UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Selling fresh tomatoes on a city street corner may not seem like a revolutionary act, but this simple transaction represents a trend that could help rejuvenate America's farm system. This and other grassroots measures to market food and benefit communities are explored in "Our Food, Our Future" on WPSX-TV at 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13.

"Our Food, Our Future," a 30-minute special, examines four Community Food Projects, part of a national program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each project was designed by groups in the areas they benefit to teach self-reliance and promote a sustainable food and agricultural system.

"In cities, towns and rural communities across the country, faith-based organizations, academic institutions and nonprofit groups are working together to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, strengthen local food systems, support local community economic development and help families move from poverty to self-sufficiency," said Audrey Maretzki, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, who worked with Shirley Road Productions in Narberth, PA and colleagues at Cornell University and USDA to develop this video.

All four of the projects profiled are on the East Coast, but the lessons learned could be applied in most communities. They include The Urban Nutrition Initiative in Philadelphia, The Camden Farmers Market in Camden, N.J., a profit-sharing partnership in a West Virginia town involving a local farmer and a gourmet food processing plant, and a community garden project in New York City focused on economic and social justice.

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Contact:

Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax