I discovered a new local food blog, Westside Foodie Wannabes, a hilarious and charming blog about LaRosa's, goetta, fish frys, and Frisch's tartar sauce airmailed to Italian penpals who didn't quite get the charm. They're just getting started, and I hope they'll keep on blogging. The foodie scene in this town could use a little more perspective from the west side.
I know I've already mentioned this, but it's important, and here are three really easy links you can click to and send a message to your Senators and the Senate leadership. It's really important, and you can do it in about three minutes. Please do it. If you truly want local sustainable foods, this is one of the easiest ways you can help.
Issue: Leadership Support for Farm Bill Reform
Sign your name to an already-written message to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today. Or edit the letter any way you like -- it's up to you. Urge him to support the efforts of reform-minded Senators to bring meaningful payment limits, and increased resources for conservation, rural development, and beginning farmer programs to the Farm Bill. Click to write now It really will take 2 minutes! I promise.
Issue: Your Senators' Support for REAL Payment Limits
Whether or not the Senate Farm Bill includes real payment limit reform that finally brings an end to the million-dollar payments to the nation's largest farms could very well come down to an important vote on the Senate floor. Every single Senator will cast a key vote, and every single one will be important. Every. Single. One. And this year, there's an Ohio Senator on the committee. Write to your Senators today.
Issue: Support Rural Development in the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill should support all of rural America, and one way it can do this is by putting more resources into rural microenterprice development that will help entrepreneurs start and maintain businesses up and down main streets across rural America. This kind of help encourages young people to go into farming. Urge your Senators to support this legislation today!
Grist magazine offers a fascinating look at two counties in Iowa. In Hardin county, the government has collaborated in allowing big business to destroy diversified farms. In Woodbury county, citizens have organized to construct one of the nation's most innovative and effective local foods programs.
