FOOD DAY 2011

Food Day is Monday, October 24, 2011. It is the first annual and is already gaining support from people and organizations all over the country.

What is FOOD DAY? It is an organization that seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.

The 6 Food Day principles are:
1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy food;
2. Support sustainable farms & limit subsidies to big agribusiness;
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger;
4. Protect the environment & animals by reforming factory farms;
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids;
6. Support fair conditions for food and farm workers.

Food Day was created by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The Center is a consumer advocacy organization whose twin missions are to conduct innovative research and advocacy programs in health and nutrition, and to provide consumers with current, useful information about their health and well-being.

There are events happening all over the country. But why should you care about Food Day?

• Currently is costs much less to feed your family a diet of junk food than one of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables (due in part to subsidies);
• There is no law to label foods with GMO's;
• Two-thirds of American adults and one-third of children are overweight or obese;
• A healthy diet can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and prevent everything from tooth decay and obesity to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer;
• Just 10 percent of large farms rake in 74 percent of direct subsidies – with the top recipient getting $4.8 million in 2009. Most of that aid goes to growers of just five crops: corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, and rice;
• Over-fertilization of farm fields results in polluted rivers and streams, as well as "dead zones" as in the Gulf of Mexico and Chesapeake Bay.

Eating healthy and healthy farming should be a right, not a privilege. 

You can learn more at a local Food Day event - participate, or even hold your own event.

Check out these local events:
Mindful Mouthfuls - October 22/23 in Elgin, IL
Find a Local Event

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environmental Expert. She is the Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" and Founder of RECYCLE ME.