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Glyphosate in Napa Valley Groundwater:

3.3 Times Higher Than What is Allowed in European Drinking Water 

Napa, CA., October 4, 2016

In a joint partnership, Label GMOs Napa County and the Napa County Green Party did what the U.S. government has not been doing-- tested local water supplies for glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, the most commonly used herbicide in the world.

Although the Safe Drinking Water Act was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by protecting drinking water and its sources, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells, the federal government does not test for glyphosate.

“The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the testing for pesticides, and they do for about 200; however, none of them test for glyphosate,” wrote Dr. Don Huber, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology at Purdue University, in an email on April 29th of this year.

Therefore, on July 6th, 2016, the groups took three water samples from three different water sources in the Napa Valley-- a sample from the Napa River, taken at the Oak Knoll bridge in Napa; a sample of municipal tap water from outside a home in Yountville, which gets its water from Rector Reservoir; and a sample of unfiltered well water from outside a home on Hedgeside Avenue in Napa.  The groups shipped the samples via overnight mail to Microbe Inotech Laboratories in St. Louis, Missouri to be tested for glyphosate.

The results of these tests indicated that while the sample from the Napa River did not contain a detectable level of glyphosate (<0.05 parts per billion or ppb), and the sample of municipal water in Yountville contained only a small amount of glyphosate (0.091 ppb), the well water contained 0.729 ppb, which is lower than what is allowed in the United States at 700 parts per billion but is higher than what has been shown to cause harm and three times higher than what is allowed in drinking water in the European Union at 0.1 ppb. 

Scientists have shown that 0.1 ppb of glyphosate, also a patented antibiotic, kills beneficial gut bacteria, which make up 70% of the immune system in humans.(1) In addition, scientists have shown that only 0.1 parts per trillion of glyphosate stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells.(2) 

Moreover, many other toxic compounds are used in these glyphosate-based herbicides.  These other compounds have recently been shown by French scientist Gilles-Eric Seralini to be 1000 times more toxic than glyphosate alone, as well as endocrine and nervous system disruptors, making the current allowable levels of glyphosate too high to protect human health.​(3)

Given the low levels of glyphosate that have consistently been found in municipal water supplies compared to the higher levels found in groundwater, Dr. Michael Antoniou, geneticist at King’s College in London, stated via email, “What we can detect in human urine has to be coming from food and man-made drinks, such as wine and beer, rather than tap water.”

Glyphosate is sprayed in vineyards throughout Napa County in the winter when the vines are dormant.  According to the California Department of Pesticide Registry, 50,417 pounds of glyphosate were applied on Napa County vineyards in 2013 alone, the last reported year.  

In March 2016, Moms Across America reported that tests of ten wines from the California North Bay, including wines from Napa County, all contained varying levels of glyphosate.  At the Acres USA Conference in 2011, Dr. Huber stated that the glyphosate is likely absorbed through the roots and bark of the grapevines and is then translocated into the leaves and grapes, making its way into the wine itself.

“These test results point to two environmental issues in Napa County-- herbicide use and over-extraction of groundwater, both primarily due to agriculture,” said Amy Martenson, Co-coordinator for Label GMOs Napa County.

“It is not surprising that glyphosate would be in higher concentrations in groundwater versus surface water, because groundwater is stored in alluvial aquifers, similar to reservoirs, that do not get the flushing actions that surface flows get,” stated Chris Malan, watershed advocate and Napa County Green Party County Council Member.  “As people extract more and more groundwater, the contaminants become more and more concentrated, which is devastating to future generations who will need to depend on clean aquifers."

Concerned about the amount of pesticide use in Napa County, the negative impacts to the environment and human health, and its likely connection to Napa County’s high cancer rate, Label GMOs Napa County and the Napa County Green Party have called on local officials to reduce pesticide use by taking the following actions:

1. Follow the lead of other environmentally progressive cities and counties in the U.S., and ban the use of pesticides on all publicly-owned lands, except if needed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.

2. Direct the Agricultural Commissioner to use his authority under AB 947 to create school protection zones, banning pesticide use a quarter of a mile around all schools.

3. Make organic certification a criteria for all new Williamson Act contracts, which give tax breaks to landowners in the Agricultural Preserve and Agricultural Watershed to keep their land in agriculture; these contracts could be tied to organic farming practices and sound environmental stewardship but currently are not.

Why should we be concerned about glyphosate in vaccines? 

Why must the FDA and CDC test for glyphosate in vaccines immediately and take actions to protect us?

Released in ECOWatch Sept 10, 2016

Read full story here. 

Earlier this year, Moms Across America sent 5 childhood vaccines to an independent lab to be screened for glyphosate. All 5 tested positive for glyphosate, with the MMR vaccine showing levels 25X higher than the other vaccines.

MAA attempted for months to have other labs confirm testing with other methodology without success. After learning of MAA's results an independent scientist tested 4 batches of vaccines and confirmed their findings at or above their original preliminary screenings. He has sent his data to his Senator and government officials with no response.

