Nebraska Ag Connection - 'Local Foods for Local Tables' Draws 175 to Scott

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'Local Foods for Local Tables' Draws 175 to Scott
Nebraska Ag Connection - 08/26/2016

Sam Rikkers, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administrator for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, was the featured luncheon speaker today at the 'Local Foods for Local Tables' secnd annual conference at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha. The conference was hosted by Nebraska Congressman Brad Ashford with participation from USDA agencies. Nearly 175 people attended.

"USDA is pleased to lend its support to the local foods effort. This program is a great opportunity for people to access healthy, local foods and connect with producers in their community," Rikkers said. "The local foods movement is one strategy that USDA has used to help turn rural communities into more vibrant places where businesses can thrive."

"Locally grown foods, from a number of area providers, are the answer to providing well balanced diets to many in our community, especially those struggling to afford and prepare healthy meals," said Ashford. "As a member of the Nutrition Subcommittee on Agriculture I will continue to support innovative, grassroots programs and help remove red-tape that gets in the way. Healthy foods provide children the opportunity to learn more at school, receive a better education and grow into healthy adults who become active members of our community."

USDA Rural Development (RD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) all participated in the event discussing USDA resources available to help farmers in urban agriculture settings. Focus was placed on the Local/Urban Foods Initiatives in the Greater Omaha Area including technical, financial and educational support services available through USDA agencies and partners.

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