 Farmers and farmers markets are essential to communities and food systems. They create jobs, boost the economy, and make nutritious fruits and vegetables more accessible. During National Farmers Market Week, it is vital to recognize the work that farmers and farmers markets do for us each and every day.
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 Food-insecurity and hunger affect far too many Arizonans, including some of our population’s most vulnerable: senior citizens. 46 million people in the U.S. are over the age of 65. Of that 46 million, 2.8 million seniors live in food-insecure households, and an additional 1.2 million seniors who live alone are also food-insecure. Arizona is home to 1.1 million seniors. 15.4 percent of those seniors are food-insecure. Although there are programs and organizations working to aide these community members, a lack of knowledge and stigmas surrounding food assistance are inhibiting true progress.
 Hunger is an issue that almost 800 million people in the world face every day. In Arizona alone, there are over 1 million people who are food insecure. The United Nations started a program to globally combat these devastating food security and malnutrition problems.  In the new year, the United States legislature will introduce the 2018 Farm Bill. Here is some information on what the new bill will contain and how it will impact you if it’s passed. September is Hunger Action Month, an opportunity to spread the word, take action on the hunger crisis, and dedicate ourselves to a solution. Join the #HungerActionMonth conversation all month long, and watch our video below for more ways you can make a difference.  Today, August 17 is acknowledged as a National Nonprofit Day (NND)!
On August 17, 1894, the Tariff Act enforced the first federal income tax on corporations, which incorporated exemptions for nonprofit corporations and charitable institutions. Many things have changed since then, but nonprofit exemptions remain, and nonprofit organizations benefit our society in numerous ways. Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with these fun facts about Arizona agriculture and farmers markets! TigerMountain Foundation is “planting the seeds of change,” in South Phoenix, one community garden at a time. Founder Darren Chapman, who started the program in 2008, works with groups of potentially at-risk youth, veterans, homeless populations and people who have previously been incarcerated. Those involved with the program learn about gardening and landscaping, as well as essential work and life skills.
We’re celebrating National Nutrition Month in March, but this week also marks the 28th National School Breakfast Week. National School Breakfast Week was founded with the goal of providing information about the federal School Breakfast Program and promoting the link between eating a healthy breakfast and improved academic performance.
Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day and staves off the dreaded “afternoon slump,” but research also shows that breakfast is particularly vital for children’s success in school. |