Further, more accurate tests are urgently needed by the FDA and CDC to confirm exact amounts. However, any amount is unacceptable. Action must be taken to protect our infants and children.

Glyphosate is a chemical in Roundup and hundreds of other herbicides which are  sprayed on 80% of our GMO and many non organic food and feed crops. It does not wash, dry or cook off. The livestock used to make our vaccines eat these grains and the glyphosate based herbicides.

GMO and chemical farming are contaminating our medical treatments.

Click here for the full press release here.

Read the Letter to government officials below.

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THANK YOU to all our supporters, sponsors and amazing people we met along the way on the National Toxin Free Tour!

Our largest sponsors Dr.Bronner's, Weedtechnics, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Neal's Yard Remedies for the materials, Iconography Studios for the RV Decal, plus support from all of you for the gas!! You helped us reach thousands and pass our tens of thousands of flyers, raising awareness all across our country! What a trip! Thank you!

We started out in Orange County CA, driving the Moms Mobile, with 3 boys, 20,000 flyers, 2 duck eggs, 1 dog and 1 goldfish on July 18th. We spent about 150 hours of driving on the road and covered over 7,500 miles, stopping in 40 locations to either drop off flyers, meet with supporters and/ or do a talk.

Our first stop was Zion Canyon, Utah and it was breathtakingly beautiful! I left a stake of flyers near Zion and was happy to see many organic choices in the market.

Zion Park was all natural beauty and earthiness. A babbling brook was a welcome reprise after a hot bike ride.  

Unfortunately on our second day on our National Toxin Free tour, in Ephraim, Utah we were sprayed with a weedkiller from a helicopter that was trying to eliminate "an invasive weed species" as per the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. We were working on an organic farm and a helicopter flew over head spraying. The roof was unfinished and chemicals fell directly on my family. My son immediately got a nose bleed, had them for 8 days and we all felt unwell for weeks. As harrowing, horrible, and harmful as that experience was, we were reminded as to the importance of our  tour. These chemicals are being sprayed all across the country. Hundreds of millions of pounds, every year. This must stop. 

We are grateful to have the opportunity to raise awareness about these practices across the country.

Breakfast with Tami Canal Monroe near Salt Lake City, UT

We were thrilled to met with the mom who inspired millions to join in the March Against Monsanto in Utah. Sitting down for breakfast with a fellow food activist is such a welcome relief. Everything was organic and delicious. She shared with us how her daughter's health got dramatically better when she went organic. This was a common story all across the country.

The Grand Tetons, WY

Before this trip my sons were pretty down-and-out about America, even declaring they wanted to leave the country if a certain person was elected    President. But when we saw majestic mountains, massive monuments, rolling  plains and winding rivers galore, I think they began to see how beautiful our  country is and how much it is worth staying for. When they met generous and dedicated people, strangers who opened up our homes and welcomed us into  their kitchens, they realized how great the people here are too. The people  make our country  great, right now, and we have faith in humanity that  justice, freedom and empowerment will prevail with the will of the American  people....if not on the Hill, definitely in the homes of the people we met.

At this trading post in Wyoming,  there was sign outside that said "For Sale due to Health Issues." I was so sad for them, because obviously they enjoyed their business. I ran and got a stack of flyers for them and they were so grateful. Cancer. Affecting 1 out of 2 males and 1 out of 3 females in America today. And the EPA allows a probable carcinogen on our food! This is why we are doing what we do. We can do better.

The thermal pools of Yellowstone and vast national forest enchanted us into meditative silence. 

Wyoming and South Dakota had farmlands, plains, forests and rivers wrapping like ribbons around the roads.

Yellowstone was heaven on earth. We thank the artists and conservation activists that fought for our national parks decades ago, and for our wise president Roosevelt who made them protected for in perpetuity.

The Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore were great tourist spots were we could leave a stack of flyers. We all eat and most of us know someone who is sick. You never know how a stranger will be helped by leaving flyers out.

We met with a group of moms in a park in RapidCity SD and had an  awesome conversation, passed out flyers, got news coverage, and learned  a lot too. One mom said that her Uncle  is a Mayor of Hungary and EVERY  DAY he gets visited by a  Monsanto employee who tries to bribe him with  cars, vacations, money, to allow GMOs into Hungary. He says no, but  what about other Mayors who might be in a tough spot?

 One mom Tarin, was so proud of her Co-OP. They had all  organic local  food and she drove further to shop there. "it's  worth it," she said. "My  migraines, acne, aches and pains  completely went away when I switched  to organic."

