Food, Glorious Food: Can we be leaner and greener?

We all eat, yet what we eat and where it comes from has changed drastically in the past generation.

Some changes are for the better, some much worse.

We have more varied diet options, with fresh food available from across the planet. We also have lots more heavily processed and modified "food." The overall result is that Americans are heavier -- and heavily reliant on a food industry that exacts a serious toll on our environment.

As one of the remaining California counties with vibrant local agriculture, Venturans have the opportunity to make conscious choices that could emphasize the positive changes and begin to reverse the negative ones.

This Friday, September 4, a wide range of active Venturans are gathering at City Hall to organize for a "leaner and greener" Ventura covering a wide range of related issues:

• Promote children's health through better diets and exercise
• Improve workplace wellness
• Build and rebuild walkable, bikeable neighborhoods
• Encourage individuals and groups to establish gardens; access to healthy local food; and support local agriculture
• Help businesses and families go green

Cos-sponsored by the Ventura Unified School District, VC LEAN (the countywide coalition for healthy, active diet and life) and the City, the event runs from 9 AM to noon. It will be kicked off by welcoming remarks by School Board President Mary Haffner and Mayor Christy Weir. Charlotte Dickson of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy will outline what other communities are doing on this issue and then participants will break up to tackle specific issues and how to coordinate what is already happening with what else should be happening.

A healthy light lunch follows concludes the event. It will be catered by Main Course California, a healthy new restaurant and catering business. Donation for the lunch is just $10.

Back in 2005, Ventura embraced health and active living in the General Plan unanimously adopted by the City Council. Our farmer's markets, agriculture preservation policies, staff wellness efforts and active recreation programs all support this important strategic vision. But stronger community partnerships could obviously accomplish much more -- so Friday's session is a great opportunity to work together for a "leaner and greener Ventura."

RSVP to asimmons@cityofventura.net if you'd like to come. The meeting will be held in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall, 501 Poli Street.