Senator Hughes Invites Public to Food Security Workshop Saturday, February 22, 9am to 12 Noon Palmer Jr Middle School “I hope local residents who are curious about growing, raising, gathering, and preserving food will take advantage of this free event to network and learn from local experts. As households and neighbors, we can boost food security, reduce reliance on the lower 48, have access to more delicious and nutritious foods – and have fun doing it!” PALMER – Senator Shelley Hughes is hosting a food security workshop with the goal of promoting food independence and agriculture at the household and community level. The event will feature a variety of presentations and table topic discussions including raising livestock, gardening, hunting/fishing, food processing, food preservation, bee keeping, hobby to commercial farming, and much more. The Mat-Su Farm Bureau and Future Farmers of America students will be featured along with multiple local experts, all community resources for those interested in preparing for the upcoming summer season. According to Senator Hughes (R – Palmer), “This is an exciting event and opportunity for Alaskans of all stripes.” She continued, “Whether you’ve always wanted your own fresh eggs, thought raising goats might suit your fancy, are hungry for more knowledge about best gardening practices, or are ready to maximize productivity despite your small space, this event will be the perfect venue for you to network with friendly and helpful neighbors-inthe-know.” Senator Hughes, as Chair of the Food Strategy Task Force that was charged in statute to develop and implement strategies to foster local food security, is hosting the workshop in Palmer as part of that effort. She hopes that other communities in Alaska will replicate this low-budget event, bringing residents together with local experts to spark interest and action in boosting greater food independence in their region of the state. As a champion of agricultural development in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and beyond, Senator Hughes noted that local agricultural development is the backbone to food security and independence. “The majority of Alaska’s food is imported to the tune of nearly $3 billion of our dollars leaving the state. When our supply chain could be disrupted overnight by a disaster or a strike at the port in Seattle and our store shelves emptied in short order, we should not sit back. It’s time to take proactive steps – and we will tremendously benefit when we do. Reliance on locally grown foods increases economic and nutritional stability in the Last Frontier. This is an outcome we can all embrace!"