News from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

For more information contact: Jessica Chittenden, 518-457-3136

Council On Food Policy To Hold Listening Session

Listening Session Scheduled for May 29, 2008 in Harlem

ALBANY, NY (05/15/2008; 0947)(readMedia)-- The New York State Council on Food Policy is holding a listening session in Harlem to gain perspective from community members on several food policy issue areas and to seek opportunities to maximize collaboration among stakeholders.

The listening session is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2008 at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, New York. The listening session will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, State Senator Jose Serrano will host an hour-long reception for all listening session participants at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building.

The listening session is open to the public and will be an open microphone format. Anyone who wishes to participate will have three minutes to present their opinions and must also provide their comments in written format.

Comments should focus on some aspect of the following key issue areas: how to maximize participation in food and nutrition assistance programs; how to strengthen the connection between local food products and consumers; how to support efficient and profitable agricultural food production and food retail infrastructure; and how to increase consumer awareness and knowledge about healthy eating and improve access to safe and nutritious foods.

Those wishing to participate must RSVP by 5:00 pm May 28, 2008 to Mary Ann Stockman at 518-485-7728 or maryann.stockman@agmkt.state.ny.us.

The Council on Food Policy has held listening sessions in Albany, Syracuse, New York City, Binghamton and Rochester. To review the comments already presented please visit: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/. The final listening session will be held on May 30, 2008 at the Riverhead Town Hall, Long Island from 11 am to 1 pm.

The New York State Council on Food Policy will make recommendations on developing a State food policy to ensure the availability of safe, fresh, nutritious and affordable food for all New Yorkers, especially low income residents, senior citizens and children; and to look at ways to increase sales of New York agricultural products to New York customers.

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