President Proclaims National Farm-City Week
Social media and obesity symposium are new elements to this year's celebration.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 21, 2011
President Obama officially has proclaimed Nov. 18 through Nov. 24, 2011, as National Farm-City Week. In his official proclamation the President called upon all Americans to reflect on the vital contributions of those who dedicate their lives to promoting the nation's agricultural abundance and environmental stewardship.
"This week, we honor the individuals, families, and communities who provide us the staple foods that sustain our Nation," Obama said. "As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us pay tribute to the men and women whose hard work brought the bounty we find before us from farm to fork."
According to President Obama, season after season, their careful stewardship and dedication brings an abundance of wholesome food, plentiful fiber, a stronger economy, and new opportunities to secure our clean energy future.
A new feature has been introduced this year by the National Farm-City Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents. The council has launched a Facebook page supporting the mission of the organization. Local and regional Farm-City organizations are urged to link to the Facebook page with information, pictures and videos on their activities and programs. Others are encouraged to visit the site to discover what the various Farm-City units are doing to tell the story of agriculture to urban residents.
Hugh Whaley, chairman of the National Farm-City Council, says as social media is playing an increasingly important role in fostering better communication between rural and urban citizens, it's fundamental to use these mediums to communicate to core audiences. To go to the site, visit www.facebook.com and search for "National Farm-City Council." Click "Like" at the top of the page.
Last week to kick-off National Farm-City week a symposium focusing on Childhood Obesity - The School Lunchroom Debate was held in Lexington, Ky. Whaley says the epidemic of childhood obesity, which usually continues on into adulthood, is an increasingly difficult situation to reverse throughout the United States. The symposium discussed the issues of childhood obesity and how changes can be made to target this epidemic, including providing healthy choices in the school lunchroom.
Visit the National Farm-City website, www.farmcity.org for more information.
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