LOCAL FOODS LOCAL PLACES

June 17, 2014 by Charlie London

govt-food-banner-web
food-farm-networkCommunities are invited to apply for assistance from Local Foods, Local Places, a new program supported by EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to help create more livable places by promoting local foods. Together, the agencies are investing $650,000 in the Local Foods, Local Places program, which aims to:

tomatocompany

  • Boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, and foster entrepreneurship;
    · Improve access to healthy local food, particularly among disadvantaged groups with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables; and
    Broad-Community-Connections-Logo· Revitalize downtowns, main street districts, and traditional neighborhoods by supporting farmers’ markets, food hubs, community gardens, community kitchens, and other kinds of local food enterprises, and by providing people with affordable choices for accessing those amenities, such as walking, biking, or taking transit.

GrowDat-logoLocal Foods, Local Places will provide direct technical support to selected communities to help them develop and implement action plans promoting local food and downtown revitalization. Special consideration will be given to communities that are in the early stages of developing or restoring local food enterprises and creating economically vibrant communities. Selected communities in Appalachia and the Delta region will be eligible to receive financial assistance to help them implement those plans.

hollygroveLocal Foods, Local Places builds on the ARC-EPA-USDA Livable Communities in Appalachia partnership, which works to promote economic development, preserve rural lands, and increase access to locally grown food in Appalachian towns and rural communities.

Eligibility

smart-growthCommunities anywhere in the United States are eligible to apply. Particular consideration will be given to communities in the following places:
· Areas served by the Appalachian Regional Commission in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

  • Areas served by the Delta Regional Authority in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
  • Federally designated Promise Zones in the Choctaw Nation region of Southeast Oklahoma; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Antonio, Texas; and Southeastern Kentucky.
  • USDA-designated StrikeForce counties in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

How to Apply

26447en_USI_QuestionMarkCommunities are invited to submit a letter of interest of no more than two pages that describes the community’s needs and goals related to local food and the revitalization of downtowns and traditional neighborhoods. The letter should indicate a primary point of contact and other members of the community or organizations that would participate in the technical assistance process. Communities are strongly encouraged to seek the support of their local development district or regional development organization, or, alternatively, a local community college or university, and to indicate this partner organization in their letter of interest. Letters of interest may be submitted by any community representative, including representatives of local government and nongovernmental organizations.

Applicants will be evaluated on their commitment to USDA’s Seven Strategies for Economic Development and the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ Livability Principles, as well as their potential for success in:

veggi-smallSlowFoodsNOLA-logo

  • Producing and distributing healthy local food;
    · Creating economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses;
    · Expanding access to healthy foods among disadvantaged members of the community;
    · Revitalizing existing downtowns, main streets, and neighborhoods; and
    · Partnering with local agricultural producers, business, government, transportation, education, and other relevant organizations.

Submit letters of interest by email to Ed Fendley at [email protected] by July 15, 2014. Please include “Local Foods, Local Places” and the name of the community in the subject line of the email.

***

Washington, D.C., June 9, 2014 — Today, on behalf of the White House Rural Council, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Local Food, Local Places, a federal initiative that will provide direct technical support to rural communities to help them build strong local food systems as part of their community’s economic action plans. Under this effort, a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, and regional economic experts will work directly with local communities to develop comprehensive strategies that use local food systems to meet a variety of needs.

The announcement, made during the White House Rural Council’s first live-streamed meeting, included Vilsack, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chairman Earl Gohl; and Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill.

harambee“Buying locally is one of the best things a community can do to grow its economy. Partnerships like Local Food, Local Places help rural leaders develop strategies for promoting farm products grown by people right in their own communities,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The demand for local food is growing rapidly nationwide, creating more opportunities for American farmers and ranchers and growing the entire country’s rural economy.”

“The Department of Transportation recognizes that freight is a concern for rural regions, which is why though our Partnership for Sustainable Communities and TIGER grant program we support freight movement in farm communities,” said Secretary Foxx. “DOT is proud to take part in the Local Food, Local Places initiative and to support community food enterprises and make it easier for people to access those amenities with affordable, multimodal transportation options.”

“EPA is excited to work with USDA, the Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority on the new Local Foods Local Places program, which will help communities-especially rural ones-focus development on main streets to boost local economies, preserve rural lands, and give residents better access to healthy food,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe.

