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The farm, the garden, and many aspects of our society are in a time of change. As the jewel-colored tree leaves dance into their glory and begin to fall to the ground, we are reminded of the dramatic transformations that we, as living beings inevitably go through. Nothing ever stays the same. We are all growing, old ways are falling away, we hibernate, reflect, and grow, and new ways will spring up, continuing the cycle of life.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Safe School Meals Act (SSMA), legislation to protect children from harmful toxics in school meals. The bill would place limits on heavy metals, ban certain pesticide residues, trigger the safety reassessment of food additives including artificial food dyes that have been linked with health harms, and ban the use of PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenols in school meal food packaging. The bill would increase the funding available for schools to purchase safe school meals.

Moms Across America is dismayed for our farming community and American citizens. Four months after Brazil approved GMO wheat, the USDA has quietly approved GMO wheat for growing in America. No doubt due to heavy lobbying by Big Ag, GMO wheat may be on the market within a few years, without labeling, in our food supply.

Moms Across America is thrilled that for the first time in voter history, thanks to environmental lawyer and MAA advisor, Robert F Kennedy Jr., that childhood chronic illness is now a primary Presidential platform issue.

Never before have we seen any presidential candidates from any party speak so vehemently about the issues that we have been discussing for nearly 13 years. Our children's health is in a state of crisis in America. Without health, we have nothing else - we cannot do our jobs, go to school or church, procreate, or have healthy relationships and communities. We cannot have a vital military and be a world power. Without mental, physical, and reproductive health many other issues such as abortion, gun control and the economy are almost moot points. If we do not have sound, healthy policy regarding safe, non toxic and nutrient dense food and safe medicines, we cannot expect our citizens to be able to procreate, protect their families be able to have babies), or earn money independently.

I often feel exhausted by the continual news of new ways that Big Ag industrial farming practices are contaminating our food system and families. Hummus, tampons, chocolate, and even sperm were recently found to be contaminated with agrochemicals and heavy metals. These poisons are in almost everything!

Recently a new study showed a disturbingly high percentage of chocolates were positive for heavy metals.

The research, led by scientists at George Washington University and published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed Frontiers in Nutrition, examined over 70 dark chocolate products from retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Amazon and GNC. The products were tested to see whether the heavy metals lead, cadmium or arsenic were in them. Unfortunately, the study found that organic cocoa products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead.

Moms Across America is grateful to the team at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for testing glyphosate in hummus and chickpea products. Hummus and pita bread are staples at college dorm room gatherings, backyard barbecues, office parties, and vegan and vegetarian lunches across the country. Millions believe that eating hummus and chickpea products like falafel wraps and chickpea pasta is a healthy way to nourish the body.

HIGH ALERT!

The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 has a preemption that would eliminate all previous state laws regarding any contaminant in any food AND stop us (and other organizations or states) from testing, disclosing results, and you, the public, knowing what contaminants are in our food.

Preemption of State and local requirements regarding food ingredients and contaminants in food, including infant and toddler food.

No State or political subdivision of a State may establish or continue in effect with respect to contaminants in food, including infant and toddler food, food pouches made with fruit or vegetable puree or juice, and juice, any requirement that is different from, or in addition to, or not identical with any requirement under this section, and relates to contaminant sampling and testing, contaminant limits, disclosure of contaminant test results, contaminant labeling, contaminant warnings, or any other matter related to contaminants in food.

Please insist that baby formula be added to the Baby Food Safety Act. It is the ONLY food thousands of babies consume for the first six months of life.

Please also ask our elected officials to remove the pre-emption that nullifies previous food policies and the ability for consumers to learn about any contaminants in all food.

If this is not done now, millions of babies will continue to be damaged by the levels of toxic metals currently found in baby formula.

What do Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and the 4th of July all have in common? For millions of American moms, it’s one thing—dread. Our kids can’t eat the food offered during these holidays, and therefore, the holiday is pretty much ruined. We are inundated with treats that we have to deflect, deny, or dump in the trash to avoid meltdowns and arguments during an already stressful time of the year. Now, we know we can make organic versions of everything, but can we take a moment to wonder why we should have to?