On April 11, Congressman Sam Farr visited San Benito County. The Congressman spoke about his passion for access to healthy foods. Congressman Farr, sits on the Appropriations Committee and Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development and Food and Drug Administration. In his position, he advocates for agriculture and access to healthy foods. He works hard to ensure that supplemental food assistance programs, like WIC, are funded. At San Benito Health Foundation, we offer medical, dental and Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) services.
The Congressman spoke about being proud of his district that produces the greatest variety of produce from one area, over 100 different crops. The Congressman understands the integral role the San Benito County has in providing nutritious foods for the country. He also stated that we have a beautiful region to be physically active. Physical activity and nutrition go hand in hand to prevent obesity and chronic disease.
San Benito Health Foundation (SBHF) promotes the nutrition recommendations aligned with the government’s MyPlate (www.choosemyplate.gov). We encourage people to make half their plate a variety of fruits and vegetables. We educate our patients that each color of fruit or vegetable provides our bodies with a different health benefit. We also offer a healthy cookbook to give families the knowledge to prepare the foods.
SBHF believes the concept of “Farm to Table” idea. Farm to Table will reduce chronic disease and obesity. The “farm to table” concept means that SBHF promotes eating local foods. We want to eat within our region because the food has more nutrients due to being fresh and there is less cost and pollution due to less transportation. Taking care of our beautiful region is important to the Congressman and he stated solar panels are the most affordable they have ever been. The Congressman has also been working hard to have the Pinnacles recognized as a National Park.
It especially promotes understanding the links between farming, food, health and local economies. In addition, SBHF’s want is to educate children and their families about the importance of consuming locally produced food and supporting local agriculture.
SBHF is in the planning stages of building a family garden on-site and dream of an onsite kitchen to demonstrate to families how to cook the variety of produce that is grown in our area. Not only does this help in building a stronger community, but also continues to emphasize SBHF’s goal in fighting obesity through healthy eating and nutrition education.
As childhood obesity is on the rise and the economy worsens, families are increasingly in more need of preventive care services. At SBHF, with Congressman Sam Farr’s strong support we will continue to educate our patients about eating a delicious healthy diet! We appreciate the Congressman’s support in promoting healthy foods and agriculture.
Margaret Ornelas, San Benito Health Foundation
