FarmGirl's Adventures in Agriculture and Nutrition

2010-02-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

Farm to School comes to Flintridge Prep

2009-09-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Flintridge Prep School starts the new year with organic produce in their schools - and a whole lot more! We also have several pre-schools looking into starting a Farm to School program. These are the easiest schools to work with logistically. And parents who have just spent 3-5 years raising their newborns do not want their children eating fake food. Watch this spot!

Farm to School at La Canada Unified School District (LCUSD) - One Day it will Happen!

2008-07-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Farm to School for LCUSD Blog. We are on a quest! To bring healthy, locally grown produce to our schools. We deserve the best. Our kids deserve the best. This is a very do-able project. We are working with the national Farm to School program, conveniently located in Eagle Rock at Occidental College. Here's what it will do for LCUSD: Farm fresh, locally grown, organic

Tomatomania! is here - check it out

2008-07-07T09:19:00.001-07:00

tomato,tomatomania Tomatomania is here! Check it out - Click here for more.

Path to Freedom - a family farm to check out!

2008-07-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

Have you been to the Gervais family farm yet? this place rocks. Right in the middle of Pasadena, California. Check it out: http://www.pathtofreedom.com/

Bill's Tomatoes - So Cal Style

2008-05-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Last year, Chris and I grew 34 tomato plants. One of 'em never fruited, but 33 did, producing around 11,000 tomatoes. No joke.Chris (my wife) thought this too much and wanted around 25 or so this year.So, our maid of honor, Karin, grew some from seed. Only about a half dozen made it. We had bought and planted several as well.We volunteered at the Tomatomania event (http://www.tomatomania.com)

Bill's Tomatos

2008-05-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

From Bill direct:I've shared this item with you using Google Docs. To open it, just click the link below.Note: There's no raw data in the spreadsheet as of yet.2008 tomatoeshttp://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pYG77XPs88cG4kZ8LSUL7Sw&t=468275552950923936&guestFarmgirl will confirm, Bill knows how to grow tomatoes! Keep up the great work!

Center for Food & Justice UPDATE

2008-05-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Farm to School Enthusiasts,See the information below for a Victory Against Hunger Award for Farm to School programs,TO: ALL FARM TO SCHOOL ENTHUSIASTSFROM: THE CONGRESSIONAL HUNGER CENTER AND NATIONAL FARM TO SCHOOL NETWORKRE: FUNDING FOR FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS DEADLINE: JUNE 6TH and NO APPLICATION REQUIRED!Farm to school programs are eligible for this year’s

Galapagos Islands

2008-05-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Farmgirl survived Isla de Galapagos in great fare. Despite her extreme sensitivity to heat with her multiple sclerosis, her cooling vest from Arctic Heat worked wonders. She was able to get some good pictures and posted them here:galapagos pictureshttp://flickr.com/photos/41737155@N00/sets/72157605257525765/

ACRES - The voice of eco-agriculture

2008-05-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

"When the soil is gone, men must go; and the process does not take long." -Theodore RooseveltCheck out some of these new books distributed through ACRES:Cancer, Nutrition and Healing by Jerry BrunnettiWeeds - control wihtout poisons by Charles WlatersFoundations of Natural Farming by Harold WillisAnd many other titles. Starting your first farm? Improving your current Farm? You will find the

organic food at Luna Runtun Ecuador

2008-05-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

The food in Ecuador was exceptional. Our guides, Sofia Flores from Quito, driver, Freddy immediately took us to experience the flavors of their country. We arrived in Luna Runtun, the adventure spa and it was above expectations. They grow their own vegetable using natural, organic methods. Which fits the country and the folks you meet. They are natural and organic. Our guides, Sofia Flores

Farmgirl in Galapagos

2008-05-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Farmgirl is wrapping up a week in GalapagosCheck out our daily reports - CLICK HERE

Quito Ecuador

2008-04-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Changing of the guard in the Grand Plaza and surrounds. Lots of color and lively energy!

