Farmers, Students Advocate for Farm-to-Table Programs

Agriculture is Georgia's most import export in this Oconee County Democratic opinion
Woven brightly, 
Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.


Subject: Farmers, Students Advocate for Farm-to-Table Programs

House Demoratic Caucus Logo
PRESS RELEASE
March 29, 2011
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Liz Flowers
House Democratic Caucus
404-291-4755
liz@gahousedems.com

Farmers, Students Advocate for Farm-to-School Programs
Advocates want healthy, local foods served in schools
Atlanta, Georgia - March 29, 2011 - On Wednesday, March 30, students, educators and farmers from across Georgia will gather under the Gold Dome to educate lawmakers about the benefits of farm-to-school programs.

Beginning at 12 p.m. in Room 216 of the State Capitol, the group will host legislators with local food, cooking demonstrations and testimonies of school systems serving fresh produce from Georgia farms.

One of the event organizers Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-85) co-sponsored HR 589, which recognizes March 30 as Farm to School Day and commends farm to school programs.

"Healthy food makes for healthy children, and we're empowering local farmers to do their part," said Stuckey Benfield. "Georgia is poised to improve the health of our kids while providing a solid economic opportunity for the state's farmers."

One in three Georgia children are obese. Moreover, obesity-related expenses cost the state an estimated $2.54 billion a year.

"Georgia rates second highest in national childhood obesity, yet we're the sixth largest producer of fruits and vegetables," said Jennifer Owens, Advocacy Director for Georgia Organics. "We have the tools to leverage our strongest industry - agriculture - and solve one of our most pressing problems at the same time."

The Georgia Department of Education serves 1.5 million meals each day to students. Three hundred sixty Georgia schools and six school systems have integrated farm-to-school programs. A great start, but clearly there is much ground to cover, say advocates.

"Wednesday's luncheon is meant to engage policymakers in formal discussions between the Department of Agriculture and Department of Education and make Georgia food in Georgia cafeterias a reality," said Stuckey Benfield. ###




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