We would like to allow the public to have a closer connection to what they are eating. As a society, most of us do not think about where "meat" comes from and the effects it has on the animals, the environment, and human health.  Animals raised in factory farms are living in deplorable conditions. They stand in their own (and in other's) feces which makes them susceptible to many diseases, which is why they are given antibiotics. This makes antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria for humans to contend with. The cows are given Bovine growth Hormones, which are known human carcinogens, and are illegal for use in Europe but perfectly legal in the U.S. and Canada- with the exception of Canadian dairy cows. So Canadians can risk eating the contaminated meat but not drinking the contaminated milk? Hmmm. There are further environmental concerns regarding the water run-off from these farms. The excrement from the manure contains E Coli, which enters our water systems and can lead to tragedies such as the Walkerton, ON case.

Calling All Concerned Citizens to Help Legalize Street Food!

As a coalition of vendors, businesspeople, and street food enthusiasts, we demand safe, affordable, and legal access to street food in Atlanta, the surrounding metro area, and the state of Georgia.

Please help persuade local and state lawmakers to revise current restrictive vending ordinances that hinder the flourishing of street food culture and to implement a regulatory system  encouraging sidewalk and roadway entrepreneurship.

Support the establishment of a food cart zone in downtown Atlanta where the current draconian regulations will not apply.

Help jump start a thriving urban street food scene that brings casual, affordable, delicious food options to our streets and promote the city itself as a food culture destination. Spread the word about the integral role street vendors could play in rejuvenating the life and economy of Atlanta through the creation of viable business opportunities and jobs for Atlantans.

Sign this petition and be part of a movement for a positive change in our mobile food system!

The trend is definitely growing, but I think you can agree that it could be much bigger. Buying local supports your local community and cuts down on the "food miles" (the carbon emissions from transporting food)involved with many food products. The average American meal traveled about 3,000 miles to get on the plate! Then, there's a good chance it'll get thrown away, along with 96 other billion tonnes of food annually (for America alone). So, buying local is a winner. I feel no need to explain the organic or fair trade situations.
Here are some good sites to help you with your product evaluations and where to buy local and organic:
http://www.goodguide.com/
http://www.grist.org/
http://ecolocity.ning.com/
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Only 4% of Alaska%u2019s farmland is accessible and viable for farming, and less than 5% of food consumed in Alaska is locally grown.  As Alaskans we need to be better prepared for a disaster here or anywhere along the transportation corridor which would affect our food supply. According to the Alaska Division of Agriculture January 2010 newsletter, Alaska%u2019s food storage facilities hold less than two weeks worth of products to feed Alaskans.  Food Security must be a top priority in the state. 

Farmland protection of farmland in production is the first step in securing our food system.   With increased pressured from development, there is an immediate need to preserve farmland and educate local populations on the agricultural opportunities available.