South Dakota

In South Dakota we stopped at the 10,000 acre farm of the Trask family, known for seeds and grains. Pat Trask was one of the two farmers who went to the Supreme Court to fight GMO Alfalfa and won. Amazing story. Not so amazing that a few years later Michael Taylor of the FDA overturned that ruling with a simple announcement. This is how corrupt our government is. This also must stop. The great things about the Trask family is that they have such a deep devotion to God that they are utterly convicted that we will, in the long run, win. "God is on our side, " Pat said. " I have no doubt what so ever that we will turn this around because our food is sacred." I got to talk to his gracious wife Rosemary too, and her devotion as a wife, farmer and mother to 12 children was awe inspiring. She was happy to take a stack of flyers to give to her church. They are all blessed to have the Trasks in their community, real "salt of the earth," as Pat says of his kind that live in the heart land of America - "The sifted and sorted folk."

Maurice, Iowa

In Iowa were were fortunate to be able to have dinner with farmer educator Howard and Pam Vlieger and tour their farm. Howard raises all non GMO fed livestock and our boys were in heaven to be able to eat meat they could trust. I could see that Howard's farm was a living example of his personal commitment to integrity and what he calls "God's work". Bronson decided that his duck eggs that he was trying to hatch needed a good home. He gave them to Pam and we were quite glad that ducks would not be hatching in our RV.

In Milwaukee, WI we met with our graphic designer Anne and she brought us to Growing Power, started by former basketball player Will Allen, on a 3 acre growing facility with 25 hoop houses and Aqua-phonics. They grow 1 million pounds of food just on those three acres per year! They have grown to 50 acres across the city. Beat that yield, of healthy organic food Monsanto, I bet you you cannot.

Speaking of eating, I found a lovely spot to stand outside on the McDonald's booth at the Milwaukee Summer Fest , the largest in the nation, to pass out GMO info flyers. One woman said her grown son was autistic and she had never heard that organic food could help. Another said that her daughter had been trying to get pregnant for years...she looked broken hearted...and she wondered if going organic could help. The look of hope in her eyes when I shared testimonials of other who have gotten pregnant of only a month or two of organic, whole healthy foods and veggies, was worth the whole trip. 

Milwaukee Summer Music Festival outreach.

Food on the road.

On the road, we almost never ate at a restaurant, and that was challenging, because Americans make some tasty food! We brought our own food and cooked delicious meals on the road. Lunch was primarily sandwiches so we could eat and drive. But dinner was a cooked meal that was all organic. We were so grateful for all the supporters who welcomed into their home or community locations. We knew their food would be all organic, and honestly I could have just cried, I was so relieved and grateful. Eating has been so challenging for so many years, and so many of our acquaintances in SoCal still don't eat all organic, so the immediate bond with fellow organic eaters was divine.

Wheeling, IL

We had a great talk in Wheeling IL at Purple Sprout Vegan restaurant where we enjoyed Robin's Frozen Fantasy ice cream made of hemp! We met the Chicago Water Reservoir director, the largest reservoir in the US, who was proud to tell me they no longer spray Roundup around the water supply! YEAY!

I also spoke and met with supporters in Columbus OH. Warren of Snowville Creamery loaded us up with grass fed dairy and goodwill. The commissary where they hosted the talk, was an inspiring community kitchen to support local food entrepreneurs. We loved the concept and the company!

Columbus, OH

Niagara Falls, NY

We drove through the green rolling hills of upstate NY and stopped at Niagara  falls. The boys were  blown away.  We could not help joking that "There is  Canada, where we might  move!" Noooo...we won't we will stay and work on  having our home here be  the best it can be.

After Niagara Falls , we met with Matthew, a supporter and former teacher who  lived in Vermont. What a committed person! He helped us find all the telephone numbers for members of the PTA in Washington  state when they  had a GMO labeling ballot initiative so that we could contact  them. A man in  Vermont worked with a mom in CA, for the people of Washington state. We  did not know each other, but we were all committed to  the same thing. That  is great. The people of American make America great right now.

VERMONT!

We finally made it to Vermont! We had an incredible time at the Montpelier July 4th festival and parade. It was such a joy to thank the people of Vermont for labeling GMOs. I will always remember the sea of thousands of happy faces and the moment of happiness and  gratitude we shared. I am sure that there are no strangers in the world, there are just people I have not met yet.

This is one of the main reasons we took this trip. We wanted to make sure someone was in the Montpelier, Vermont parade to thank all the activists who got GMO labeling passed. This picture is bitter sweet now though, because their law has been preempted. But I will never forget the gratitude and joy we all felt for each other. It is not over yet either, lawsuits and appeals are happening.

We met with Andrea from Rural Vermont and she told us all about the movement. The close communities, grassroots activism is what got the labeling passed. They had over 50 hearing about GMO labeling, so it was a thoroughly researched issue and the people won the right for GMO labeling through a fair democratic process.

After the festivities, we went to Basin Farm, a gorgeous 40 acre organic farm run by a spiritual community called the harness that energy. On the farm, which we found through WWOOF.org, we worked hard and played hard, with a giant siesta in between when it was scorching hot outside. Our sons delighted us by working 2-3 hours straight for 2 session a day, with a dip in the river in between to cool off. Nary a complaint. Kids WANT to be useful and be outside! Working on the farm was the highlight of the trip. 

 Vermont Farms

We fell in love with green, green, green Vermont. Spacious, friendly and authentic.

Basin Farm is a beautiful organic farm and spiritual community. We harvest, washed and dried kale for smoothies.

Did you know that you can live and eat ( for free) at organic farms in exchange for a few hours of work around the world? Check out WWOOF online.

Harvesting fresh garlic in Vermont.  The boys worked hard and deserved the jump in the river afterwards.                          

The garlic is stacked or hung to dry in a green house or barn.  Having fun while clipping garlic bulbs in CT.

At Hunts Brook Farm in CT, my husband literally earned his green thumb. In Vermont, Zarob was a fountain of Knowledge.

The organic farmers I met had an abundance of food, too much often in fact, to harvest before they matured. 
They all agreed that genetic modification is something chemical companies have just been good at marketing, and not something that is at all beneficial for farmers or consumers.

Cedar Creek Farm, VT

Cedar Creek is a bustling 50 acre organic farm, where Will Allen and staff have never used a drop of herbicides. His farm stand and cafe were filled with fragrant, delicious smells, produce and local goods like golden maple syrup and jams.

We met with Will Allen, author of "War on Bugs" at Cedar Creek Farms. David Bronner of Dr.Bronner's Magic Soaps. his wife Lisa and activist friend Michael in Vermont and watched while our Senators voted away our rights to have GMO labeling clearly on the package.  A challenging day, good thing we had good company. 

Hunts Brook Farm, CT

We harvested, washed and hung over 3000 bulbs of garlic in Vermont. In CT, a few weeks later we clipped the tops and roots off probably twice as many dried bulbs.

We learned so much while talking with the farm workers, many who were backpackers,  from around the world. The WWOOF program gives people a chance to live and work on a  farm, and be fed the farm's food, in any country around the world. The organic farms get  volunteer labor, which is sorely needed considering the additional fees for organic  certification and maintenance, and the workers get to learn and experience a different  culture or way of life. 

One worker shared that he went to college in Japan and spent $80,000 on his college education for an Agriculture degree. He said he learned more in a few months on Basin  Farm than all 4 years in school. "I wish I had not spent that money, " he said. " I wish I  had just come here."

This a a great way to learn about farming, meet dedicated and inspiring people, and make  a difference int he world. Learn how to grow organic food. Grow it yourself. Opt out of the  GMO toxic chemical farming practice and bring organic back to society by growing food!

Farmer "Digga" from Hunts Brook Farm in CT, pictured to the left, grows food for his CSA  and for a local school which teaches autistic and challenged children. I could tell he knows  his life makes a difference for others.

It was hard to work in the sun and our hats go off to every farmer on the planet. Farming  is truly a noble commitment, one of little thanks and yet deep satisfaction and fulfillment.

Once in Connecticut we got to park the RV and "stay in one place" for a few weeks. We spent time with family, friends and angels for our cause. My brother and sister in law coordinated a community center mural painting event and we joined them. The theme of the beautiful mural was "Justice is on the side of the Universe." It was a comforting day, rallying with community in the face of violence happening in inner cities, the poisoning of our food crops in rural America and the injustice of the DARK Act Passing on the Hill. It was one of the most difficult days of my life when the DARK Act passed July 29. But July 30 I was with peers and new friends at the Unitarian Universalist Church in NY and their dedication comforted me.

Community mural in Connecticut.                              Martha, NY, on of the many angels of our trip. 

Demonstrating on the streets of Brooklyn NY was exciting and fun! We all had dinner afterwards as a group and as we were eating we heard loud chanting outside. We saw a caucasian and Jewish group marching and protesting for Black Lives Matter. My eyes swelled with tears in gratitude for the dedication of the people of New York.

We left flyers and demonstrated with the boisterous Reverend Billy and Stop Shopping Choir and I was on the radio with Savitri D. Brilliant, fully self expressed people whose creativity inspires me. If they can make up a song about glyphosate and perform it in a park with Hazmat suits on, I can certainly up the courage to talk to my city council about not spraying Roundup!

Since then we have learned that the NY DEP has stopped spraying Roundup around all 5 borough water supplies and streets! YEAY!

Connecticut

At small town Voluntown, CT  farmer's market. I am proud that my childhood hometown stopped road side spraying as soon as residents complained of how ugly and brown it made the grass and how many dead birds they saw.

If you have not been to Connecticut, go in the summer or the fall, when the leaves on the trees are either lush and green or golden, red, orange, and purple. We stayed with family for another week, picking blue berries, floating in a pond, fishing for cat fish and sitting around a campfire. We do this work because we love our families. It is important to spend time with them and enjoy them.

 The Return Trip!

 First Stop, Lancaster , PA.                                                       Virginia

Lancaster PA, GMO Free Pennsylvania and friends hosted a talk and gathering. In Virgina, Blair, Alison and family had us for an awesome gluten free, organic lunch and dessert. It is so wonderful to meet our supporters and their families!

