2009

Dear Governor Nixon (Copies also sent to Director of Ag John Hagler,

plus Missouri Senators and Reps):

We appreciate your efforts for seeking out innovative and responsible

methods for distributing federal economic Stimulus dollars in

Missouri. Like you, we believe that this short-term opportunity should

be utilized to create maximum impact in our local communities. We are

writing you today to share our thoughts related to spending priorities

for food, agriculture, rural development and nutrition programs.

In recent years, a key trend among consumers has been the rapid

increase in demand for locally-raised vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy

products, grains, nuts and a wide variety of value-added products.

This growing demand, however, has been difficult to meet due to

challenges with local production capacity, processing, infrastructure

and market access. We are proposing that you address these challenges

by utilizing a portion of federal Stimulus funding to support the

following:

-Strengthening and expanding local infrastructure for food processing,

distribution and marketing

-Improving access to nutritious, locally-raised food products among

low and moderate-income communities throughout the state

-Prioritizing procurement of local food products for

government-supported institutions such as schools, universities,

public health agencies and correctional facilities

By choosing to support this approach to local stimulus, you will be

enhancing the long-term profitability and sustainability of local food

producers, processors, distributors and marketers. You will be helping

to encourage the growth of farm income, jobs, public health and

improved nutrition throughout the state. You will be facilitating a

new economic engine for Missouri based on local values, local

ingenuity and local relationships.

We look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in the coming

weeks. We applaud your efforts at soliciting public input throughout

this process, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide our

thoughts.

Sincerely,

Thank you for taking the time to fill out our letter and join our effort!  Be sure to check out our ‘News’ page for additional information and future opportunities for action!

Show Me Local Food Coalition

28th N 8th Street, Ste. 102, Columbia, MO 65201

573-303-5810