Senator Carlucci Discusses Agriculture Policy at Westchester-Rockland Dietetic Association Breakfast Forum

WEST NYACK, NY - Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) today attended the Westchester-Rockland Dietetic Association Breakfast Forum at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack.  He was a featured guest speaker discussing legislation relating to food, dietary and agriculture policies at the state level. 

Back in May, Senator Carlucci unveiled a lengthy policy report on ways to preserve, promote and expand farming in New York State.  Since then, legislation has been introduced in the Senate that would provide for tax incentives for restaurants who purchase produce from participating farms, establishing Shop: Pride of New York and Dine: Pride of New York programs, preventing burdensome fines by utility companies on farmers and other proposals designed to encourage the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to communities that need it most.

“Ensuring that New Yorkers have access to quality foods, especially children, is critical to fighting back against diseases and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Senator Carlucci.

The event included over 80 dieticians who listen to a panel of speakers ranging from medical and nutrition specialists.  Among the topics discussed included speaking about ways Americans can be provided better access to healthier food, the latest food trends for consumers and how this ultimately affects overall public health in today's society.

Other guest speakers included Ann Darcy, MS,RD,CDN; Roberta Gershner, MS,RD,CDN WRDA; Julie Levine, Product Intelligence at Consumer Reports; Maxine Siegel, RD, Manager, Food & Sensory at Consumer Reports; Gina Ruskie, RD, Nutrition and Health Manager at Unilever; and Mary Jo Marks, Natural and Organic category specialist at UNFI.

The Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association (WRDA) is an organization of nutrition professionals, residing, working or attending school in Westchester and Rockland counties.  Members of the Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association include Registered Dietitians (RD) and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR). Members are advocates of the dietetic profession serving the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health, and well-being. The Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association is an affiliate of the American Dietetic Association, the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Members of the WRDA provide a wide range of nutrition services including Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in many practice setting, including agencies, hospitals, schools, colleges and more.