Farm survey

The St. Lawrence County Planning Office is seeking input from the farming community on the development of its Ag Development Plan.  The County’s AFPB  would like to encourage farmers to complete the survey to identify issues that should be included in the plan to help strengthen and diversify the county’s agricultural industry.


*The survey will be available during the month of March.  * To complete the
survey please go to:  https://stlawu.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_cATUJAJH8iouYM5
OR www.stlawco.org

Senator Griffo proposes making things illegal that are already illegal

State Senator Joseph Griffo (R) has introduced legislation to address what he sees as flaws in the system.  Griffo's proposal states that SNAP funds cannot be used at liquor stores, casinos, strip clubs, and tobacco shops. It also says SNAP cannot be used for tattoos and bail and limits the amount of the SNAP benefit that can be withdrawn as cash.

The strange thing about this proposal is that the law already prohibits the use of SNAP for these things and SNAP benefits can never be withdrawn as cash.  Griffo spokesman Rocco LaDuca  actually acknowledged to WJLA in Washington that current laws prevent SNAP funds from being used on non-food items.  

Why would a legislator waste his time and the taxpayers' money to make something illegal when it's already illegal?

1 in 3 children in St. Lawrence County lives in poverty

North Country Now carried this recent story:  http://northcountrynow.com/news/one-three-children-st-lawrence-county-lives-poverty-report-says-0165016

Senator Ritchie proposes limiting SNAP

State Senator Patty Ritchie (R) recently bragged on her Facebook page, "I just introduced legislation to prevent the use of food stamps, or EBT benefits, to buy junk food, like soda and candy, or luxury items, like steak and lobster. My bill will help low-income families stretch their food budgets, improve nutrition and stop abuses."

While her post generated over 800 comments, with many disagreeing with her approach, it seemed strange that an elected official would not know that the program is not called food stamps, nor is it called EBT.  The program that helps low-income families and seniors purchase food is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP for short.  The SNAP benefits do come on a card called an Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT card.  However, other benefits are also delivered via an EBT card, so it is not fair to assume that because someone has an EBT card that they are making use of SNAP benefits.

Semantics aside, it's certainly easy to jump on the "no steak and lobster" bandwagon.  But the real question this proposal raises is, who will be the "food police?"  If we prohibit steak, does that mean someone can't buy a chuck steak when it's on sale cheaper than hamburger?  In my work running a large food bank in Connecticut, I once had a woman tell me we should not give poor people bread because it causes diabetes!  Do we want to put her in charge of deciding who can eat what?  Senator Ritchie listed granola bars as a healthy choice, but would ban candy bars.  Today, the typical granola bar in the store is nothing but a candy bar in disguise.    Why would one be allowed and not the other?  Even if we can find a way to make the list of what's allowed and not allowed, how does a grocery store, which typically has more than 40,000 separate items in stock, even keep track?

All the research tells us that SNAP recipients get about the same nutrition, or even slightly better than the typical American.  Of course, the typical American's diet may not be all that great, but how do we improve it?  Is it by limiting choices or making it easier to make better choices?  A proven method to get SNAP households consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is by providing incentives, like the State of New York's Fresh Connect program which provides an additional $2 worth of produce at area farmers markets for every $5 in SNAP benefits used at the market.  This program is truly win-win, not only helping low-income families have better nutrition, but also supporting our local farmers.

Support state legislation making it easier for schools to buy locally

One of the challenges for local farmers trying to sell directly to schools has been in the way certain state regulations are written.

State Assemblywoman Addie Russell has introduced Assembly bill A6182.  Its companion bill in the  N.Y. Senate is bill S6731.  These bills would lift a waiver requirement for school districts to purchase food from small cooperatives of more than 10 members.  The bill is well on it's way through various State Government committees.  

Having this bill become law would make it easier for school districts to buy local food and would have obvious benefits for growers and students statewide.

If you are in touch with your local Assembly member or State Senator, via Facebook, phone, or e-mail, please urge them to support these bills.

Campus Challenge around food and electoral politics

Plate of the Union, a collaborative effort to raise the voice of the millions of Americans who care about food and farm issues in the 2016 presidential election cycle, is excited to announce the launch of its Campus Challenge. The Campus Challenge is an opportunity for young people to leverage their enormous political power. Through this challenge, Plate of the Union is seeking university student groups who care about food and electoral politics to develop and execute organizing plans that drive engagement in the 2016 election cycle. How will you influence your peers, the media, and candidates to talk about food? Groups can win up to $5000 to execute their plans. Learn more here.

March is National Nutrition Month

Have you been trying to promote more nutritious foods or encourage guests to eat healthier? March is the perfect time to start, or keep the momentum going. This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month® is ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right’. Eating more nutritious foods is one part of a healthy lifestyle.

Taking time to be mindful to enjoy the flavors, traditions, and social experiences that food brings to our lives is another important part. Healthy food choices nourish and strengthen our bodies but enjoying those foods with friends and family contributes to overall good health. Some tips on ‘Savoring the Flavor of Eating Right’ :

• Eat together as a family. Family meals contribute not only to healthier eating but have also been shown to strengthen family relationships. 
• Turn off the TV and electronics when sitting down for a meal. Take time to focus on your meal and enjoy the food. You may find you eat less. 
• Instead of using salt to add flavor, liven up foods with spices and herbs.