbo That Unites Us All, 14th Annual CFSC Conference, New Orleans, LA,  October 17 - 19, 2010
http://www.communityfoodconference.org

Friday, March 19, 2010

FW: Farm to School ACTION REQUEST

Hello again,
If you happen to call Senator Stabenow's office and get a "full voice mailbox" message, like I did, you can also email her at senator@stabenow.senate.gov.
 
Thanks,
Colleen

From: Colleen Matts
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2010 8:39 AM
To: mifarmtoschool@list.msu.edu
Subject: FW: Farm to School ACTION REQUEST

Hi all,
Yesterday, I sent out notice of a Farm to School bill introduced by Senator Leahy (VT). This bill, known as the Growing Farm to School Programs Act, would provide funds for technical assistance and start up funds for Farm to School programs through competitive grants.
 
To follow up on this, please see the action alert below. This email was not originally sent to Michigan because, as you'll notice, there are no co-sponsors from Michigan on this bill. The National Farm to School organization is hoping to get the co-sponsorship of Michigan's Senator Stabenow, a key member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, on this bill, which will be included in the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization scheduled to be taken up very soon.
 
If you would like to support this Farm to School bill and see Sen Stabenow support this bill as well, please contact Sen Stabenow's office between now and Monday at 202.224.4822. Ask to speak to the staffer working on Child Nutrition to recommend that Sen Stabenow co-sponsor the Growing Farm to School Programs Act and to recommend full funding of $50 million dollars to support Farm to School programs, rather than the $25 million funding that is being discussed in committee now.
 
I'll keep you posted as I learn more!
 
Thanks,
 
Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 
 

------ Forwarded Message
From: Jeff Eschmeyer <jeff@foodsecurity.org>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:49:55 -0400

Subject: Farm to School ACTION REQUEST

Hello All,
 
Hope you're all doing well.  We are reaching out for you to take a very specific and IMPORTANT action for farm to school in the next 48 hours.
 
We learned today that the Senate agriculture committee is going to be marking up the Child Nutrition Act next Wednesday (3/24/10).   We also have learned that the current language that Chairman Lincoln is using includes $25 million for farm to school.  It's great to have farm to school included, but the level is half of the $50 million that we all have been pushing for.

You're receiving this e-mail because your Senator is on the Agriculture committee and has also cosponsored Senator Leahy's farm to school bill.
 
We would greatly appreciate you contacting their office.  We need you to thank them for their support and co-sponsoring the Leahy farm to school bill <http://www.farmtoschool.org/press-detail.php?press_id=27> , and also urge them to continue to fight for the full $50 million in committee action next week.
 
We need these Senators who support the bill, S.3123, and are on the committee to tell the chairwoman they want it funded at the full amount.

Here are the Senators. We need you to call your member's office and ask to speak to the staffer handling Child Nutrition issues (or ask for them by name if you know them):
 
Harkin (IA) – 202.224.3254
Brown (OH) – 202.224.2315
Casey (PA) – 202.224.6324
Klobuchar (MN) – 202.224.3244
Bennet (CO) – 202.224.5852
Gillibrand (NY) – 202. 224.4451
 
The timing of this action is unfortunately somewhat confusing because Senator Leahy just introduced his farm to school bill yesterday, and we have not sent out a grassroots action alert yet.  However, because of the compressed timeline with committee consideration next week we thought it best to focus on this technical but VERY IMPORTANT ACTION first to specific grasstops leaders like yourself.  We will send out a broad grassroots action alert to gather more cosponsors shortly as well.
 
Please pass this along to anybody else in your state who could make a call and help us in these efforts. Additionally, please let us know what you hear back from your Senator so we know what additional follow-up might be needed.
 
If you have questions on this request please don't hesitate to e-mail or call our office at 202.543.8602.
 
Best,
Jeff and Megan

--
Jeff Eschmeyer
Associate Policy Director
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.foodsecurity.org
Phone: (202) 543-8602
Fax: (202) 543-0978

------ End of Forwarded Message

------ End of Forwarded Message

FW: Farm to School ACTION REQUEST

Hi all,
Yesterday, I sent out notice of a Farm to School bill introduced by Senator Leahy (VT). This bill, known as the Growing Farm to School Programs Act, would provide funds for technical assistance and start up funds for Farm to School programs through competitive grants.
 
To follow up on this, please see the action alert below. This email was not originally sent to Michigan because, as you'll notice, there are no co-sponsors from Michigan on this bill. The National Farm to School organization is hoping to get the co-sponsorship of Michigan's Senator Stabenow, a key member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, on this bill, which will be included in the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization scheduled to be taken up very soon.
 