Images from Quito Ecuador

2008-04-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Volcano Pichincha, outside of Quito, Ecuador

farmgirl in Ecuador

2008-04-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wahoooo! Farmgirl is in Ecuador. So, what does that mean? Well, we arrived last night for a restful stay in our hotel, the JW Marriott. Today, after breakfast we took off for a city tour of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We saw several churches and much of the city. One of the churches had 7 tons of gold in it! It was pretty amazing. We saw the changing of the guard at the presidential

Victory against Hunger Awards

2008-04-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest from Farm to School: Victory against Hunger Awards The National Farm to School Network is extremely honored to have the 2008 Victory Against Hunger (VAH) Award’s theme be Farm to School. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to advocate for your program and be nominated for a VAH Award. It’s not about the money (even though every cent helps), it’s about raising

Cal Poly CSA - a model of agricultural success

2008-04-23T20:18:00.001-07:00

organic farm,CSA,cal poly slo,organic,farmosa farms Cal Poly does it again. If you haven't seen it yet check out the PBS series with Huell Howser click here (and scroll down a bit) to buy the video California's Green #122 - ORGANIC FARM "Huell's visits Cal Poly to see their student-run, certified organic farm which consists of approximately 11 acres of land." www.calpoly.edu/~sarc/

Blog Entry dated 4/22/08 5:01 PM

2008-04-22T17:13:00.001-07:00

Interesting article in the Los Angeles Times about Food's effect on the atmosphere. Did you know that a cow belches about 145 pounds of methane per year? This isn't new but it's eye-opening. A reminder of what our food purchases mean to our future. Written by Kenneth R. Weiss, I have yet to find an online edition. The gist is about the total energy used to produce our food, such as one

Alma Rosa tops wine and organic industries

2008-04-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

on my last trip wine tasting to the Santa Ynez valley I fell in love with Alma Rosa winery. Their wines were a true experience of delicacy for even the most hardened taster. Check them out: http://www.almarosawinery.com/club.htmlAlma Rosa Winery - Keep up the great work!

Blog Entry dated 4/18/08 11:22 AM

2008-04-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

Check out what our friend Bill sent us: Tomatomania is here! This is a website for true tomato lovers. TomatoMania Schedule of events Tomato seedlings - available now Check it out!

Things considered

2008-04-17T14:55:00.001-07:00

Farmgirl here, one of them at least. 2008 has already topped previous years but is moving by in a whirlwind. I can barely focus. My multiple sclerosis (MS) has been subdued BIG time. I attribute this to a variety of factors, one of which is nutrition. How can I talk about my improving health and not mention ShenTrition. You know me - no frills. I can barely take vitamins except if they

Taxes and the Equator

2008-04-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, taxes are over basically and the Equator is coming up. Ecuador, Galapagos, here we come! watch this spot...

Food program brings together schools, farmers

2008-04-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Special for USA TODAY ORANGE, Mass — As lunchtime winds down on a snowy March day at Fisher Hill School, second-grader Kayla Lafrennie is taking tiny bites to savor every morsel of her dessert: a crisp apple from a nearby farm. "They're sweeter than the ones you get at the grocery store — and no bruises," Kayla says CLICK HERE for MORE

Bourbon Beans - Celebrate Mardi Gras!

2008-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

Check out Care2's delicious recipe for Bourbon Beans. Celebrate Mardi Gras with bourbon-touched beans. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE What better connection to the flavor of the event if you can't be on Bourbon Street to watch the parade? Citrus orange adds just the right zing for deep winter, making Orange and Bourbon Baked Beans fun for the Super Bowl too.

BREAK THE CHAINS OF TOXIC PESTICIDES AND CHILD SLAVERY ON VALENTINE'S DAY

2008-01-31T14:21:00.000-08:00

BREAK THE CHAINS OF TOXIC PESTICIDES AND CHILD SLAVERY ON VALENTINE'S DAY Tis that time of year when more than 20 million Americans are buying sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't as sweet or pure as they may appear. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Africa's

NEW MYPYRAMID PODCAST:

2008-01-31T14:19:00.000-08:00

NEW MYPYRAMID PODCAST: THE REAL SUPER MODELS ARE ALL ABOUT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2008 -- "Most super models are not posing for the camera or walking the fashion runways. The real super models are the moms and dads who are modeling lifestyles that will be reflected by their sons and daughters," according to Dr. Brian Wansink, Executive Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition

Natural Meat - What does it Mean?

2008-01-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

ALERT OF THE WEEK:PUT THE NATURAL BACK IN MEATS LABELED AS "NATURALLY RAISED" Polls indicate that the average consumer believes meat labeled "Naturally Raised" comes from animals that have spent their drug-free lives freely roaming the pastures of a family farm, eating grass and hay, and being (at least somewhat) humanely slaughtered. A 2007 Consumer Reports survey found that 83% of consumers

Afterschool Nutrition Programs - Check 'em out!

