Support the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act

Congress is at work right now on the next Farm Bill. Next week, the Senate will hold a hearing on Healthy Food Initiatives, Local Production, and Nutrition – crucial parts of the bill for public health.

It is important that the health community speak out and urge Congress to include the Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act in the larger Farm Bill package. Will you speak up today?

Wherever there’s local food, there are farmers feeding communities and creating jobs, children learning to love fresh produce, and multiple public health benefits. Supporting our local farmers, farmers markets, CSAs and food coops and having fresh, local food for our children’s school meals is essential. And the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act creates jobs and spurs economic growth through food and farms – something everyone can get behind.

IATP and Healthy Food Action join the National Farmers Union, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Community Food Security Coalition and other organizations in supporting this legislation to strengthen local and regional food systems. The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act (S. 1773 and H.R. 3286) has been introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine in the Senate and House, respectively.

Send a message to your Senators and Representative today - the bill needs support from both Democrats and Republicans - and ask them to co-sponsor this important legislation that will benefit our health and the economy.