If you would like to support this Farm to School bill and see Sen Stabenow support this bill as well, please contact Sen Stabenow's office between now and Monday at 202.224.4822. Ask to speak to the staffer working on Child Nutrition to recommend that Sen Stabenow co-sponsor the Growing Farm to School Programs Act and to recommend full funding of $50 million dollars to support Farm to School programs, rather than the $25 million funding that is being discussed in committee now.
 
I'll keep you posted as I learn more!
 
Thanks,
 
Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 
 

------ Forwarded Message
From: Jeff Eschmeyer <jeff@foodsecurity.org>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:49:55 -0400

Subject: Farm to School ACTION REQUEST

Hello All,
 
Hope you're all doing well.  We are reaching out for you to take a very specific and IMPORTANT action for farm to school in the next 48 hours.
 
We learned today that the Senate agriculture committee is going to be marking up the Child Nutrition Act next Wednesday (3/24/10).   We also have learned that the current language that Chairman Lincoln is using includes $25 million for farm to school.  It's great to have farm to school included, but the level is half of the $50 million that we all have been pushing for.

You're receiving this e-mail because your Senator is on the Agriculture committee and has also cosponsored Senator Leahy's farm to school bill.
 
We would greatly appreciate you contacting their office.  We need you to thank them for their support and co-sponsoring the Leahy farm to school bill <http://www.farmtoschool.org/press-detail.php?press_id=27> , and also urge them to continue to fight for the full $50 million in committee action next week.
 
We need these Senators who support the bill, S.3123, and are on the committee to tell the chairwoman they want it funded at the full amount.

Here are the Senators. We need you to call your member's office and ask to speak to the staffer handling Child Nutrition issues (or ask for them by name if you know them):
 
Harkin (IA) – 202.224.3254
Brown (OH) – 202.224.2315
Casey (PA) – 202.224.6324
Klobuchar (MN) – 202.224.3244
Bennet (CO) – 202.224.5852
Gillibrand (NY) – 202. 224.4451
 
The timing of this action is unfortunately somewhat confusing because Senator Leahy just introduced his farm to school bill yesterday, and we have not sent out a grassroots action alert yet.  However, because of the compressed timeline with committee consideration next week we thought it best to focus on this technical but VERY IMPORTANT ACTION first to specific grasstops leaders like yourself.  We will send out a broad grassroots action alert to gather more cosponsors shortly as well.
 
Please pass this along to anybody else in your state who could make a call and help us in these efforts. Additionally, please let us know what you hear back from your Senator so we know what additional follow-up might be needed.
 
If you have questions on this request please don't hesitate to e-mail or call our office at 202.543.8602.
 
Best,
Jeff and Megan

--
Jeff Eschmeyer
Associate Policy Director
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.foodsecurity.org
Phone: (202) 543-8602
Fax: (202) 543-0978

------ End of Forwarded Message

------ End of Forwarded Message

Thursday, March 18, 2010

REMINDER: Growing Our Food System: Nourishing Our People - To reserve your space, please register by Friday, March 19th!!!

Attention Farmers, Distributors, Institutional Purchasers, Retailers and Consumers:                                               Apologies for cross posting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Area Coalition Announces Conference to Address Improving the Local Food System and Supporting Those is Need 

Lansing, Michigan – March 18, 2010 – A comprehensive coalition of local organizations is pleased to announce a daylong conference “Growing Our Food System: Nourishing Our People” to discuss how we might improve the local food system and support those in need.  The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, from 8:00am – 4:00pm at LCC-West, 5798 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing, for a day of inspiring presentations and meaningful conversations among all the participants in our local food system - farmers, wholesalers, retailers, food pantries, commercial kitchens and others involved in the food we eat. The public is encouraged to attend to offer their ideas, questions, and energy for making the tri-county region a more sustainable home for all. Cost to attend the event is $5.00 per person, which includes lunch featuring local foods. 

Collaborators for the event are: Greater Lansing Food Bank, Capital Region Community Foundation, Allen Neighborhood Center, NorthWest Initiative, Clinton Memorial Foundation, Mid-Michigan Food Bank, Lansing City Market, MSU Extension, Ingham County Health Department and the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems. It is the hope of the coalition to use this conference to spark new relationships and strengthen existing ones while focusing on better developing, distributing, collaborating and planning for the food system of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Conference is generously sponsored by the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Capital Region Community Foundation, and Capital Area United Way 

Interested individuals and organizations can get additional information or register online at www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org or call the Greater Lansing Food Bank at 1.517. 887.4307.