DC

In Washington DC we met with Stephanie, Laura and Kevin, with whom we will be collaborating with to expand MAA's reach and support. Laura and Kevin have been tracking the cost of eating organic for 5 years and have great tips! We can't wait to work with them to bring more solutions to the masses!

We sought shelter from the heat in the United States Museum of American History. Loved the exhibit on the food system (the first word we saw was organic!) and the Ag system since the earlier settlers.

Nashville rocks! At the Grand Ole Opry. We bought some country music to educate the kids about music from the heart of our country.  Todd amped up his string picking game with a banjo.  He drove the ENTIRE way, there and back, hundreds of hours of driving, and he fixed everything that broke along the way, the fridge, solar, generator, ceiling vent, wheel skirt and more. He was a handy man and driver of the highest level and we could not have accomplished what we did without him.   

We left a stack of flyers at the "Hands On Nashville,"an Urban Farm spanning two house lots with dozens of orchard trees and diverse crops. It was delightful to see signs which displayed the beneficial health aspects of each crop and how eating healthy is our first best medicine.

Along the banks of the mighty Mississippi in Memphis, TN I was stunned  and saddened to see four foot swaths of dried grass. I confirmed with the manager that Roundup had been sprayed there and she got the talking to of  her life, in a nice way...because she didn't know, mast don't know, the toxic impact that Roundup and glyphosate based herbicides can have.

We have to share this information with them, in a calm way, and give them  as much data as they would like. We were horrified to see that the banks of  the small pond and green algae was chocking out the life of the pond. The edges of all our campsite were sprayed, so I made my sons put shoes on,  we stayed in side and left as early as we could in the morning.

Little Rock, Arkansas is so lucky to have former school nurse Rhonda, Brandy, Sam, Ryan, Robert, and Russ!

Rhonda from Little Rock, AR organized a gathering at the local Natural Grocers, which has 100% organic produce! We met fascinating people! Ryan from Clean Eatery is bringing thousands of people a week wholesome organic and non GMO meals to their homes!

Natural Grocers is heaven!!! ALL organic produce, 100%, YES! Hundreds of locations, super friendly staff and they already had a table just for GMO info. We want Natural Grocers to be everywhere!

 Oklahoma

I never fail to be excited about leaving a stack of flyers on GMOs and related toxins, our glyphosate info and alternative solutions at community centers across the country. All it takes is one person to decide to do something about it and that entire city will be a step closer to a healthy community. We had fun giving out info and seeing the sights. In Oklahoma the boys were thrilled to stop at a native American shop and stock up on tomahawks and rubber band guns. After nearly two months on the road, I am not sure that was the wisest idea we ever had, but everyone is still alive and no one lost an eye so well... bring on the rubber bands!

New Mexico                                                                                             Arizona

In Alburquerque NM we met with Jane for Neal's Yard Remedies, one of our biggest sponsors, and Aseare from the Organic Living Room. In Flagstaff, AZ we stayed with Terri of Real Food Mum and met with a pack of dedicated food advocates.

California

Our last stop, on August 22, two months later,  was a celebration dinner hosted by the generous and amazing Chef Saifon and partner of True Seasons Organic Kitchen in Anaheim Hills, CA. She served us a buffet of all organic, local delicious food and some of us got Hot pots too. Her desert of mango, green tea and cookies and cream ice cream/shaved ice are divine!

We were all smiles to finally be home. It was a wonderful trip, and... home is great too. Chef Saifon knew that we would be hungry, and so would several dozen supporters, so she supplied a buffet heaping with organic food. My boys were in heaven.

Delicious organic food, rated the BEST in OC, California! What a honor to be able to thank local supporters for their dedication and have them to True Seasons Organic Kitchen. Thank you Chef Saifon and Team!Make sure to visit them if you are in the area!

Thank you again to all the supporters we met along the way! Each and every one of your stories of healing, of dedication and your struggles too, all made our trip worth it. If we did not include a photo of you, I am so sorry, some may are still hidden from me in my laptop which crashed during the trip. Please know meeting all of you was an honor and we hope to gather up the video and share your stories. 

Friends, keep being generous, committed and unstoppable!

Thank you!

Love, Zen Todd, Ben, Bodee and Bronson

For Immediate Release: August 25, 2016

Contacts:

Beyond Pesticides, Jay Feldman, 202-255-4296, Stephanie Davio, 202-543-5450

Organic Consumers Association, Katherine Paul, 207-653-3090

Moms Across America, Blair FitzGibbon, 202-503-6141

Non Profits Sue General Mills for False and Misleading Use of ‘Natural’

Tests Reveal Nature Valley Products Contain Glyphosate, an Ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup

Washington, DC - Today, three non profit organizations filed a lawsuit against General Mills for misleading the public by labeling their Nature Valley brand granola bars “Made with 100% NATURAL whole grain OATS.” It was recently discovered that the herbicide chemical glyphosate, an ingredient in Roundup and hundreds of other glyphosate-based herbicides, is present in the Nature Valley granola bars, which consumers expect to be natural and free of toxins.

