​If you pay any attention at all to eating advice, you know that getting more fruits and vegetables is a sure way to work on a path to better health. In fact, the USDA recently revised its ideal “plate,” giving more space to produce and less to grains and protein. 

But eating the same-old stuff every day can quickly get boring—so there’s another way to get creative with your greens. Backyard plants may not be the stuff that you want to dig out and toss, but dig out and eat. Loads of plants that are probably growing outside, nestled in your other “desirable” plants and amidst the grass, may be edible. 

Learning their characteristics and how to use them, as well as how to distinguish them from other poisonous plants, isn’t hard, and this graphic can help.

Learn more here!

Research has consistently demonstrated that young children truly thrive in a hands-on learning environment where they are provided with the opportunity to touch, smell, and taste. In turn, these interested students are more motivated and successful.  During this critical time of growth, forming a positive experience with fresh and healthy foods is critical primarily because these foods are the foundational building blocks for good nutrition and overall healthy development. ​

​Written By: Kristina Todini,  Fork in the Road

Gardening is a fast-growing trend in the United States as people are leaning towards a more sustainable lifestyle. There are many reasons gardening is a personal health benefit as well as an environmental benefit. Some people turn to gardening as simply a means of nourishment, while others depend on their gardens to help them unwind from their fast-paced lives. 

The California Food Policy Council Grows, Linking Nearly 500 Organizations

 Vallejo, CA – A report released this week by the California Food Policy Council (CAFPC) and Roots of Change reveals the 2015 food and farm policy votes of California’s 120 elected state legislators. The 2015 CAFPC Report on Legislation Related to Food and Farming (also found under the resources tab) illustrates how despite some progress on food and agriculture issues, the Legislature and Governor continue to miss most opportunities to pass bills that will actually have the greatest impact on the people most harmed by the challenges connected to California’s food and farming system. Wages remain low for food and farm workers, healthy fresh produce is more expensive, sugary beverages are overly consumed and the impacts of climate change are least addressed for those most at risk from heat, water shortages and poor water quality.

Community event calls attention to healthy food and celebrates national movement toward a greener diet.

Author: Franny Wong
 
Vallejo, CA – On Saturday 10/24, over one thousand people attended Loma Vista Farm’s Annual Harvest Festival, which also doubled as the debut for Food Day in Solano County. Food Day is nationwide celebration that inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies. Besides the usual events of the Harvest Festival, special events were focused on making healthy food fun and to encourage Americans toward a greener diet.
 
The biggest hit was the blender bike with over 300 participants and Congressman Mike Thompson having fun making delicious smoothies with a bike powered blender. Other activities include the Big Apple Crunch with participants biting into an apple at the same time and voting for their favorite apple - Team Red or Team Green. Local growers and the Food Bank provided fresh ingredients for Food Day festivities, including apples for the Apple Crunch and mandarin oranges as prizes. ​Team Red won by just 2 votes! The Touro Nutrition Club added a special surprise to the event by bringing the Vallejo People’s Garden mobile garden van out and offered samples of fresh caprese fresh from the garden.  Overall the info/activities booths were visited by an estimated 500 community member families! 
 
Thank you again Loma Vista Farm for partnering with us on this year's successful Food Day!