2008-01-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Find Your State Child Nutrition Agency Federal Funding For:Afterschool Programs Summer Programs Breakfast Nutrition Programs Also See: General Information The federal child nutrition

Jill's Diet's Tips!

2008-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

Hello!With Superbowl season upon us, it's time to remind you that youshouldn't mix your salty and sweet snacks. Here's why:When you eat only 1 flavor at a time, your brain gets easilysatisfied, which means you choose to stop eating before too long.When you eat 2 or more complimentary flavors together (sweet &salty, bitter & sweet) your brain NEVER GETS TIRED of eating! Oneflavor enhances the

Hello Farm to School Community-

2008-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a unique opportunity to consider as you plan for the 2008-09school year. Part of building the National Farm to School Network is anin depth evaluation on the impact of Farm to School programs. Fourschools/school districts will be chosen in the country for evaluationservices by the national evaluation team working from UNC. This couldbe you and a school you are working with. This free

Happy New Year! Health Tips from Jill

2008-01-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!I hope you had a joyous holiday season and enjoyed every tastymorsel that you ate! Now it's time to get your diet back ontrack, so here's a quick review of ways to strengthen your will-power:1. Get enough sleep (7+ hours for most people)2. Minimize stress3. Prevent low blood sugar by eating small snacks every few hours4. Pamper yourself with non-edible treats, like bubblebaths,

California one step away from banning raw milk - take action NOW!

2007-12-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

12/18/2007 From: The Organic Consumers Association (originally from OrganicPastures.com) You are receiving this special news alert because you are subscribed to OCA's Organic Bytes A new proposed rule in California (AB 1735) will ban raw milk sales as of January 2008. All key assembly representatives support overturning AB 1735.However, your assemblymen have expressed concern that we do

new farm blog!

2007-11-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

USDA Provides Disaster Food Assistance to Southern California

2007-10-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.usda.gov/2007/10/0305.xmlContact:USDA: Terri Teuber (202) 720-4623Angela Harless (202) 720-4623Food Assistance: Jean Daniel (301) 305-2286USDA PROVIDES DISASTER FOOD ASSISTANCE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA2,500 USDA Forest Service Firefighting Personnel Deployed WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2007-Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today approved the State of California's request to

Bones TV faces organic foods

2007-10-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Bones TV show faces organic food issue - http://tv.yahoo.com/bones/show/37774/videos

Fire in California - Donate Now to Help

2007-10-23T10:07:00.001-07:00

Farmosa Farms has created a special program for the victims of the California wildfires - Firestorm 07. The program is called the "California Firestorm Relief Fund". Farmosa Farms is collecting donations dedicated to help farmers and other agricultural folks get back up on their feet as soon as possible. This is our Katrina. Bless you all for helping out! Please send donations to: Farmosa

Farmgirl Detoxes

2007-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the holidays and the coming year is the gift of wellness. As a perpetual seeker of healing and helpful places around town, I found Wholisti Center in Montrose as a definite must see, if you are ready. Ready to get real and start some major healing processes.As you know, I have multiple sclerosis, an annoying disease brought on by not taking care of myself. I could say this

Food Security FARM BILL UPDATE

2007-10-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Countdown to the Senate Farm Bill ReviewCongress has been on recess for the Columbus Day holiday, so it has been a bit quiet here in Washington DC. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to meet to go over Chairman Harkin’s proposed Farm Bill the week of October 22, but no specific date has been set. We here at CFSC hope that you've had the opportunity to call or email our Senate Champions

USDA'S Conner Celebrates Schools' Work for Improved Nutrition

2007-10-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Jack Currie (703) 305-2281;Keith Williams (202) 720-4623USDA'S Conner Celebrates Schools' Work for Improved NutritionWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today marked the opening of National School Lunch Week, highlighting local school wellness and school nutrition through the President's HealthierUS School Challenge. On Wednesday, October 17, Secretary

nutritional detoxing day 6

2007-10-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Already day six and just started my liver-cleansing tea. I started the intestinal tea five days ago. The first day was a bit crazy because I took the tea too long and didn't have any psyllium, which is a necessary fiber to take. I love vegetables but am actually tired of greens. It's been collards, dandelion, chard, spinach, cauliflower, squash...everything...steamed. And the apples. ugh.