Contact:

Greater Lansing Food Bank:

Terry Link

(517) 887.4307

 

###

 

Re: Growing Our Food System: Nourishing Our People - To reserve your space, please register by Friday, March 19th!!!

We are scheduled for lunch on this day. Can we move it so we can go to this.


On 3/18/10 3:44 PM, "Danley, Cheryl" <danleych@MSU.EDU> wrote:

Attention Farmers, Distributors, Institutional Purchasers,
Retailers and Consumers:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Area Coalition Announces Conference to Address Improving the Local Food System and Supporting Those is Need
 
Lansing, Michigan – March 18, 2010 –
A comprehensive coalition of local organizations is pleased to announce a daylong conference “Growing Our Food System: Nourishing Our People” to discuss how we might improve the local food system and support those in need.  The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 25, from 8:00am – 4:00pm at LCC-West, 5798 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing, for a day of inspiring presentations and meaningful conversations among all the participants in our local food system - farmers, wholesalers, retailers, food pantries, commercial kitchens and others involved in the food we eat. The public is encouraged to attend to offer their ideas, questions, and energy for making the tri-county region a more sustainable home for all. Cost to attend the event is $5.00 per person, which includes lunch featuring local foods.
 
Collaborators for the event are: Greater Lansing Food Bank, Capital Region Community Foundation, Allen Neighborhood Center, NorthWest Initiative, Clinton Memorial Foundation, Mid-Michigan Food Bank, Lansing City Market, MSU Extension, Ingham County Health Department and the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems. It is the hope of the coalition to use this conference to spark new relationships and strengthen existing ones while focusing on better developing, distributing, collaborating and planning for the food system of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties. Conference is generously sponsored by the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Capital Region Community Foundation, and Capital Area United Way
 
Interested individuals and organizations can get additional information or register online at www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org <http://www.greaterlansingfoodbank.org/> or call the Greater Lansing Food Bank at 1.517. 887.4307.
Contact:
Greater Lansing Food Bank:
Terry Link
(517) 887.4307
 

###





Andrea King Collier
517-487-1683
517-285-6890 cell
Food and Society Policy Fellow
Author Black Woman's Guide to Black Men's Health
www.andreacollier11@comcast.net

New Farm to School Bill Proposed by Senator Leahy

Hi all,
I wanted to pass along news of the introduction of another bill to support Farm to School on the national level! The "Growing Farm to School Programs Act" was introduced on Tuesday by Senator Leahy of Vermont, Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, and twelve others. This Act, if passed, would provide $50 million for Farm to School technical assistance and start up funds through competitive grants. This bill is framed as a way to promote local foods and healthy eating in school cafeterias and support local economies and rural development. You can read more here - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leahy-launches-bill-to-multiply-farm-to-school-links-88203572.html.
 
Stay tuned for news on the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization, which is just beginning, and bills to support Farm to School!
 
Best,
 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

Monday, March 15, 2010

Farm to School Meet & Greet in Saginaw - March 18th!

Hi all,
This is just a reminder that a Farm to School Meet & Greet will be held in Saginaw this Thursday, March 18th. (See details below or in the attached flyer.) Farmers and vendors in the area, please do RSVP to me if you plan to attend.
 
Apologies for cross posting!
 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

--------------------------------------------

 

Attention Farmers and Vendors:

 

Schools can provide new, stable, steady markets for Michigan farmers.

Join us for a Meet & Greet event that will give Michigan farmers and vendors a chance to talk with school food service directors from the Saginaw, Bay, and Midland areas who are interested in purchasing local foods for school meals.

 

Get your questions answered!

Participating school food service directors will discuss:

· Products of interest for schools

· Bidding procedures

· Delivery, packaging, and payment arrangements

· And much more!

 

Where: Arrowwood Conference Center

5410 Seidel Rd.

 Saginaw, MI 48638

 

When: Thursday, March 18th, 2010

4:00—6:00 PM

 

Please RSVP to Colleen Matts at matts@msu.edu or 517-432-0310

by Monday, March 15th.

This Meet & Greet is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.

 

 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Register now for Taking Root, National Farm to Cafeteria Conference

Register now for the 2010 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference.  Scholarships are available, but you must apply by March 19th!  Details on how to register and apply for scholarships provided below.  Please widely distribute this announcement!



Registration is now open!

