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1. Assess the status of F2S across the state, including policies, practices, and curricula.
2. Review existing capacities and barriers to the purchase and use of local products.
3. Review the status of networking channels that connect F2S efforts throughout Maine.
4. Review best practices and evaluate other F2S programs outside Maine.
5. Prepare recommendations for strengthening F2S initiatives and programs across Maine.

Dates & Times of Local Markets:

Ozone and particle pollution are two pollutants that impact the lungs and heart. When levels of these pollutants rise, which is common during the hot, humid days of summer, individuals who suffer from heart or lung disease, such as asthma, are at greater risk for health complications.

 

Even if you do not suffer from heart or lung disease, you may live or work with someone who does and is affected by air quality. School nurses, coaches, early childcare providers, teachers, and others may serve individuals directly affected by air quality issues.

 

Maine Department of Environmental Protection offers a useful tool to help citizens track and plan for days when the air may be less healthy to breathe. Individuals can subscribe to EnviroFlash to receive automated air quality alerts by region. These alerts can be delivered by e-mail or text message. Citizens can also view the Maine Air Quality Forecast at www.mainedep.com or call toll free 1-800-23-1196.

 

Consider subscribing to this free helpful tool and plan recess, sports practices, and other outdoor activities when the air is safest to breathe. 

 

Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back by Michele Simon (Nation Books, New York, NY 2006)

 

Michele Simon takes a close look at the increasingly powerful food industry and how its practices influence virtually everything we eat. Ms. Simon, a public health lawyer and nutrition advocate specializing in policy analysis compares many of the corporate food industry's practices to Big Tobacco and implicates them in the the rise in obesity rates. Simon exposes the food industry's powerful lobbying efforts and use of front groups to influence federal and state food policy. She defines Nutriwashing as industry's attempt at fortifying junk food to make it appear more nutritious. Years of self-regulation and use of the halo effect (the generalization of a positive feeling about a brand based on one good trait) have situated these corporate giants in a very influential position. The author explains how poorly-funded public health interventions and disease prevention efforts are undermined by relentless push-back from the powerful food industry which in comparison, seems to have bottomless coffers to fund the battle. Simon offers resources and practical advice for individuals who wish to become more savvy consumers. Maine's own Sean Faircloth is quoted more than once in the book, which I found to be eyeopening, practical, and resource rich.