Moms Across America, Beyond Pesticides and Organic Consumers Association with The Richman Law Group filed jointly on behalf of the non profit members in Washington DC under the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act.

“As a mother, when I read “100% Natural” I would expect that to mean no synthetic or toxic chemicals at all. Glyphosate is a toxic chemical that the EPA recognizes as a “reproductive effector” which “can cause liver and kidney damage” and “digestive effects.” It is unacceptable that Nature Valley granola bars contain any amount of this chemical.” Zen Honeycutt, Founder and Executive Director of Moms Across America.

A national survey conducted by Consumer Reports in 2015 finds that sixty six percent of consumers seek out products with a "natural" food label under the false belief that they are produced without pesticides, genetically modified organisms, hormones, and artificial ingredients.

“Glyphosate cannot be considered ‘natural’ because it is a toxic, synthetic herbicide,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides. “Identified by the World Health Organization(WHO) as a carcinogen, it should not be allowed for use in food production, and certainly not in food with a label that suggests to consumers that the major ingredient –oats– is 100% natural, when it is produced with and contains the highly hazardous glyphosate,” he said.

"Food grown with dangerous pesticides like glyphosate isn't natural. Consumers understand this. That's why sales of natural products are booming. Unfortunately, companies' misleading claims trick consumers into buying just what they're trying to avoid. This has to be stopped." -Alexis Baden-Mayer, Political Director of the Organic Consumers Association

The case specifically cites the use and presence of the weedkiller glyphosate in General Mills’ Nature Valley Granola products. The hazardous chemical is used during the production of oats, the major ingredient in these products, which are marketed as “natural” and labeled “Made with 100% Natural Whole Grain Oats.” As a result, glyphosate is present in the natural-labeled products.

Proponents of glyphosate herbicide use may claim that the residue levels found in many foods and beverages in America recently are below the EPA allowable levels established in 2014, and therefore consumers have no reason to be concerned. However, a 2015 study published in the journal Environmental Health finds that chronic, low-dose exposure to glyphosate as low as .1 parts per billion leads to adverse effects on liver and kidney health. A study released in early 2016 finds that glyphosate can cause changes to DNA function resulting in the onset of chronic disease, including diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The lawsuit alleges that, when marketing Nature Valley products, General Mills misleads and fails to disclose to consumers of the use and presence of glyphosate and its harmful effects. Plaintiffs are asking a jury to find that General Mills’ “natural” labeling is deceptive and misleading and therefore a violation of law, and require its removal from the market.

Read the full complaint here.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The Organic Consumers Fund is a 501(c)4 allied organization of the Organic Consumers Association, focused on grassroots lobbying and legislative action. Visit: https://www.organicconsumers.org/

Moms Across America is 501(c)3 non profit and a national coalition of unstoppable moms raising awareness about GMOs and toxins in our food and environment. Their motto is "Empowered Moms, Healthy Kids.” Visit www.momsacrossamerica.org

Beyond Pesticides is a national grassroots non-profit organization headquartered in the District of Columbia that works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. For more information, see www.beyondpesticides.org.

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Press Release 

August 24, 2016- Mission Viejo CA. This week, 99 billboards and 55 signs were posted by Moms Across America and Adams & Fairway Outdoor Advertising in 12 states to raise awareness about organic food.

The billboard, the third of a series, refers to the Back to School season and reads “Pack Organic: Delicious and Non Toxic” showing a picture of a pre-teen girl with her lunch box open.

Moms Across America Founder and Executive Director Zen Honeycutt states, “Many people in America do not understand the implications of not eating organic. Their children, who are the most vulnerable due to developing immune, neurological, nervous and reproductive systems, are being inundated by toxic chemicals in conventional and genetically modified foods. Most of our food manufacturers would like Americans to be ignorant to this fact so we must take matters into our own hands and raise awareness ourselves.”

30.5 million GMO (genetically modified) meals which have residues of dozens of toxic chemicals are served to American children each day in federally funded schools. American children have skyrocketing health issues and costs. Proponents of GMOs claim that they are necessary to feed the world, however 40% of Americans are obese, 40% of food is wasted and yet 15.3 million US children go to bed hungry every night. Chemical companies claim that their chemicals are safe for farmers and consumers, but recent studies show serious harm, including cancer and neurotoxicity. Honeycutt points out that, “It is not the food that needs to be modified, it is the food system.” The meals served in our public school system are often the only meals that students in underprivileged areas eat and are therefore even more important to be nutritious and toxin free.

Organizations like Turning Green and The Conscious Kitchen are working to support schools and universities to transition to fresh, local, organic, seasonal, non GMO, and pesticide free food for students. Founder of these organizations Judi Shils adds,“Our student-run organizations have shown that schools can switch to local and organic food, it starts with just a few committed people and a lot of dedication.”