Taking Root: 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Detroit, MI,  May 17 - 19, 2010
http://www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org

Farm to Cafeteria programs are TAKING ROOT in schools, hospitals, colleges, day care centers, and other institutions.  Come to Detroit and learn about successful models across the country and how you can start and scale up a program in your community.

Register by March 26 to receive the early registration discount and reserve your seat for one of the exciting field trips or short courses.


Scholarships and Volunteer Positions

A limited number of scholarships and volunteer positions are available. Apply by March 19 at http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/scholarships


Poster Session

Share your innovative project or study with conference attendees during the poster session. Submit a proposal by March 19 at http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5e
 

Exhibit hall

Universities, non-profits, government agencies, and for-profit businesses are encouraged to feature themselves in our Exhibit Hall during the conference. Read more at: http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/exhibitors/


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

FW: HOLT INTRODUCES FARM TO SCHOOL BILL TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY, SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS

Hi all,

Please see the message below about a Farm to School bill that was introduced in the House of Representatives on Friday, which would establish a national grant and technical assistance program. I’ll be in touch again soon to follow up with key federal legislators from Michigan to target!

 

Best,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

From: Debra Eschmeyer [mailto:debraeschmeyer@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 2:14 PM
Subject: HOLT INTRODUCES FARM TO SCHOOL BILL TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY, SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Goldberg, Zach <zach.goldberg@mail.house.gov>
Date: Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Subject: HOLT INTRODUCES FARM TO SCHOOL BILL TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY, SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS
To:

House logo

 

News from

Representative Rush Holt

12th District, New Jersey

http://www.holt.house.gov

________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                                                          Contact: Zach Goldberg, Debra Eschmeyer

March 5, 2010                                                                               202-225-5801, 202-450-6074

 

HOLT INTRODUCES FARM TO SCHOOL BILL TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY, SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS

 

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) has introduced legislation that would create a Farm to School grant program to fight childhood obesity and support local farmers. The Child Nutrition Act is up for reauthorization this year, and Holt – a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor – is working to improve how food is sourced for the 31 million children that eat at school five days a week, 180 days a year.


“Farm to school programs exemplify the best use of federal school lunch dollars,” Holt said. “This is a rare opportunity for a win-win solution— a program to ensure our children get the best quality food at school, help foster local farm job growth, and create local economic growth.”

Video of Holt talking about the legislation with school nutrition experts can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs52sHtZRkU.

 

The Farm to School Improvements Act (H.R. 4710) would establish a competitive grant and technical assistance program to increase the use of local foods from small and medium sized farms in schools. The grant funds also would improve the relationships between schools and local food providers. The legislation would provide $10 million in mandatory funding each year for the duration of the program and require that grant recipients provide a local match to ensure serious commitment to the project.

 

Farm to School programs have shown that locally and regionally produced food can be provided efficiently from nearby producers if there is a good distribution system.   The grants authorized by this legislation would provide communities the seed money they need to develop robust, economically-sustainable programs linking agricultural producers with schools. 

 

“This seed funding could not come at a better time as the interest and need for Farm to School programs is at an all time high,” said Marion Kalb, co-Director of the National Farm to School Network. “HR 4710 will create competitive, one-time grants that can be used to develop vendor relationships with nearby farmers, plan seasonal menus and promotional materials, start a school garden, or develop hands-on nutrition education.”

Farm to School programs can:

  • Strengthen children’s and communities’ knowledge about, and attitudes toward, agriculture, food, nutrition and the environment.
  • Increase children’s participation in the school meals program and consumption of fruits and vegetables, improving childhood nutrition, reducing hunger, and preventing obesity and obesity-related diseases.
  • Benefit school food budgets, after start-up, if planning and menu choices are made consistent with seasonal availability of fresh and minimally processed whole foods.
  • Support economic development across numerous sectors and promote job creation.
  • Increase market opportunities for farmers, fishers, ranchers, food processors and food manufacturers.
  • Decrease the distance between producers and consumers of fresh agricultural products, thus promoting food security while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and reliance on oil.

“In these challenging fiscal times, every dollar we spend must not only meet immediate needs but also make lasting improvements for the future,” Holt added. “Because school food programs currently provide more than half the daily calories for many children, it is vital that these calories are healthy onesFarm to school programs increase the availability of fresh and locally grown food that improve our children's daily nutrition and can lead to permanent improvements in their diets and productivity and can reduce future health care costs associated with obesity by billions of dollars.”  

