FoodMasters and GMO Free San Juan Shares Information

from Marta Nielson

Saturday, October 12, 6:30 p.m. (Potluck), Emmanuel Episcopal Parish

The public is invited to join Food Masters and GMO Free San Juans for a fact-filled, information sharing evening on Saturday, October 12th at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Main Street, Eastsound. Learn more about Yes on 522 (I-522), the Washington State Initiative to ensure the labeling of genetically engineered food (GE/GMO’s). A community potluck will begin at 6:30 pm, followed at 7:00 pm by a Speakers Panel presentation with ample opportunity for Q & A following.

We are excited to welcome to the panel Steve Crider, currently the Liaison for Government & Industry Affairs for the organic food company Amy’s Kitchen. He also serves as the co-leader for Yes on 522 for Skagit and Whatcom Counties. Steve has over 30 years of experience working in the natural and organic food industry and was the founding member of the Just Label It campaign, working since 2011 on GMO labeling issues with the FDA and Obama Administration. Other panel members include Marney Reynolds, GMO-Free San Juans Yes on 522 coordinator, Catherine McCluskey, staff member of the Organic Seed Alliance, and Marta Nielson, from Rainbow Chicken Ranches on Orcas island, an organic, certified GMO-free egg producer and grain distributor.

The Yes on 522 Initiative was put on the ballot after a statewide petition campaign garnered more than 340,000 signatures – the second largest number of signatures in the state’s history for a public initiative! Families, local farmers, ranchers and orchardists, small business owners, and consumer rights groups throughout Washington signed so that voters can affirm their right to know what’s in their food.

Over 93% of Americans polled nationwide, agree that we have the right to know what’s in our food. I-522 would require labels on genetically engineered foods, which can include sweet corn, corn chips, cold cereals, candy, breads, soy products and soft drinks and, if approved, salmon and apples. American companies already label genetically engineered food that they export to 64 other countries that require labeling.

As we enter the last months before the vote, millions is being spent on advertising efforts. It’s important to get facts in order to make your own decision for your vote. Yes on 522 has raised over $3 million from over 7,000 donors with nearly 80% located in Washington. The opposition campaign, No on 522, is funded entirely by 6 out of state big food and pesticide corporations and NO individuals.

Please plan to join us – bring your questions and concerns – bring a potluck dish made from locally grown food (which you can pick up at the Farmer’s Market earlier in the day!) and your own place setting. For more information on GMO labeling please check out the website yeson522.com.