DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — A struggling sector is getting a much needed boost. The Hall Hunger Initiative just launched a project encouraging people to buy what is grown in the Miami Valley, promoting healthy eating, while benefiting the local farmers and economy.
“Small business people, small farmers are providing wonderful food,” said Tony Hall, a former U.S. congressman and ambassador.
“Eat fresh, buy local” is the goal of the new Hall Hunger campaign.
“It really is about supporting local people,” Hall said. “We really want to support local farmers, and we want to support local business people that are providing this.”
Hall said local farmers and area families are struggling. This project aims to help both.
“This is about providing jobs. It’s [promoting] buying local,” he shared. “It’s providing fresh food, it’s providing nourishing food.”
As kids get ready to head back to class, Commissioner Judy Dodge said this is important now more than ever.
“One out of four families here in Montgomery County don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” she stated. “If kids don’t have something in their stomach by 10 in the morning, they are just gone. You can’t get their attention. They’re zoned out.”
But, the benefits of fresh, high quality ingredients are for all ages.
“So many people eat food that’s not nutritious,” warned Hall. “In the long run, it’s going to cause a lot of health problems. When you buy local and you eat fresh food from the farmers here, their health care and your concern and your lifetime is going to be so much better.”
The campaign is going to last about six weeks; Friday afternoon’s kick off coincides with National Farmers Market Week.