 

# # #

 




--
Debra Eschmeyer

IATP and Kellogg Food & Society Fellow
Outreach and Media Director, National Farm to School Network
Center for Food & Justice, Urban & Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College

t: 202.450.6074 c: 419.905.8612
deschmeyer@oxy.edu
www.farmtoschool.org

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FarmtoSchool


TAKING ROOT: 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, May 17-19, Detroit, MI: www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org/
REAL FOOD IS VIDEO CONTEST: Broadcast the change you want to see in your cafeteria! http://video.farmtoschool.org/
COOKING UP CHANGE CONTEST:Students reforming the future of school food. Enter today! www.cookingupchange.org/welcome.php

Monday, March 8, 2010

Farm to School Meet & Greet in Saginaw - March 18th!

Apologies for cross posting.

--------------------------------------------

 

Attention Farmers and Vendors:

 

Schools can provide new, stable, steady markets for Michigan farmers.

Join us for a Meet & Greet event that will give Michigan farmers and vendors a chance to talk with school food service directors from the Saginaw, Bay, and Midland areas who are interested in purchasing local foods for school meals.

 

Get your questions answered!

Participating school food service directors will discuss:

· Products of interest for schools

· Bidding procedures

· Delivery, packaging, and payment arrangements

· And much more!

 

Where: Arrowwood Conference Center

5410 Seidel Rd.

 Saginaw, MI 48638

 

When: Thursday, March 18th, 2010

4:00—6:00 PM

 

Please RSVP to Colleen Matts at matts@msu.edu or 517-432-0310

by Monday, March 15th.

This Meet & Greet is free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.

 

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

FW: Growing For Local Markets Workshop

Hi all,

Please see details below for an up-coming workshop hosted by FSEP in Southeast Michigan. Apologies for cross-posting.

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michaelle Rehmann <rehmannm@fsepmichigan.org>
Date: Tue, Mar 2, 2010 at 6:28 PM
Subject: Growing For Local Markets Workshop
To: Michaelle Rehmann <rehmannm@fsepmichigan.org>



Food System Economic Partnership is proud to present:  Growing For Local Markets - a workshop for farmers in Southeast Michigan

The local food movement is blossoming across Southeast Michigan, come learn how to be a part of this growing opportunity.  Restaurants, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and correctional facilities across the region are looking to area farmers for local food.  Don’t let this opportunity to increase your market share pass you by.    Join us on Monday, March 8th at 10:00 am to learn more about the types of products institutional buyers are purchasing and how you can sell direct to these local outlets.

Program Highlights

· How to Develop Community Connections

· Types of Products Commonly Purchased

· How to Prepare Product Availability Lists

· Using Season Extension Techniques to increase Market Share

 

Date:  March 8, 2010

Time: 10:00 - 2:00 PM (lunch included)

Place: Adrian Public Library, 143 E. Maumee St, Adrian, MI

Cost:  FREE

RSVP: (734) 222.3817

 

We hope to see you there! 


--
Michaelle Rehmann
Farm to Food Service Program Director

Food System Economic Partnership
705 N Zeeb Road * PO BOX 8645
Ann Arbor, MI  48107
Phone:  517.490.6912
Fax:  734.222.3990
rehmannm@fsepmichigan.org
www.fsepmichigan.org




--
Michaelle Rehmann
Farm to Food Service Program Director

Food System Economic Partnership
705 N Zeeb Road * PO BOX 8645
Ann Arbor, MI  48107
Phone:  517.490.6912
Fax:  734.222.3990
rehmannm@fsepmichigan.org
www.fsepmichigan.org

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

FW: Detroit Public Schools Farm 2 School Program, Growers Meeting

Greetings growers and food vendors,

Please see details below and attached for Detroit Public Schools’ Farm 2 School meeting next Tuesday, March 9th. DPS food service is looking for local farmers, food processors, and distributors who can supply food for their school meals and snack programs. Feel free to pass this message on to others who may be interested in this marketing opportunity!

 

Thanks,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 


From: theresa ramirez [mailto:theresa.ramirez@detroitk12.org]
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 10:46 AM
Subject: Detroit Public Schools Farm 2 School Program, Growers Meeting

 

Good Morning Everyone,

You are cordially invited to the Detroit Public Schools Farm 2 School Program "Growers Meeting" to be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 @ 9:00 AM. at the Eastern Market Offices 2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207.

Attached is the flyer for the meeting. 

If you know of any farmers or interested  individuals that may be interested in this meeting, please forward the flyer and let me know.

Thank You!

Theresa

"Child Nutrition Is My Business"
Theresa Ramirez
Program Associate II,Production/Marketing Manager
Office of Food Service
Detroit Public Schools
1425 E. Warren Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207
Office (313) 578-7243
Fax (313) 578-7129