We are Citizens

Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S., and may determine key elections in swing states like Virginia, Florida and Nevada.* There are nearly 7 million AAPIs eligible to vote, but barely half of those voted in the 2008 election. We have the potential to favorably impact every sector of the food system, through our voices, votes and vision.

*Source: Asian American Justice Center poll, May 2012.

Testimony: 
“The Farm Bill is important because I want my Vietnamese parents, my extended family, friends, and all of us to clean our vegetables only once to rinse before cooking and not also because they, and we, know that they were most likely sprayed with chemicals out on the field.
 
The Farm Bill is important because Vietnamese fisherfolk and crafted sea harvesters along the coasts of the U.S. and across the world deserve the freedom, insurance, and protection to hone their craft and pass it along to their next generations and have less impediments to reaching other markets. AAPIs have a strong history of entrepreneurship, community, and real food.  The Farm Bill needs to reflect this.” – Võ Hải, Life Real Now

May 14, 2012 · in Who We Are · Tags:

We are Farmers

There are roughly 18,000 Asian American farm operators in the U.S., farming almost 2 million acres.*

Many foods we eat, grow and catch have been enjoyed for thousands of years in Asia, and many of our families first came to the US as farmers or food workers. We want to continue to participate in food and farming and pass on our traditions to the next generation.

We are grateful for the blessings of the land, sea, air and mountains.  We want to find ways to protect the Earth, human health and our climate for future generations by reducing usage of chemicals, fossil fuel inputs and artificial additives.

*Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture

Testimony:

“AAPIs carry legacies of deep connection to food and agriculture. With policy like the Farm Bill, the ways we all eat, grow and access food are at stake. Our voices are needed ensure these decisions are healthy ones that benefit and reflect our communities.” – Aileen Suzara, Filipino/American food educator and organic farmer

May 14, 2012 · in Who We Are · Tags:

We are Consumers

AAPI buying power was estimated at $509 billion in 2009, rising to $697 billion in 2014.* Compared with other households, AAPI families spent more on fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, seafood and rice.** We care about the source of our food and are willing to invest in high-quality good food for our families. We need transparent labeling and the assurance of clean, fair, fresh food.

At the same time, almost 500,000 AAPI households received SNAP benefits (food stamps) in 2010. We need multilingual access to wholesome food in times of need.

*Source: “The Multicultural Economy 2009,” Selig Center for Economic Growth, University of Georgia Terry College of Business.
**Source: “Food-at-home expenditures of Asian households,” Monthly Labor Report June 2006, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

May 14, 2012 · in Who We Are · Tags: