Naturally Mendocino Interviews Susan Lightfoot

Farm2Fork is a new initiative of North Coast Opportunities/Community Action aiming to ramp up institutional purchasing of local food in Mendocino County.   

Launched at the beginning of February, Farm2Fork is coordinated by Susan Lightfoot, who will be facilitating connections between local farmers and the schools, hospitals, restaurants and stores that purchase significant volumes of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), this 2-year Specialty Crops Grant aims to increase the capacity of both local farmers and Food Service professionals to get fresh, healthy food from the field to the plate. 

While the grant focuses primarily on creating Farm to School partnerships across the county, providing resources for training and equipment for schools to meet this goal, Farm2Fork will also work with restauranteurs, chefs, and produce managers who are interested in offering more locally-produced food on their menus and shelves.  By capturing the significant purchasing power of these community partners, we will infuse the local food economy with dollars grown and raised right here in Mendocino County, ensure food security for our community, and improve the quality of food served to children, patients, customers and ourselves.
Susan is eager to connect with interested community members, farmers, food purchasers, chefs and distributors across the county to identify opportunities, trouble-shoot challenges, and synergize efforts towards a thriving local food system in Mendocino County.  For more information, please contact her at (707)467-3238 or email slightfoot@ncoinc.org.

 

Tell your Senators and Representative to Co-Sponsor the GE food labeling bill!

 

       In the U.S., we pride ourselves on having choices and making informed decisions.  Under current FDA policy, we don’t have that choice when it comes to genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in the foods we purchase and feed our families.  But thanks to your tireless support, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) will introduce new Federal legislation next week that would require the labeling of all genetically engineered (GE) foods; the first labeling bill to be introduced in the Senate in over a decade!

       Without mandatory labeling of GE foods, consumers are being left in the dark about the foods we are purchasing and feeding our families.  Sixty-four countries have mandatory labeling policies for GE foods including South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, South Africa, Australia, the the European Union, and many others.  The U.S. is one of the only developed countries in the world that doesn’t require labeling.  Yet there is overwhelming public demand—consistently near 95%—for the labeling of GE foods.  Already in 2013, 53 GE labeling bills have been introduced in 26 states, including Hawaii, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, and Vermont, with more expected by year’s end.

 TAKE ACTION: <http://bit.ly/LabelingBill> 

 

Earth Day Events Calendar

April 17th

Early Bird Walks

Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

When: 8:30 AM, Third Wednesday of the month.

Price: Free with admission to Botanical Gardens

For more information: http://gardenbythesea.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/events.detail/eventID/10/index.htm

 

April 20th

Noyo Food Forest Learning Garden “Pre – Earth Day ” clan-up activities

Where: 300 Dana Street, Fort Bragg

When: 9AM –Noon

Price: Free

For more information: http://noyofoodforest.org/#blank

 

April 20th

Standish-Hickey SRA Campground Cleanup

Where: Highway 101, 1.5 miles north of Leggett, CA

When: 9 AM- 2PM Advance registration is required.

For more information or to sign up: online@calparks.org/parkchampions ~

Phone: 213-542-2450 Phoebe Oelheim

 

April 27th

Earth Day at MacKerricher State Park and Glass Beach

Where: Glass Beach, West end of Elm Street, Fort Bragg CA

When: All Day, Meet at the west end of Elm Street in Fort Bragg. Trash bags will be provided.

Price: Free

For more information: Fred Andrews at 961-0471.

 

April 27th

Noyo Food Forest Learning Garden 7th Annual Earth Day activities

Where: 300 Dana Street, Fort Bragg

When: Noon-5 PM

Price: Free

For more information: http://noyofoodforest.org/#blank

Volunteer at a GARDEN WORK PARTY between April 20th – April 26th. Choose a date and location that works for you then contact the coordinator for that garden to RSVP!