Honeycutt adds, “In the meantime, we encourage Americans to pack as much organic food as possible for their children, starting with fruit, oils, and dairy which can have the highest levels of contaminants. Buying bulk, local, whole foods reduces costs and supports the local economy.”

Moms Across America is reaching millions, with more than 400 leaders who created over 750 events in all 50 states to raise awareness about GMOs and related toxic chemicals since 2013. She attributes the growth of the moms network to the determination of mothers who will research, share and speak up to protect their children. Find out more about GMOs and related toxic chemicals at www.momsacrossamerica.org

Contact info:

Blair Fitzgibbon, Publicist, [email protected]

Moms Across America, Zen Honeycutt - [email protected]

Turning Green and The Conscious Kitchen, Judi Shills- [email protected]

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Photo from article on Natural News

Many of us are still steaming...not just from the massive heat wave hitting America, but from the insanity happening on the Hill.

GMOs are being hidden by our President behind QR codes, our own Organic Trade Association, Just Label It, EWG- Environmental Working Group and Whole Foods worked to compromise our efforts, and the corruption of the election process has a huge portion of the population leaning towards just giving up and not voting or volunteering for our cause anymore.

I understand the sadness.

I understand the frustration.

Please keep in mind that frustration is the mother of invention. 

I always feel better when I allow myself to feel frustrated. There are times when I just need to ask someone to "hear me out" and have a good cry. From there, I can identify the problem...then ask myself, what can I do about it?

We have an opportunity now to be creative!

Here is what some other orgs are doing about it:

From the unstoppable Center for Food Safety CFS:

CFS will be filing a federal lawsuit in the next two weeks asking a court to declare the law unconstitutional on a number of grounds and to restore our democratically decided upon labeling laws.

We need your support to launch this lawsuit and protect our right to know. Be one of the first to pitch in now>>>

From Tara Cook Littman and the Citizens for GMO Labeling:

Senator Blumenthal has called for a repeal of the "DARK Act"!  He acknowledged that could be a hard road, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't t try!  I know he gives many of us hope.  The CT Mirror did a great article. 

https://www.facebook.com/CitizensforGMOLabeling/photos/a.436785689772204.1073741828.429933613790745/…

Thank Senator Blumenthal on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/SenBlumenthal/?fref=ts

The DARK Act wipes out GMO labeling nationally. The TPP (Trans Pacific Trade Agreement) could wipe out GMO labeling internationally. It would be considered a "trade barrier" within the 12 nations in the agreement to label GMOs, all which trade globally. We must not allow despair about the DARK Act stop us from putting an end to the TPP. See below:

From our friends at Food & Water Watch:

On Friday, the White House officially put Congress on notice that the TPP is coming, and we're seeing reports that the Administration is planning more than 30 high-profile events with cabinet members before the end of the month to strong-arm members of Congress to support the TPP.

But the public is against this toxic trade deal, and both presidential candidates oppose the TPP. Momentum is against the Administration — and it's up to us to keep it that way.

Tell your members of Congress to reject the TPP!

Thank you!

We hope you will take part in the efforts of our cause. Together we can accomplish so much more!

At Purple Sprout Cafe, Wheeling IL with Go Green Northbrook and MAA supporters

If you are in AR, OK, NM, AZ or CA and  would like to meet up with me, Zen Honeycutt and my family, please see our National Toxin Free Tour dates and times here:

https://yesmaam.nationbuilder.com/_toxin_free_town_tour

We invite you to contact us with your ideas and volunteer to support our never ending cause. I say never ending because the love for our children, health and freedom will never end.

Labels or not. Your favorite candidate elected President or not, our commitment remains undauntable.

We remain unstoppable.

We continue to thank you for your support!

Gratefully,

Zen Honeycutt and MAA Team

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GMO Farming	Organic Farming

Dear Michelle Obama,

My name is Samantha McDaniel and I am a family support worker at Healthy Babies Project in Washington DC. I work with teen moms and a lot of them are from very underprivileged neighborhoods with low income. When I take them shopping to teach them how to buy healthy, organic and non GMO food it is already challenging enough. They would never use a Smart phone to scan a QR code or go to a website like bill S.764 would require them to do because most can't afford a Smart phone. It's also dangerous to be looking at a phone when you have a baby in the cart or a toddler running off in a public place with possible predators nearby. Our moms would not use their cell phone minutes because they have Pay As You Go phones and can't afford to use up their minutes on calling food companies. This bill is very discriminatory to minorities, many of which are low income.

I ask you, Michelle Obama to ask your husband label GMOs and keep his word as he said he would in his campaign by clearly labeling GMOs in writing on the package.

As you are a mother of a child with an allergy, and one who supports organic gardening we hope you will support other mothers as well.

-Samantha McDaniel Healthybabiesproject.org

From Moms Across America:

Michelle we ask you to speak to your husband immediately, as the bill could be signed into law before the summer break, in a few days.

