We need more locally grown food

To the editor,

It is urgent that the supply of seasonal, locally grown food be widely expanded. This is true both for our enhanced health, as well as for decreasing the carbon impact from the production and distribution of produce. At the same time those who make their living as agricultural workers must be guaranteed the dignity and security all other New York State employees enjoy.

On Sunday, April 17th, 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Riverdale these vital issues will be explored in a food justice forum: “Uniting Farmers, Farmworkers and Consumers in the Hudson Valley and Beyond”.  Sponsored jointly by Bronx Climate Justice North and the Community Association of Marble Hill, Professor Margaret Gray and the Reverend Richard Witt will make the key presentations.

Professor Gray is the author of “Labor and the Locavore” which won the 2014 award from the Association for the Study of Food.  She is a passionate advocate for the needs of farm workers and local growers alike, and unites these concerns eloquently with the universal need to stem global warming.

Richard Witt, Executive Director for New York State Rural and Migrant Ministry, speaks for farm workers who still lack collective bargaining rights, overtime pay, and a weekly day of rest.  He will describe a march R&MM is organizing from Long Island to Albany to press for legislation to meet farm workers’ needs.

In addition to learning about these vital issues, there will also be an opportunity for planning action.  We will discuss particular ways we can support the just needs the farm workers and support local growers, as well as  expand the availability of locally grown produce for everyone in our northwest Bronx communities.

James White