Farmgirl detoxes

2007-10-13T13:58:00.001-07:00

It's Fall and time to detox!Whatever your means or ways, take this time to make a change in your diet or shopping habits. I am currently on a tea-detox system combines with body work and yoga. It's unbelievable. After the summer, when my multiple sclerosis gets horrid in the heat, my body is craving the cleansing. It's a complete Dosha light switch! This year I am adding something new to my

USDA CONCLUDES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE INVESTIGATION

2007-10-05T11:50:00.001-07:00

Release No. 0284.07Rachel Iadicicco (202) 720-2511Angela Harless (202) 720-4623USDA CONCLUDES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE INVESTIGATIONWASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Bruce Knight today announced the conclusion of the genetically engineered rice (GE) investigation. The investigation, which was conducted by

Acting Secretary Chuck Conner will deliver remarks to the National Chicken Council.

2007-10-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Release No. 5094.07 CONTACT: Press Office (202) 720-4623 ACTING SECRETARY CHUCK CONNER DELIVERS REMARKSTO THE NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCILWASHINGTON, October 3, 2007-- Acting Secretary Chuck Conner will deliver remarks to the National Chicken Council. WHO: Acting Secretary Chuck ConnerWHAT: Remarks to the National Chicken CouncilWHEN: Thursday, October 4, 2007 8:00

LocalHarvest Newsletter - one of Farmgirl's Favorites!

2007-10-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

LocalHarvest NewsletterSeptember 30, 2007Time conscious readers will notice that although the calendar already has a toehold on October, we're only now sending out the September newsletter. Why? In a word, the boss-man has been out of town. Backside glued to a motorcycle seat for over two weeks, truth be told, and having the time of his life. Guillermo Payet, LocalHarvest's founder and chief

CFSC Farm Bill Update - Don’t Wait! Call your Senator Today!

2007-09-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

CFSC Farm Bill UpdateSeptember 21, 2007 Don’t Wait! Call your Senator Today! Thank you for your continuing support of Community Food Projects (CFP) in the 2007 Farm Bill!Community Food Project funding has made great progress toward healthy, sustainable food systems in communities around the country, and it’s up to us to ensure that this successful program continues. If you have not

SECRETARY JOHANNS DELIVERS REMARKS AT

2007-09-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Release No. 5071.07CONTACT: Press Office (202) 720-4623 SECRETARY JOHANNS DELIVERS REMARKS ATNATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL CONFERENCEWASHINGTON, September 18, 2007-- Secretary Johanns will deliver remarks at the National Pork Producers Council Fall Legislative Action Conference.WHO: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike JohannsWHAT: Remarks at the National Pork Producers Council

2007-09-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

American made, organic bedding and sheets

2007-09-02T10:10:00.002-07:00

Man, it is not easy to find some nice, fully American made organic bedding but I just found a great resource at: A Natural Home - "American made Organic Cotton SheetsOur organic cotton sheets are made in the USA by an Amish family in Ohio. These organic cotton sheets come in a cute little organic cotton draw string bag..." CLICK HERE FOR MOREThey even offer organic, American, hand-made

The f’Organic ™ diet is here!

2007-08-30T09:09:00.001-07:00

The f’Organic ™ diet is here!Buy organic, do right, lose a few pounds:Organic as an optionAs many of us know, the price of organic food and clothing is more expensive in comparison to other options. Of course this will change as demand continues to increase, eventually providing affordable, healthier choices for all consumers and producers. Let’s speed up this process! CLICK HERE FOR MORE...

Jill's Latest Nutrition Tips

2007-08-15T09:11:00.003-07:00

Hello!You may have never asked the question "What is food made of?",but the answer will change the way you think about and choosefoods!All foods have varying amounts of:1. Fat2. Protein3. Carbohydrates4. Fiber5. Water6. Vitamins & minerals7. Additives (if the food has been processed with them)Americans these days are eating too much of ingredients 1-3(where all the calories are) and not enough of

ACTION UPDATE ON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS IN THE FARM BIL

2007-08-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Please circulate this alert around to others in your office, your community, your district. ACTION UPDATE ON COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS IN THE FARM BILL Thank you for all your efforts to date on behalf of Community Food Projects and other progressive farm bill legislation. Unfortunately, despite all your efforts, funding for Community Food Project (CFP) remains discretionary at $30

SPECIAL NEWS ALERT: TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT SUPPLEMENT ACCESS

