As a co-leader of Slow Food Westchester, I'm thrilled to be involved with Slow Food USA's new focus that brings awareness to school food issues. The Time for Lunch campaign has a 3 fold plan.

#1 Sign the Petition and pass it on to everyone (and we mean everyone) you know. Here's the link to the petition: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/

#2 Contact your Legislators Pick up the phone, write a letter, have your kids write letters. This makes a huge impact and can really make a difference! Lobbyists for big food corporations, junk food and agribusiness may have the money, but we have the numbers of dedicated eaters who are now paying attention to what happens in DC. Those folks you elected to congress DO listen when you call. As few as 10 phone calls can change a vote on a key piece of legislation! Here's the link to learn more about contacting your legislators: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/contact_your_legislators/

#3 Organize an EAT-IN on the National Day of Action, Monday September 7, 2009. An eat-in is a combination pot-luck and a peaceful protest! It's a great opportunity for you to build community and support around school food issues. Slow Food makes it easy! They've got a great toolkit on their site and will offer support to help you set it up. Here's the link to learn more about the National Day of Action: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/organize_an_eat_in/

I've been making this nut free granola for the campers at Ballibay. They love it on top of their yogurt (which is made in our kitchen) or on top of our breakfast porridge (steel cut oats, quinoa and amaranth). It's easy to make, healthy and delicious. Much better than store bought versions.

2/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup oil (here at camp, I use safflower. At home, I use coconut)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup green pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried unsweetened coconut
1 cup raisins
1tablespoon cinnamon
4 cups rolled oats

Whisk the maple syrup, vanilla and oil together. fold in the seeds, coconut and the oats. Continue stirring until everything is slightly moist. Sprinkle with cinnamon and spread onto baking sheets covered with parchment paper. Put sheets into a 350 oven, check every 10 minutes and stir until all of the granola is lightly browned. Let cool, add raisins. Store in airtight containers.