Good Food for All

Show Your Support for Increased Farmers Market Access for SNAP Recipients by 5 PM November 17

A letter from Wes King, Policy Coordinator, Illinois Stewardship Alliance:

"Are you interested in increasing access to local food for low-income and under-served populations through the support of programs and policies to provide SNAP/EBT Infrastructure at Farmers' Markets and other farm-direct enterprises?

If so please consider signing on to the attached letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack asking him to make some key administrative changes that would level the playing field for farmers markets and break down barriers that have left farmers markets on the wrong side of the digital divide."

If you would like to sign-on to the letter please email Wes at wes@ilstewards.org by 5:00pm on Thursday. 

Download FINAL DRAFT VILSACK LETTER pdf 

 

For more information about www.ilstewards.org

Farm Bill Update, Mayor's New Policy and more

 This update was cross-posted on ChicagoREgen

 

Overview of the current standing of the Farm Bill

Check out Mark Bittman’s op-ed in the New York Times.

 

Mayor Emanuel Eases Restaurant Inspections for Low-Risk Food Establishments

Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced an ordinance that will make doing business in Chicago easier for new and existing food businesses by initiating a self-certification pilot program for low-risk food inspections and improving the efficiency of City inspectors.

 

Chicago Public Schools to Serve Local Chicken

The Chicago Public School system announced plans to serve antibiotic-free, local chicken in its schools' cafeterias. CPS bought 1.2 million pounds of antibiotic-free chicken from Amish farms in the Chicago area. This school district is the first in the country to offer antibiotic-free meat at such a large scale. 

 

NRDC Announces Fourth Annual Growing Green Awards to Honor Extraordinary Contributions in Sustainable Food

Nominations will be accepted through December 9 for this national award recognizing extraordinary contributions that advance ecologically integrated farming practices, climate stewardship, water stewardship, farmland preservation, and social responsibility from farm to fork.