More local meat processing: Companion House and Senate bills would create a USDA competitive grant program to support local meat production by helping small processors expand their capacity. (Rep. Pingree)
Organic standards need regular review: The new farm bill should include a provision to update U.S. organic standards at least every five years, and should strengthen the National Organic Program’s authority to prevent false or misleading claims. (Organic Trade Association)
SNAP scammers steal millions: Criminals using fake EBT cards have stolen millions of dollars in state-issued benefits, including food stamps, from poor residents of Los Angeles County, using them to “rack up mammoth bills at grocery stores.” (Los Angeles Times)
Healthier diet is common goal: Roughly one in five Americans made a food-related New Year’s resolution, most frequently to eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise more, and cut down on sugar, according to a survey of 1,200 people. (Purdue University)
Wings to fly: Largely because of lower retail prices, Americans are expected to consume a record 1.45 billion chicken wings during the upcoming Super Bowl weekend, a 2 percent increase from last year. (National Chicken Council)