“Across Appalachia, communities are discovering the valuable role that vibrant local food systems can play in diversifying their economies,” stated ARC Federal Co-Chairman Earl F. Gohl.” Investments in local food systems can pay big dividends in creating a stronger economy and a healthier population, and the Local Food, Local Places initiative will help rural Appalachian communities devise the strategies that energize local economic development and create the jobs that go with it.”

“As a region with a rich economic and cultural history centered on agriculture, we recognize nutrition, local food systems, and value chains as a critical driver towards our goals of creating a healthier workforce, strengthening our local economies, and building sustainable communities. We are proud to be a partner in this effort to grow capacity for food systems in the Delta region and across the country,” Chairman Masingill said.

During the White House Rural Council event, Secretary Vilsack also announced updated results from the USDA Farm to School Census, illustrating the indicating continued economic impact of local food procurement around the country. According to the updated Farm to School Census, U.S. school districts around the country purchased more than $386 million from local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food processors and manufacturers during the 2011-2012 school year. More than half of participating school districts report that they will buy even more local foods in future school years, and an additional 13% have plans to implement local food purchasing in the future. Results from the Farm to School Census are available at the national, state, and school district level data and in a visually rich and easy to navigate format. In keeping with the Administration’s emphasis on transparency and access to data, all farm to school data is available on www.data.gov and on the Farm to School Census website.

These efforts are part of USDA’s commitment to support local and regional food systems. USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative coordinates the Department’s policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass maps nearly 3,000 local and regional food projects supported by USDA and eleven other federal agencies. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the four pillars of USDA’s commitment to rural economic development, along with production agriculture (including expanding export markets and improving research), promoting conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities, and growing the biobased economy.

About the White House Rural Council

To address challenges in Rural America, build on the Administration’s rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council. The Council coordinates the Administration’s efforts in rural America by streamlining and improving the effectiveness of federal programs serving rural America; engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens, on issues and solutions in rural communities; and promoting and coordinating private-sector partnerships. The work of the White House Rural Council and USDA to bring investment to rural America is an example of how the Administration is creating smart partnerships with the private sector to better support Americans in all parts of the country.
food-farm-grant

#

 

Filed Under: Featured, HISTORY Tagged With: families, faubourg st john, federal, feed, food, government, local food, local places, louisiana, New Orleans, support

FEED THE 1st

February 21, 2014 by Charlie London

Feed-the-1st-banner
Here is an update on FSJNA’s Fifth Feed the First program where 78 officers of the first district police department were fed during Mardi Gras weekend thru Tuesday. During this time breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, croissants, fruit and protein bars were served.

In addition, delicious breakfast burritos were donated by The Ruby Slipper.

Bag lunches with sandwiches, chips, cookies, mints and gum were delivered to the officers on the route.

There were so many wonderful people involved in Feed the First this year. Soprano’s thoughtfully donated a beautiful large box of fresh fruit to the 1st District for Mardi Gras Day including bananas, apples, oranges and pears. This was a big hit and the officers were very appreciative.

linda-pies-Feed1st-2014mar2On Monday Charlotte Pipes, Linda Landesberg and Susan Roth peeled several pounds of apples so that Linda could bake six scrumptious homemade apple pies. Talk about loving from the oven! Needless to say everyone loved the pies. On Monday night, hot dogs and chili were dished out at the station.

On Tuesday, Jim Danner provided his special red beans and rice for lunch with the help of his faithful crew.

Special thanks to Diane Angelico, Linda Landesberg, Bonnie Lee, Charlie London, Mona McMahon and Charlotte Pipes who got up as early as 3:30 in the morning to prepare and serve breakfast and once finished report back to make lunches with delicious Terranova Brothers sandwich meat. I’d especially like to point out the good cheer that these volunteers shared with the officers, making a very long day a bit brighter.

Thank you to cash donors, Suzanne Accorsi, Frank Israel, Meg and Rocky Seydel and Priscilla Zeller.

Rodney Beals once again came through and provided all the sandwich rounds and hot dog buns which was a big saving for us. Terranova Brothers donated goods as well.

deutsches1-Feed1st-2014mar1We wouldn’t be able to offer such a wonderful breakfast without Deutsches Haus’ Joe and Doranel Stephany who have shown what great neighbors they are even before moving into our area. Deutsches Haus provided their professional kitchen and Joe and Doranel arrived early to get the breakfasts started. Thank you Joe and Doranel, you’re delightful!

It was truly a rewarding experience to be able to work side by side with fantastic Faubourg St John neighbors. Thanks to everyone who participated.

