SECRETARY KAWAMURA AND STATE BOARD OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ENCOURAGE DONATIONS TO DROUGHT FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

California farmers are vital in supporting local communities

SACRAMENTO, April 19, 2010 — CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura and California State Board of Food and Agriculture President Al Montna are encouraging participation by farmers and agricultural associations in Fresno County’s emergency food assistance efforts related to the drought. More than 25,000 people in Fresno County require emergency food assistance each month.

“The ongoing food crisis in Fresno County cannot be ignored,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “We as a community need to continue our efforts to find solutions.”

Last month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a State of Emergency for Fresno County as a result of three consecutive years of drought and the continuing cumulative effects of severe drought conditions.  This proclamation allows emergency food assistance programs to be made available to the county.

“Over the last two years the state board has addressed the impacts of the drought on our local communities and farms,” said President Al Montna. “This crisis continues and we in the farm community are responding.”

For those entities interested in participating in this community process to assist the impacted regions within the Central Valley, please contact Lisa Quiroz at the Community Food Bank in Fresno, phone: (559) 237-3663, ext.112 or lquiroz@communityfoodbank.net.
 
To highlight this effort, the California State Board of Food and Agriculture is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in the City of San Joaquin to coincide with a bi-weekly drought disaster food distribution event by the Community Food Bank.  For additional information on the meeting, please contact: Josh Eddy, California State Board of Food and Agriculture, at (916) 654-0462.

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