2007-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Alert from Bauman College:SPECIAL NEWS ALERT: TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT SUPPLEMENT ACCESS Please click here if you are interested in learning about and taking action on impending FDA guidelines that will affect your access to supplements. These guidelines are designed to raise the bar so high on information about what supplements can do and their health benefits, that, as the guidance says,

Mapping Green

2007-08-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks! I found this site while googling for organic news on the Westside. Please take a peek and see what's available over on the WESTSIDE. CLICK HERE...The Santa Monica Green Map shows green business and related ecological features. This map has been created to help residents and visitors to the region become aware of the abundance of resources that contribute to the making of a more

Farm Bill Update August 6

2007-08-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

Farm Bill UpdateAugust 6, 2007Find your Legislator at Home in August! Happy August! Congress is officially on recess and many of the rest of us are planning a week or two of vacation before summer ends. Your legislators, however, are likely to be in their home states and districts, attending summer fairs and events. Many of them will even accept invitations to tour community gardens,

Organic Opportunities on the Westside

2007-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Co-OpportunitySanta Monica's Cooperative Natural Grocer1525 Broadway(Corner of 16th & Broadway)Santa Monica, CA 90404310-451-8902OPEN TO THE PUBLIC7 a.m. to 10 p.m.This site is full of valuable information from a speaking gig on Ayurvedic Nutrition to getting involved in the Green Business Certification Program. and Downtown LA...Tofu-FestivalAugust 18-19A weekend exploration of all things soy

Mindful Eating

2007-08-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

From the land of MINDFULNESS... Westside Farmgirl here; Save the Date On Tuesday, August 14 at 7pmAt The Santa Monica Public Library(Main Library Multipurpose Room)601 Santa Monica Blvd.www.smpl.org MINDFUL EATING for GOOD HEALTHwith Marius Imfeld, LAc Licensed Acupuncturist and Yo San University Clinic Manager Marius Imfeld presents a lecture on Mindful Eating. Calories, nutrients and food

Farm Bill Update

2007-07-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Update as Farm Bill Moves to House Floor First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your support and calls to legislators on Community Food Projects. This process is NOT over, and it’s important for us all to stay plugged in and informed as the Farm Bill moves to the Senate. Currently in the House, tensions are rising among Democrats and Republicans as the Farm Bill moves to the House Floor

Leite’s Culinaria and EAT FEED join forces to create

2007-07-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

fellow member of the new media, I’d like to point your attention to the latest program from the Eat Feed Network, Now Serving. It’s a podcast all about food news and trends with in-depth interviews with famous food personalities and great food writing from the passionate foodies at Leite’s Culinaria (www.leitesculinaria.com). The show launched last month and we’d love to attract your trained ear

Farm Bill Needs Your Help - TODAY!

2007-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Farm Bill Update 07.16.07Contact Your Members of Congress- Money Needed for Healthy Food in the Farm Bill As Farm Bill debate heats up, we urge you to contact your Representative and Senators and recommend that they support a Farm Bill with increased funding for healthy food and communities provisions. For many of the issues, the target is funding, and Members of Congress on the Ways & Means (

Buy Organic Without Breaking the Bank

2007-07-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

ORGANIC FOODS MAY be healthier for you, but they can have a sickening effect on your wallet. Produced without pesticides and other chemicals, organic produce, meat and dairy products can cost 50% to 100% more than their conventional counterparts, says Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist and policy analyst with Consumer Reports' Greener Choices. Despite those mark-ups, studies touting the

How can we make a difference in sustainable living

2007-07-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Talking with Tim LaSalle, the new CEO for The Rodale Institute, got me thinking again about change, and why some of us like it enough to risk some bumps while others of us would rather endure pain to avoid it. Choosing to work in an organization dedicated to changing the way America farms gives staff at The Rodale Institute reason

Volunteer on an Organic Farm

2007-07-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

WWOOF is dedicated to helping those who would like to volunteer on organic farms.The aims of WWOOF are to ... # enable people to learn first-hand about organic growing techniques# to enable town-dwellers to experience living and helping on a farm# to help farmers make organic production a viable alternative# to improve communications within the organic movement.CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Organic farming meets Free & Open Source Software?

