Commissioner McMillan Declares Friday, October 24th Food Day in Alabama

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Fruits, General, Industry News Release, Pork, Poultry, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

From the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries:

Montgomery, AL – Tomorrow, Friday, October 24, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan will join state leaders and organizers across the state in an effort to support Food Day, a national celebration focusing on the importance of a healthy diet and improving food policy.

This year is the first year Food Day has been coordinated on a statewide level in Alabama, with the main priorities being to leverage PR opportunities, promote unity within the agriculture community, start a conversation and use this year as a springing board for Food Day 2015. Alabama is expected to take a lead role in Food Day promotion since Agriculture is our state’s second top industry that provides $70.4 billion to our state’s economy and 580,295 jobs.

There are many events planned throughout the state on Friday to celebrate Food Day in Alabama. Commissioner McMillan has executed a proclamation that officially declares Friday, October 24th as Food Day in Alabama and he will attend an event at 9:30 am Friday morning at Victory Teaching Farm in Mobile. Commissioner McMillan said, “I am looking forward to being a part of the Food Day celebration this year and hope all the events inspire Alabamians to improve their diets to include more fresh, local foods.” McMillan continued, “I anticipate this program growing in the years to come and as always am grateful to our farmers who work hard every day to provide healthy, nutritious foods.”

Supporting partners for this year’s event include: National Farm to School Network, The Edible School Project, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, WKRG, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Rigsby-McGhee Farm Foundation, City of Atmore, EAT South, Victory Teaching Farm, South Bay Community Alliance, Bay Area Food Bank, KJ’s Fish Camp, Hollow Bamboo, Hasting’s Farm, Growing Alabama, Circle R Cattle Company, Lagniappe, Atmore Advance, The Choctaw Sun, Good to Go, Baldwin County Cattlemen’s Association, Lou In the Morning, Beckerle Law Firm, Farmer’s Market Authority, Conecuh County News & Views, Mobile County Cattlemen’s Association, Twin Oaks Recycling, Baldwin County Cattlemen’s Association and Felix’s Fish Camp.

The most important ingredient in Food Day is you! Use October 24 to start—or celebrate—eating healthy and putting your family’s diet on track. Food Day is not just a day; it’s a year-long catalyst for healthier diets and a better food system. Let’s use this energy to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference!

For more information about Food Day in Alabama or celebration events visit http://www.alfoodday.com/ or contact, Amy Mcghee at amy@rigsby-mcgheefarmfoundation.org or 334-833-2241.