California County Bans Biotech Crops
Mendocino becomes first county to bar "frankenfoods"

Mendocino County, California, became the first county in the nation to put a ban on genetically engineered crops and animals. Voters said yes to Measure H by a margin of 56 percent to 44 percent, reported The Press Democrat.

The move by Mendocino County is sure to be followed by other regions across the country, which is likely the reason the largest agricultural interests in the U.S. -- acting as the consortium CropLife America -- spent more than a half-million dollars in a two-month campaign to defeat the measure, which was backed by local organic farmers.

Get the full story at The Press Democrat

Haiti Facing Humanitarian Crisis
Lack of clean water, sanitation could lead to disease

Oxfam has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis developing in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. The recent overthrow of Haiti President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has left the nation in an even more vulnerable position, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to get to the people.

At least 80,000 people in Port de Paix and 60,000 people in Cap Haitian have no access to clean water, according to Oxfam, while many others are short of food. There is the additional threat of diseases being spread through poor sanitation. Fuel shortages have reportedly inhibited waste management, leading to a build up of rubbish. Fuel shortages have also led to direct increases in water prices and are impeding the delivery of food and water, said Oxfam.

Key quote:

"Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with a history of violent conflict, chronic socio-economic problems and the majority of the population living below the poverty line. The humanitarian situation was grave before this conflict and is only going to get worse," said Joost Martens, Oxfam Regional Humanitarian Lead.

Get the full story at Reuters

FRAC Conference Pushed Child Poverty Issues
WHY's Kelly Morrison Reports

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) in partnership with America's Second Harvest held their annual conference in Washington, D.C., February 22-24. The conference pulled in almost 500 participants from every corner of the country, representing large food banks and pantries, food policy and nutrition experts, social service providers and community based organizations.

The conference covered a variety of topics, but placed heavy emphasis on FRAC and America's Second Harvest's Legislative Agenda for 2004. One of the main components of this agenda is the Child Nutrition Reauthorization for 2004. The overall goal of the attendees was to support the development of legislation that expands children's access to key nutrition programs and the improved health, learning and safe environments they foster. Specifically this legislation includes school meals, nutrition education, summer feeding programs, WIC and evening meals programs.

It's important to remember that hunger is a symptom of a much bigger problem, poverty. While advocating for legislation that provides needed social safety nets is extremely important, we have to address the underlying causes of poverty in this country and organize our local communities around these issues as well. Until we address the lack of access to quality and affordable healthcare, a living wage, the dire need for affordable housing and quality public schools, families and individuals will continue to suffer.