2024 State Climate Bond
The Climate Bond on the November Ballot state-wide in California would include funding commitments to advance sustainable food and agriculture systems for years to come. These programs were carefully developed over more than 2 years before they were ready for the voters. Assemblywoman Lori Wilson did the keynote address at Interfaith Food’s 2023 Food, Faith and Farms conference where she talked about her work leading the fight for state bond dollars for food and agriculture. Learn more in the editorial endorsing State Climate Bond co-authored by Interfaith Food Exec. Director Steve Schwartz and published in the Marin Independent Journal.
Marin Voice: “Keep ag sustainable by making smart investment in North Bay’s climate future” by Andy Naja-Riese and Steve Schwartz
This story ran as an op-ed in the Marin Voice on October 25, 2024. It is also available digitally on the Marin Independent Journal’s website, refer here.
California Proposition 4 authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks. This $10 billion climate resilience bond could put in motion a wide range of investments that would make rural and agricultural communities safer and more resilient to wildfires, floods, droughts, and extreme heat. To join California Council of Churches IMPACT, California Interfaith Power & Light, and Interfaith Food in endorsing Proposition 4,click <https://yesonprop4ca.com/endorse/>.
No on Measure J
Measure J is a Sonoma County prohibition on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). If passed, Measure J would phase out existing and prohibit future CAFOs in all zoning districts in the unincorporated areas of the County outside of the coastal zone. It defines CAFOs in accordance with federal regulations, categorizing CAFOs dependent on the number and type of confined animals as well as other factors such as waste disposal systems.
Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative endorses ‘No on Measure J’ and encourages Sonoma County voters to do the same. If passed, Measure J would reduce the number of dairy and poultry livestock operations in the County and significantly impact local farms/businesses. Interfaith Food finds Measure J to be poorly written. Larger family farms would be banned, and economic fallout is likely to be significant for smaller farms and ranches, agriculture feed and equipment companies, and local food. To get involved and endorse ‘No on Measure J’, refer to the following link <https://www.noonmeasurej.com/getinvolved>
For more information and discussion on Measure J and additional ballot items, Interfaith Food invites you to the Voters’ Issue Forum – Ballot Measures from a Faith Perspective: Environmental Impacts of Sonoma County Measure J and California Proposition 4 at the Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa, CA.
Episcopal Deacon Phina Borgeson, an Interfaith Food Advisory Board member presenting at the forum, shares, “Our vision is for a respectful conversation where people can listen to one another and learn about a range of concerns related to these measures.” Interfaith Food Executive Director Steve Schwartz will also contribute.
Voters’ Issue Forum: Ballot Measures from a Faith Perspective: Environmental Impacts of Sonoma County Measure J and California Proposition 4 is on Sunday, October 6 @ 3:30 p.m. at Church of the Incarnation, Short Hall – 550 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, 95401
The Church of the Incarnation Green Team, with the help and support of the Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative, invites you to explore these two ballot items.
- How would Measure J (Prohibition on Concentrated Animal Feed Operations) affect animal agriculture in Sonoma County?
- What are some ways that CA Proposition 4 – Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act) may impact the climate crisis?
- How would these measures affect the well being and sustainability of our local communities?
Local seasonal refreshments will be provided. Questions? Email [email protected]
Petaluma Congregations Wanted for Help with Urban Growth Boundary Campaign
Petaluma’s current Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) was approved in 2010 and expires in 2025. An Urban Growth Boundary is a boundary around a city or town set by the votes to define the limits of urban development. The UGB separates urban areas from the surrounding agricultural lands by putting a. It puts a limit on how far out the city can expand. It is an environmental measure intended to preserve open space, agricultural uses, and wildlife habitat. It is also needed to encourage climate-friendly, city-centered growth to enhance climate resilience by limiting sprawl and making it easier to walk and bike to school, jobs, and shops. Learn more: https://www.renewpetalumaugb.org/
Your Congregation Can Help Promote Yes on Y in these ways:
- Put Lawn Signs on high-visibility streets! There are a very limited number of signs. This measure has no opposition, but it is imperative that voters equate voting Yes on Y with renewing the UGB. For lawn signs or fact sheet postcards, contact campaign organizers with a location and they will deliver. Contact Ann Hamilton [email protected] or (510)381-3730.
