Sign the Jewish Petition for a Just Farm Bill

The U.S Farm Bill is a complex bill passed by the U.S. Congress every 5-7 years. The Farm Bill contains billions of dollars in funds for agricultural subsidies and farm relief programs, hunger relief and emergency food aid, environmental conservation programs, and many other government programs. It is the major source of U.S. agricultural policy; some have suggested that the Bill be called the Food Bill, because it impacts everything we eat.

As a Jewish people, we have been thinking about what is kosher—literally, “fit”—for us to eat for 3,000 years.   Drawing on our traditions of eating mindfully and pursing justice, Hazon, along side American Jewish World Service, the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and the Union for Reform Judaism invites you to join us in making our voices heard in support of sustainable farm and food initiatives in the next Farm Bill. Together we can create a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.

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Subject: The Jewish Petition for a Just Farm Bill

Dear Congress,

Our Jewish texts and teachings obligate us to challenge the injustice of hunger, champion the right to food and promote stewardship of the land. Our nation’s food and agricultural policies—many contained in the U.S. Farm Bill—have a profound impact on countless lives in the U.S. and across the globe.

The Farm Bill debate provides us with the opportunity to build a better food system. I want American food and agricultural policies to reflect my Jewish values. I urge you to enact policies that pursue long-term approaches to eradicating hunger by protecting the most vulnerable, promoting sustainable land use and investing in resilient local food systems.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State Zip]

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UPDATE 6/13/12: The Jewish Petition for a Just Farm Bill is being delivered on June 14, 2012. You’re help is still needed. The Hazon Cross-USA Ride is collecting signatures in support of Sustainable Food Systems in America to be presented to the USDA in Washington.

Sign the Petition