2007-07-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Organic farming meets Free & Open Source Software? Learn organicfarming during a "guerilla coding" retreat. Learn programming,networking and other home-grown computer skills while building anorganic garden. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

House Releases Not One, but Two Draft Farm Bills

2007-07-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Farm Bill UpdateJuly 10, 2007 House Releases Not One, but Two Draft Farm Bills While Congress has been in recess, Agriculture Committee staffers in both the House and Senate have been busy crafting the Farm Bill. Late Friday evening, Chairman Peterson released the full House Agriculture Committee’s draft of the Farm Bill, which includes a primary Farm Bill that is similar to the current levels of

Send a message to Congress and help the Farm Bill

2007-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Farm and Food Policy Project (FFPP) has launched a website which lets individuals sign an on-line letter to Congress to show support for policies which advance fresh, local, and healthy foods in the 2007 Farm Bill.This is part of a push before Chairman Peterson’s mark-up for the Farm Bill begins May 21st. We will also have other “pushes” prior to the Senate “mark-up” and any floor votes.The

VIsit a Farm near year!

2007-07-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Family FarmsThere are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this via CSA programs, Farmers' Markets, Food Coops, u-picks, farm stands, and other direct marketing channels. Would you like to support your local farmer? Use our map

The Summer 2007 (Vol. 19, No. 2) issue of Sustainable Agriculture is now available online

2007-07-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Summer 2007 (Vol. 19, No. 2) issue of Sustainable Agriculture is now available online at http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/newsltr/newsletters.htm.IN THIS ISSUE:+ SAREP funds ag marketing grants+ UC sustainable farming systems field day June 22 at Woodland farm+ From the Director: University of California's sustainable agriculture programs: a cornucopia of talent+ From cafeteria to Capitol

Jill's Tips this Barbecue Season

2007-07-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

Hello!With barbecue season upon us, why not grill yourself to greathealth this summer?! Here are some tips: 1. Try portobello mushroom burgers in place of hamburgers. They are tasty, meaty and have 1/10th the calories!2. Don't fear corn on the cob. Yes, it's a carbohydrate, but it's a good one, and if you count it as a grain instead of a veggie, it starts looking very nutritious! You don't

Farm to School Champions Needed in California

2007-07-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Farm to School Supporter: The California Farm to School Taskforce is working to promote and expand farm to school throughout all of California. We are currently recruiting “Farm to School Champions” who will serve as local contacts for others interested in Farm to School. Specific Farm to School issues vary depending on one’s geographic location and professional role in the activities.

USDA attempting to change organic definitions without consumer input!

2007-07-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

ALERT: ANOTHER SNEAK ATTACK ON ORGANIC STANDARDS: USDA TO ALLOW MORE CONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS IN ORGANICSUSDA & INDUSTRY TRY TO SNEAK BANNED CONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS INTO ORGANIC BEER, SAUSAGE, & PROCESSED FOODSSend a Letter to USDA Now(note: scroll to the bottom of this webpage to send a letter to USDA now).The USDA has announced a controversial proposal, with absolutely no input from consumers,

Grow Organics Today!

2007-07-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

EWG Action Fund Spread the Wordabout Organics Just 6 days left! Help us reach our goal of 30,000 signatures by July 15. We're over halfway there! SPREAD THE WORD "According to the subsidy data from the Environmental Working Group, one giant cotton farm collected $2.95 million through crop subsidies in 2005, nearly

The marketing of foods targeting children in EU

2007-07-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Politics of Food From global to local, changing our lives. Rachel's view. Friday, 6 July 2007 The marketing of foods targeting children in EU Last month, DG

Jill's Tips!

2007-07-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!Everybody knows it's healthier to spread out your caloric intakeover the entire day with frequent small meals, but many peoplestill prefer to save up most of their calories for a bigindulgence once a day or week.Here's why that makes you gain weight:An average body can handle AT THE VERY MOST 800 calories at onceand every calorie above that gets turned to fat (it's less if youare small,

Great video on Gastronomy!

2007-07-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

Check out our new "food for thought" video on youtube.com. Please share it if you find it of interest: http://www.kitchengardeners.org/2007/06/the_history_of_gastronomy.html

Farm Bill Update

2007-07-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Farm Bill UpdateJuly 2, 2007Larger Farm Bill Issues Affect CFSC Priorities I. Action Needed During July 4 Congressional Recess (July 2-5)With Members of Congress in their home districts this week, it is an important time to contact your Member at a local event or at the district office, and request his or her support for maintaining the $30 million mandatory authorization of Community Food

Local Harvest - Check it out!

2007-06-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Nancy's Nutrition Corner"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," Hippocrates.Omnipotent Olive OilDuring the 1960s researchers began looking at different cultures to find links between diet and disease. In Greece, research revealed that a whopping 40 percent of the average male's caloric intake was from fat, however, most of the fat consumed was olive oil. CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

Article1 Making a difference with organic blanks

2007-06-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

About 1/3 of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce a single pound of conventionally grown cotton fabric. Many of these chemicals find their way into the soil, air, water and the food we eat, adversely affecting all associated life. As a manufacturer, Article.1 recognizes its role and responsibility in helping the environment, and thus has created the Organics

Kellogg Agrees to Quit Advertising to Kids

2007-06-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Kellogg Agrees to Quit Advertising to KidsKellogg Cereal On June 14th, the food maker Kellogg agreed to set nutrition standards for children's snacks and cereals or stop advertising them to young kids. One serving of a snack or cereal will contain less than 200 calories, no trans fat and less than two grams of saturated fat. Each serving will have less than 230 milligrams of sodium and no more

CFSC Farm Bill Update

2007-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

CFSC Farm Bill UpdateJune 18, 2007Nutrition Sub-Committee Draft CompletedThank you for your interest in the Farm Bill and the efforts of the Community Food Security Coalition. This is our second in a weekly series of updates that contain a summary of relevant happenings around the country related to food security, local food, and the Farm Bill. Sub-Committee Has Completed its Work on the

Buy Local!

2007-06-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

FoodRoutes Network and the Buy Fresh Buy Local National Network of Chapters are excited to kickoff their Proud Supporter Flag and Bag Fundraising Campaign! Appropriately beginning on Flag Day June 14th, folks will be able to help support their local food system by making donations via our online website. Visit

Help grow organics today!

2007-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

You can helpGrow Organics sign the petition today Sign our petition to help Grow Organics. TAKE ACTION Dear Supporter, Are you satisfied with having just 3% of the fruit you eat free of potentially dangerous pesticides? How about 2% of vegetables? Or less than 0.02% of corn? Right now, those are the percentages of organic produce available

First tomato of the season

2007-06-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

Gram picks the first tomato of the season!

Amazon goes Grocery!

2007-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Buy Groceries and help the Farm grow! Amazon Grocery offers over 22,000 non-perishable items including some of your favorite brands, shipped to your door, just like any other Amazon.com purchase. We've also recently introduced the Subscribe and Save program which is a great way to save money on items you use routinely. Your visitor can sign up for routine convenient delivery of products such as

Hyena Cart:: a collection of earth-friendly shops

2007-06-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

OK kids - have you checked out HyenaCart.com yet? Well get to it! Time is a wastin'. Welcome to Hyena Cart! Here you'll find a collection of unique shops offering a variety of earth-, child- and family-friendly items. Each shop is individually owned and operated but is powered by the unique Hyena Cart shopping code. If you are a new customer, please read through the Shopper FAQ and the

New! Chapel &York's Directory of Asia Pacific Grantmakers

2007-05-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

New! Chapel &York's Directory of Asia Pacific Grantmakers I hope that by helping to understand the importance of different sensitivities, I can contribute to find effective ways to reduce social tensions. Through my consultancy, advocacy and research work, I hope to contribute to the creation of synergies between private,

MICHELE SIMON'S APPETITE FOR PROFIT UPDATE

2007-05-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

MICHELE SIMON'S APPETITE FOR PROFIT UPDATE May 28, 2007 APPETITE FOR PROFIT - BOOK TALKS San Francisco Bay Area Thursday, May 31, 7:30pm Mrs. Dalloway’s 2904 College Ave. (at Russell), Berkeley Wednesday, June 20, 7:30pm Diesel Books 5433 College Ave. (at Kales), Oakland Wednesday July 11, 7:00pm National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Berkeley Saturday, July 14, 2

New Farm and Food Policy Project Website

2007-05-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Farm and Food Policy Project (FFPP) has launched a website which lets individuals sign an on-line letter to Congress to show support for policies which advance fresh, local, and healthy foods in the 2007 Farm Bill. CLICK HERE FOR MORE This is part of a push before Chairman Peterson’s mark-up for the Farm Bill begins May 21st. We will also have other “pushes” prior to the Senate “mark-up”

Healthy Tips from Jill

2007-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hello! Did you know that most people consume about five pounds of food each day? That's how much food it takes to make the average person feel satisfied. Studies show that the best way to lose weight is to eat heavy, low-calorie foods so that when you reach your five pounds you haven't eaten too many calories. What are the heavy, low-calorie foods? You guessed it--they're the ones that are high

Rachel C. Dechenne's newest post!