- Endorse Yes on Y and tell your friends!
- Yes on Y – Renew UGB website: www.renewpetalumaugb.org
- Endorse Yes on Y: https://www.renewpetalumaugb.org/endorsements
Interfaith Food Endorses the Farmland for Farmers Act of 2023
Interfaith Food is supporting a national bill to address the increasing trend of large corporate entities purchasing US farm land from family farmers. The Farmland for Farmers Act, recently introduced by Senators Booker and Sanders, would restrict future farmland ownership and leasing by corporate investors. These measures would help combat the land affordability crisis that young, small, and minority farmers face.
NSAC’S California Caucus Announces Platform for 2023 Farm Bill
NSAC’S California Caucus is a group of 13 sustainable agriculture and farmer support organizations, including Interfaith Food, that are working together to ensure the needs of California’s farmers will be met in the 2023 Farm Bill. Building on our ongoing work with farmers across the State, our organizations have conducted surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups to understand what issues are most relevant and where federal investment can be most impactful. Large-scale investments in the next generation of farmers, especially BIPOC farmers, climate-smart farming practices, and organic or regenerative practices that build resilience are some of the key issues Interfaith Food and its CA Caucus partners will be advocating for. You can review and share the platform below.
NSAC 2023 Farm Bill Platform Endorsement
The 2023 Farm Bill will be the most important piece of legislation in agriculture for the next decade. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, our national partner, has released its 2023 Farm Bill Platform detailing its advocacy goal for the Farm Bill. The Platform focuses on:
- Advancing racial equity across the food system;
- Building a climate-resilient future;
- Investing in healthy rural and urban communities; and
- Leveling the playfield for small and mid-sized farms.
Each one of these goals contains three to four specific action items outlined in the comprehensive platform attached below. To endorse NSAC’S Platform and show Congress we all are committed to an equitable, sustainable, and locally-focused 2023 Farm Bill please follow this link.
Letter to request refunding for CNIP to Governor Newsom
On November 17, 2022, Interfaith Food and its partners signed a letter to request $35-million to refund the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) to Governor Newsom. The letter requested continued budget support for CNIP which funds programs like Interfaith Foods’ Senior Bonus Bucks Program, and the Market Match nutrition incentive program for Cal Fresh participants. The turbulence caused by pandemic recovery and unprecedented inflation continue to put pressure on food security for many Californians. This program is an essential lifeline for low-income Californians and small farmers. Interfaith Food supported the creation of CNIP several years ago, and now it is needed more than ever. Please find the letter below. Thank you to the faith-groups who heard the call and signed-on with short notice. Watch for additional opportunities to join our advocacy for this important initiative before the next state budget is signed in June, 2023.
Coalition letter for AIM’s new CFA
We are asking for you to sign-on to a coalition letter in support of a $5 million one-time state budget request from Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire (D-2) and Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-10) for the Agricultural Institute of Marin’s new Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA), the future home of the Marin Farmers Market and educational center.
Call on Sacramento Leaders to Extend COVID-19 Sick Leave! Without the protection of COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, most California workers are left with only 3 paid sick days per year, not nearly enough to follow public health advice to isolate and quarantine.
Part of Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative COVID response is to advocate for increased funding to get local, healthful food to seniors. A summary of our California pilot proposal can be found below.
As a part of our mission, Interfaith Food commits to advancing a sustainable food system by advancing public policy through advocacy. Look for timely opportunities to influence public decision making here.
Act now for Farmworkers! Deadline 9/27/2021
SB 606 – Protecting Farmworkers and Food Chain Workers
Join Interfaith Food in calling on Governor Newsom to sign SB 606 protecting farmworkers and food chain workers from unsafe work conditions related to employer COVID policies and other practices. Sample letter to show your congregation’s support to this bill below. For a Microsoft Word version of this, contact our office.