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 Sessions

First Listening Session Scheduled for February 5, 2008 in Albany

ALBANY, NY (01/24/2008; 1138)(readMedia)-- The New York State Council on Food Policy is planning a series of listening sessions to gain perspective from community members on several food policy issue areas and to seek opportunities to maximize collaboration among stakeholders.

Four key issue areas related to food policy have been identified to be examined during the listening sessions. They include, how to:

• Maximize participation in food and nutrition assistance programs;

• Strengthen the connection between local food products and consumers;

• Support efficient and profitable agricultural food production and food retail infrastructure; and

• Increase consumer awareness and knowledge about healthy eating and improve access to safe and nutritious foods.

The first Council on Food Policy listening session is scheduled for February 5, 2008 from 2 pm to 4 pm in Hearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. Subsequent sessions will take place across the State between February and May. Dates and locations of those listening sessions will be posted at www.agmkt.state.ny.us/eventcal.html.

All listening sessions are open to the public and will be an open microphone format. Anyone who wishes to participate will have five minutes to present their opinions and must also provide their comments in written format.

Reservations for the first session are required by February 1, 2008 by contacting Mary Ann Stockman at 518-485-7728 or maryann.stockman@agmkt.state.ny.us.

The mission of the Council is to coordinate state agriculture policy and make recommendations on developing food policy that will ensure the safe, fresh, nutritious and affordable food for all New Yorkers, especially low income residents, senior citizens and children. The Council will look at ways to increase sales of New York agricultural products to New York customers.

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