If you have any ideas on how we can step up our game for 2015 we’d love to hear your suggestions. A couple of ideas that we’re tossing about is to offer grilled hamburgers one day and maybe sloppy roast beef sandwiches another.

Regards,
Brenda London

***


Great things happen when you FEED THE FIRST!

***

photos for this post courtesy Mona McMahon, Charlotte Pipes, Linda Landesberg and Brenda London. These ladies along with Diane Angelico who not only helped but donated to the cause, all helped to make the 5th annual FEED THE FIRST program a success.
FeedFirst2-2014mar4Mardi Gras began at 4 a.m. for Mona McMahon, Joe Stephany, Brenda London and Charlotte Pipes who were all part of feeding the New Orleans Police Department’s First District officers.
FeedFirst3-2014mar4The First District officers were all very grateful to have a hot meal ready for them before the went to their assigned posts along the Mardi Gras routes.

Many thanks to all the great people who helped
FEED THE FIRST!



linda-pies-Feed1st-2014mar2

Linda Landesberg made apple pies for the
1st District officers


deutsches-haus-feee
THANK-YOU
by Brenda London
feed-the-1st-web

Happy Mardi Gras!

The Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association
will again “Feed the 1st District” during Mardi Gras weekend.
During that four day period hot breakfasts are served along with bag lunches for the officers. Last year dinner was also served to the officers before they went out on their route on Lundi Gras and red beans and rice lunches were provided on Mardi Gras Day. This was all accomplished because of wonderful neighbors of Faubourg St. John who volunteered their time. Our First District Police Officers work 12 hour shifts during this time and are very appreciative of the fresh food that we provide.

We’re very fortunate that the Deutsches Haus is helping us again this year with use of their kitchen and food preparation, but we need you! Volunteers are needed to help prepare and deliver food on Saturday and Sunday of Mardi Gras weekend!

If you’re available to help or have any questions please write back to [email protected] If you can’t donate your time please consider supporting this worthy cause, donations are always welcome in any amount.

Thanks for your consideration. This program has been personally rewarding and if you participate I promise you’ll be glad you did!
ruby-slipper1

Many thanks to the Ruby Slipper Cafe for helping to FEED THE FIRST.

terranovas

Terranova’s consistently donates to events and programs in Faubourg St. John.

The table is all ready to FEED THE FIRST!
The table is all ready to FEED THE FIRST!

Lots of supplies are needed to Feed the 1st.  Can you help?
Lots of supplies are needed to Feed the 1st. Can you help?

brenda-feed1st-2014mar2

Brenda London made sandwiches for the 1st District officers out on the Mardi Gras routes.

Feed-the-1st-banner

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: 1st District, bayou st john, bunny bread, Deutsches Haus, faubourg st john, feed, feed the 1st, New Orleans, pal's lounge, police

FEED the FIRST

February 21, 2012 by Charlie London

photos below by Charlie London



Deutsches Haus Helps Feed the First!

photos below by Joe Stephany

The officers of NOPD’s 1st District are very grateful for the support from neighborhood organizations and the Deutsches Haus.

Charlotte Pipes and Brenda London load up lunches for the 2nd Annual Feed the First!

Linda Landesberg, Susan Roth, Bonnie Lee, Mona McMahon, Pat O’Brien, Diane Angelico, Jim Danner, Phyllis Danner, Helen Miller, Ellen Jane Miller, Walter Radam, Elizabeth Miller, Charlie London and Deutsches Haus also made the 2nd Annual Feed the First program work!



Happy Mardi Gras!

Faubourg St. John will again “Feed the 1st District” during Mardi Gras weekend.

Our First District Officers work 12 hour shifts during this time and are very appreciative of the fresh breakfast and lunches we provide.

We’re very fortunate that The Deutsches Haus is helping us this year with use of their kitchen and food preparation, but we need you! We could still use some volunteers to help prepare and deliver food on Saturday and Sunday!

If you’re available to help please write to [email protected] We’re especially in need of help Saturday morning between 7:30 to 11 am. Can’t donate your time? Please support this worthy cause, donations are always welcome in any amount.

Thanks for your consideration. This program has been personally rewarding and if you participate I promise you’ll be glad you did!

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: 1st, Bonnie Lee, Brenda London, Charlie London, Charlotte Pipes, Deutsches Haus, Diane Angelico, District, feed, feed the 1st, feed the first, first, gras, Jim Danner, Linda Landesberg, mardi, mardi gras, Mona McMahon, nopd, Pat O'Brien, Susan Roth, the

Copyright © 2023 · BG Minimalist on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in