FoodSafety.gov

October 2, 2009 by ashleyrdtx · Comments
Filed under: Food Web Resources, Nutrition 2.0 

Spinach, beef, tomatoes, peanut butter? Not sure what is safe to eat? The government has started a site to inform consumers of the latest food safety concerns at foodsafety.gov.

The site is complete with a food safety widget that offers breaking news on recalls, an ‘ask the expert’ section and lots of information about food storage and safety for consumers.

I have found that knowing exactly where my food comes from is crucial to my food safety. Get to know your local farmers at the farmers market or join a CSA share. There are now shares for meat, poultry and fish! At restaurants, ask for local, in season foods. The more consumers demand it, the more we will see.

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USDA hosts Live Facebook Chat (October 1)

September 30, 2009 by ashleyrdtx · Comments
Filed under: Events on social media, Nutrition 2.0 

USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Kathleen Merrigan will hold a Live Facebook Chat about local food systems on Thursday, October 1 at 3:45 pm ET. Comments and questions can be submitted via the USDA Facebook page.

The discussion is a part of the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative launched in early September. According to the website:

USDA-wide effort to create new economic opportunities by better connecting consumers with local producers. It is also the start of a national conversation about the importance of understanding where your food comes from and how it gets to your plate. Today, there is too much distance between the average American and their farmer and we are marshalling resources from across USDA to help create the link between local production and local consumption.

As a former student of Kathleen, I am reminded of something she told us in her policy class: “think big!” She is dedicated to the “People’s Department” being just that, and this is her way of including all in the conversation.

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Know your farmer, know your food

September 23, 2009 by ashleyrdtx · Comments
Filed under: Local/sustainable/organic Resources, Nutrition 2.0 

Greetings Health & Nutrition 2.0 readers. I am pleased to join Colby in contributing to this very important site. It is crucial for health professionals to utilize technology to reach a rapidly changing population. I have found this site extremely useful and hope my contributions enhance the site.

I wanted to announce USDA’s award of $4.8 million to help support community food projects under the “know your farmer, know your food” initiative. As an RD who has a background in agriculture and food systems, I know the importance of people knowing how food got to their plate. I once asked a group of children, “where do hamburgers come from?” and one unknowingly answered, “the grocery store.” While he was half-correct, teaching people their connection to food can ultimately lead to positive health outcomes and increased environmental protection.

Again, I am please to join the site and please don’t hesitate to comment on posts, as conversations and questions are keys to learning.

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