Registration Open for Healthy Food Access Workshop in Newport, VT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jane Edwards, Community member (802)355-9707
Colleen Moore de Ortiz, Vermont Department of Health, Newport Office (802)334-6707
Jen Leithead, Fresh Start Community Farm (Community Gardens) (802)323-7042

Registration Open for a Community Workshop—“Everyone at the Table: Healthy Food Access for All”

Newport, VT – January 6, 2014   Come join the community conversation related to healthy food access for the Orleans and northern Essex area on Thursday, February 5, 2015, 5-9 PM at the North Country Career Center, Newport.  Facilitated discussions will focus on nutrition education, gardening, food access and affordability, as well as the local food system and distribution. The workshop is being planned by a grassroots community group representing various local agencies such as the Vermont Department of Health, UVM Extension, NEKCA, Head Start, Fresh Start Community Gardens, Cornucopia, food production businesses, a variety of other concerned organizations and individuals in the community.  

The highest rate of food insecurity in the state of Vermont occurs in Orleans and Essex counties. Hunger Free Vermont reports that 1 in 4 children are food insecure in this area.   Research shows high rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease relate to food availability and intake patterns.  Additionally there are concerns related to basic food skills for shopping, storing and preparation of foods, which promote healthy patterns of eating.

Community, home and school gardening efforts have greatly expanded food access in some areas of these counties, but not all. Distribution of local foods from farm to consumer is a concern to make locally grown foods more available to all.  Workshop participants will consider the current situation related to food access in the area and engage in dialogue about community based solutions to meet identified local food needs.

Please plan to join the community around the table at the North Country Career Center on Thursday, Feb 5^th from 5-9 PM. The workshop will consider the challenges and develop a plan to move forward to better meet the needs of all in Orleans/northern Essex counties for healthy food.  All voices are welcome.   A light supper will be served. In case of bad weather the alternate date is Thursday, February 12^th, 5-9 PM at NCCC.

Registration available at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/NEKFoodAccess

Or contact Brooke Brittell at NEKCA, bbrittell@nekcavt.org, (802)334-7316 Ext 208 

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