2007-05-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

How nature and nurture interact through epigenetic processes?Until recently, epigenetics was an esoteric backwater of human biological research, eclipsed by our “fixation” with genes, says Professor Mark Hanson , a specialist in foetal development at Southampton University...CLICK HERE for MORE

McDonald's gets healthier?

2007-05-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

McDonald's Healthy Toon By Alyce Lomax May 9, 2007 For once, maybe some consumer groups and parents won't be angry at what company is using popular cartoon characters to peddle. McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) plans a monthlong campaign integrating Shrek the Third to push healthy choices on its kids menu. McDonald's and DreamWorks Animation's (NYSE: DWA) campaign will feature the popular

You Are What You Grow by Michael Pollan

2007-04-30T12:08:00.001-07:00

Concerning the Energy Density of Foods The Way We Live Now You Are What You Grow By MICHAEL POLLAN Published: April 22, 2007 A few years ago, an obesity researcher at the University of Washington named Adam Drewnowski ventured into the supermarket to solve a mystery. He wanted to figure out why it is that the most reliable predictor of obesity in America today is a person's wealth. For

Great books and How to grow world record tomatoes

2007-04-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

How to Grow World Record Tomatoes by Charles Wilber For most of his 80+ years, Charles Wilber has been learning how to work with nature. In How to Grow World Record Tomatoes he tells his personal story and offers his philosophy and approach to gardening. He reveals for the first time how he grows record-breaking tomatoes and produce of

State Laws on School Vending - Legal Analysis

2007-04-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

State Laws on School Vending - Legal Analysis The current issue of the Food and Drug Law Journal contains an article I wrote that analyzes the numerous state laws that have been passed in recent years to address the problem of soda and junk food in schools. While there has been much activity, a closer look reveals a

On Line Nutrition Counseling

2007-04-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dear FarmGirl, We are excited to announce the dates for Nutrition for Life's THIRD Foundations Course of the year. Participants from the first two classes are reporting an increase in energy levels, weight loss, less anxiety, and better nights of sleep. This will be the second class that will be available to people on the East Coast. All of the classes will be conference calls so that people

Say Hello to Sprin by Going Green!

2007-04-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Say Hello to Spring by Going Green! Dear Friend,The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping — there’s just something about spring that really makes you want to give back to Mother Nature.One great way to give a little TLC back to the planet that provides us with so much is composting. You’ll cut down on waste, create the best kind of

US NGO initiatives on Food Policy

2007-04-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 6:03 PMSubject: 2 US NGO initiatives on Food PolicyDear All,Two interesting developments for you US watchers:1. adoption of food policy guide by the American Planning Association(attached)2. Food and Farm Policy Project (funded by the Kellogg Foundation)statement: "Seeking Balance in US Farm and Food Policy". This can be downloaded after clicking on the hotlink for

Highlight: Mixed outlook for pharmaceutical crops in California

2007-04-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Highlight: Mixed outlook for pharmaceutical crops in California Pharmaceutical crops - those genetically engineered to produce medicines, vaccines and other pharmaceutical proteins - have been cultivated on a limited scale in California, amid increasing regulations, according to a review article published in the April-June 2007 issue of the University of California's peer-reviewed California

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the FDA fight it out

2007-04-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

National Association of Nutrition Professionals News wrote: From: National Association of Nutrition Professionals News The US FDA is at it again. They have been notorious for decades for their biased attacks and uneven handling of natural, non-drug/surgery/radiation based health options. This time, though, they are playing for keeps.The goal is simple: through a "

The Top 10 Foods to Eat Organically

2007-04-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Top 10 Foods to Eat OrganicallyMore Healthy Food SolutionsExcerpted from Your Organic Kitchen, by Jesse Ziff Cool. Some conventionally grown foods are treated with more pesticides than others. Some retain more of the pesticides. Here is a list of the top 10 foods containing the most pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research

The Seven Deadly Sins of Obesity: How the Modern World is Making us Fat

2007-03-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Seven Deadly Sins of Obesity: How the Modern World is Making us Fat Jane Dixon , Dorothy BroomArgues that the skyrocketing increase in obesity levels is not caused by individuals’ moral weakness, but is due to modern society lacking the virtues necessary for people to adopt and