Gardening is a fast-growing trend in the United States as people are leaning towards a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many reasons gardening is a personal health benefit as well as an environmental benefit. Some people turn to gardening as simply a means of nourishment, while others depend on their gardens to help them unwind from their fast-paced lives. 

The California Food Policy Council Grows, Linking Nearly 500 Organizations

 Vallejo, CA – A report released this week by the California Food Policy Council (CAFPC) and Roots of Change reveals the 2015 food and farm policy votes of California’s 120 elected state legislators. The 2015 CAFPC Report on Legislation Related to Food and Farming (also found under the resources tab) illustrates how despite some progress on food and agriculture issues, the Legislature and Governor continue to miss most opportunities to pass bills that will actually have the greatest impact on the people most harmed by the challenges connected to California’s food and farming system. Wages remain low for food and farm workers, healthy fresh produce is more expensive, sugary beverages are overly consumed and the impacts of climate change are least addressed for those most at risk from heat, water shortages and poor water quality.

Community event calls attention to healthy food and celebrates national movement toward a greener diet.

Author: Franny Wong
 
Vallejo, CA – On Saturday 10/24, over one thousand people attended Loma Vista Farm’s Annual Harvest Festival, which also doubled as the debut for Food Day in Solano County. Food Day is nationwide celebration that inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Besides the usual events of the Harvest Festival, special events were focused on making healthy food fun and to encourage Americans toward a greener diet.
 
The biggest hit was the blender bike with over 300 participants and Congressman Mike Thompson having fun making delicious smoothies with a bike powered blender. Other activities include the Big Apple Crunch with participants biting into an apple at the same time and voting for their favorite apple - Team Red or Team Green. Local growers and the Food Bank provided fresh ingredients for Food Day festivities, including apples for the Apple Crunch and mandarin oranges as prizes. ​Team Red won by just 2 votes! The Touro Nutrition Club added a special surprise to the event by bringing the Vallejo People’s Garden mobile garden van out and offered samples of fresh caprese fresh from the garden.  Overall the info/activities booths were visited by an estimated 500 community member families! 
 
Thank you again Loma Vista Farm for partnering with us on this year's successful Food Day!