WASHINGTON -- The people who grow America's plentiful food supply have a special place of honor during the National Farm-City Week, celebrated Nov. 21 to 27, 2008, ending Thanksgiving Day. This week commemorates U.S. food producers and seeks to recognize their efforts among the nation's urban citizens.
In conjunction with National-Farm City Week, the 2008 Farm-City Week Kickoff Luncheon this year will be held in Birmingham, Ala., at the Wynfrey Hotel on Nov. 20. The event will feature a special symposium on hunger and agriculture.
The National Farm-City Week, recognized by a White House proclamation, is organized by the National Farm-City Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing links be-tween farm families and urban residents. The Council provides local organizations with educational programs about people who grow their food.
"The National Farm-City Week is a time to remember the growers and ranchers -- and all within the food production chain -- who work to provide us with the food we have in this country and export throughout the world," says Al Pell, chairman of the National Farm-City Council. "While it's important to honor them throughout the year, it's especially appropriate to remember their efforts in this week leading up to Thanksgiving."
This effort is complemented by materials provided by the National Farm-City Council to county and state organizations that work on educational efforts. In recent years, the major focus of the programs and materials has been on consumer and classroom education. Stu-dent activity sheets, teacher packets, placemats and bookmarks are just a few of the materi-als the Council has created to support its mission.
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In the past year, thousands of materials were used in classrooms, at Farm-City banquets, at civic club meetings and in other venues. Farm-City activities are grass roots in nature. Com-munities across the nation hold Farm-City events ranging from banquets to tours to job ex-changes. The Council works closely with Agriculture in the Classroom programs in educating students and teachers about agriculture.
In addition, the National Farm-City Council recognizes organizations, businesses, groups and individuals for their outstanding work in accomplishing the mission of farm-city rela-tions.
For those interested in organizing a local Farm-City event, go to the National Farm-City Web site at http://www.farmcity.org or call 202.406.3706.
The National Farm-City Council is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.
