Lets Grow Act of 2013 Marcia Fudge; Democratic representative for Ohio’s 11th Congressional District

Bill was introduced on May 9th, 2013 in the House of Representatives Main goal was to provide assistance and opportunity for the creation and support of sustainable agriculture activities America’s cities and to improve access to healthy food for underserved communities.

Bills programs fall under 5 categories: Bills programs fall under 5 categories: * Improving access to fresh and nutritious food * Creation of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative * Development of Sustainable Urban Agriculture * Eradicating Hunger * Go Green

Why do we need this kind of legislation Why do we need this kind of legislation? Many low income communities do not have access to healthy, affordable food. Leads to more diet related illnesses like diabetes and obesity Low income zip codes have high percentage of convenience stores; lack healthy options but no shortage of sugar, fat or tobacco. 2 big issues in US: Obesity and access to healthy food options

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Healthy Food Financing Initiative was big part of Lets Grow Act, but this was not its first time on the scene. President Obama’s 2011 Budget called for more that 400$ million to establish a national Healthy Food Financing Initiative, and was key component in First Lady’s Lets Move campaign As of May 2014, the House and Senate failed to fund the HFFI, and chose not to authorize the 125 million in funds that were part of the 2014 farm bill, which would have established this as a federal program in the United States Department of Agriculture. Healthy Food Financing Initiative

Urban Agriculture Community, school, backyard and rooftop gardens that provide food for more than just personal home consumption Research has shown that people who participate, or have family members that participate in community gardens we more likely to consume fruits and veggies and less junk food as a result of their involvement. Although these gardens are not likely to provide food for whole communities, it is a step in the right direction and can are definitely valuable

Farm Bills; past and present have included a lot of the same ideas as Lets Grow. SNAP eligibility for low income families Increase of funds for fruit and veggie purchases at school Farmers Market EBT Program Farm Bill & Lets Grow

Similar programs to Lets Grow exist on smaller, local scale. Healthy Corner Store Initiative Studies in various cities show placing healthy options can lead to higher consumption of fruits and veggies Similar programs to Lets Grow exist on smaller, local scale. Shows it can be done, just needs the right people working together, and the funds to do it! Urban agriculture is alive and well in many cities; notably Berkeley CA, and New York State

Barriers: Financing Much easier to address issues on a local level, but need funding to expand reach. Federal involvement would make that possible Education Free nutrition classes, or gardening workshops to show community the benefits and importance of these issues. Education is big part of implementation!

Lets Grow Act 2013; 0% chance of being enacted Contained a lot of great program ideas! Obesity, heart disease, and cost of healthcare keeps rising, so we need to do something. Lots of examples of these programs on smaller, local scales, so that’s a great start. Large scale change takes time; marathon, not a sprint Lets Grow Act 2013; 0% chance of being enacted