NY HARVEST FOR NY KIDS WEEK

L* B*

Hi All,
Thought you would find this interesting. The original notice came with  an
attached listing of the events but this listserve can't take attachments. If
anyone would like it, please email me and I will send it directly. My email
is <laura@foodshare.net>
Cheers,
Laura

---------------
Laura Berman
Community Gardening & Urban Agriculture Manager
FoodShare Toronto

From: Jessica Chittenden   Press Office  518-474-8418   212-681-4640
FOR RELEASE:  IMMEDIATE, Tuesday  September 30, 2003

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES NY HARVEST FOR NY KIDS WEEK
Helps Educate School Children on State's Ag Industry, Make Healthier Food
Choices

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the beginning of New York
Harvest for New York Kids Week, which will take place this week through
October 5. This annual celebration is an opportunity for schools and
communities to learn more about New York's agricultural industry, enjoy
locally-grown foods, and encourage our children to make healthy food
choices.

"New York Harvest for New York Kids Week provides a great opportunity to
share with our children the importance of our State's agricultural
industry and to highlight the many locally-grown products our farm
families produce," Governor Pataki said.  "I encourage all New Yorkers to
take part in this annual celebration to learn more about our State's
agricultural industry and to encourage our children to make healthier
food choices."

New York Harvest for New York Kids Week was launched seven years ago by
the New York State Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition
Policy. During the week, cafeterias feature New York farm products;
classrooms participate in food-tasting; students visit farms and farmers'
markets, and harvest their school gardens.  All of these activities
promote nutritional New York farm products for school children.

The annual celebration has grown with the support of the Farm-to-School
coalition that includes New York State School Food Service Association
(NYSSFSA), NY Farms!, Cornell's Farm-to-School Program, New York Farm
Bureau, State Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and
Markets and many teachers, parents, and community groups.

State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said, "The
Farm-to-School initiative has done an excellent job in linking our
farmers and their products with distributors, schools and children
throughout the State.  I commend Governor Pataki for his continued
support of this program and urge you to join with us in celebrating New
York Harvest for New York Kids Week."

Governor Pataki signed the New York State Farm-to-School Bill on February
13, 2002, with the objective to improve the health and nutrition of New
York school children, and to facilitate and promote the purchase of New
York State farm products by schools, universities and other educational
institutions.

With the 2002 Farm-to-School legislation, New York Harvest for New York
Kids Week is now part of the State's on-going efforts to encourage
schools to feature New York foods on breakfast and lunch menus, and
influence children to choose healthy foods.

Farm-to-School projects and activities are taking place across the State
to celebrate New York Harvest for New York Kids Week.  For additional
information on New York Harvest for New York Kids Week or how to find
locally-grown farm products in your community, contact the New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets at 1-800-554-4501 or visit the
Department's website at www.agmkt.state.ny.us.

###
ATTACHED:  A list of New York Harvest for New York Kids Events taking
place throughout the week.

*****
Glenda Neff, NY Farms!
(315)255-6958
Celebrate NY Harvest for NY Kids Sept 27-Oct 5, 2003!
http:www.prideofny.com/Farm2School.html

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