The so called "GMO Labeling Bill" S.764 or otherwise known as the DARK Act - Denying Americans the Right to Know - is discriminatory against low income citizens, minorities, as well as senior citizens and people who live in rural locations also because it:

1. Allows food manufacturers to "label" GMOs with a mere QR code that says "Scan this for more Food information," a website or a telephone number without the words GMO anywhere on the package. This means senior citizens would have to buy and learn how to either scan the package with a smart phone, log onto a website or make a telephone call. Many seniors are no able to so do and this leaves them disadvantaged.
   
   
2. Many rural areas do not have cell phone reception or Wi-Fi in stores and therefore even if one did have a Smart Phone or cell phone, and they wanted to, they might not be able to access the information and be disadvantaged.
   
   
3. People of low income, seniors and minorities have enough stress, difficulties and discrimination in their lives right now.They deserve honest information just like everyone else.
   
   
4. Health issues in America are disproportionately affecting minorities. Much higher numbers of African American, Hispanic and low income children have diabetes and obesity. The parents of these sectors are especially in need of access to information which could impact their families health to prevent costly illnesses.

American citizens deserve to have the words identifying GMO ingredients written clearly, on the package, just like salt or sugar, so they make make informed decisions.

Please watch these videos, Michelle:

• Samantha McDaniel- teen mom support worker
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06R2i9HPtrM
  
• Paul LaBossiere- senior citizen
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyfZbUtgJSA
  
• Antoinette Carter- mom
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQHhyhLvqI

Please stand with us for equal rights,  respect, and honor of the American People. 

Thank you! 

With Love From,

Healthy Babies Project and Moms Across America

SIGN LETTER NOW:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/578/486/684/michelle-obama-stop-the-dark-act-s.764-is-discriminatory/

If you have not had the time to read and analyze the newest, darkest, most dangerous "GMO Labeling Bill" cooked up by Senator Stabenow and Senator Roberts, that passed last week and is now headed to the House for our representatives to vote for on Tuesday...read the synopsis below.

The President will likely get this bill to sign into law on Wednesday or shortly thereafter. If he signs it into law he wipes out America's right to know and states rights.

The bill S.764 is a FAKE GMO labeling bill.

According to leaders in our cause:

The US Senate, through the munificent campaign contributions of the chemical and bio-tech industry, has passed a new anti-labeling bill aimed at squashing Vermont’s GMO labeling initiative which goes into effect this Friday, July 1, 2016. 

 Five Facts About the Senate’s New “Mandatory” GMO Labeling Bill

1. It is not a labeling bill.  There is no requirement for labeling in the bill.

2. It is not mandatory.  All provisions of the bill are OPTIONAL.

3. There are no penalties for non-compliance, so it is voluntary.

4. While it is intended to preempt Vermont in 2016,  the new (non-labeling, non-mandatory, no penalty, optional bill is not “effective” for at least two years), making such a preemption possibly unconstitutional

5. It was not the product of an internal “Senate compromise.”  It was written by the GMO and bio-tech industry and greased with campaign contributions to avoid labeling GMO food and seeds.

A Few More Points about the bill.

1. The narrow definition also excludes products with no detectable rDNA, so highly purified soy, canola or corn oil, as well as sugar from GE sugar beets, also get exempted. These are the majority of GMOs

2. Even the FDA opposes this bill because ofthe lack of inclusion of all GMOs and the confusing "labeling".

3. The bill is toothless, since there are NO financial penalties for non-compliance, nor can any non-compliant food be recalled.  The bill simply states that it is prohibited to not disclose the fact that a food is "bioengineered" and the only penalty is that USDA may conduct an audit and reveal the results of that audit to the public.  In addition, the labeling is exempt from FFDCA requirements re: false and misleading claims.  So, if a company decides to ignore the law completely, they would face no real punishment.

Here is the text of the Stabenow-Roberts bill on GE labeling:   

http://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mandatory%20Labeling%20Bill.pdf. 

In some ways, this is even worse than the original Roberts bill.  The bottom line is that the main intent of the legislation is to immediately pre-empt VT Act 120, and then have USDA take 2 years to propose regulations mandating labeling that can involve QR codes, 800 numbers, and websites.

• Call Congress and speak to your representatives 202-224-3121 today and every day this week! 
• Sign the petition to President Obama: VETO the discriminatory GMO unlabeling law!
• Sign the petition: https://wh.gov/iFYPQ, and then check your email to confirm your signature (very important -- your vote won't be counted until you confirm).

Thank you everyone for really rallying and being a part of making a difference!

It's time to stand for Health and Freedom for ALL!

Love, 
The Moms Across America Team

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Press Release
Contact: Blair Fitzgibbon, 202-503-6141

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Support the Toxin Free Town Tour!

Help us get GMOs,  Roundup and Toxic Chemicals OUT of our Country!!! Now!!

     

Hi!
I am Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America and my family and I are driving cross country on the National Toxin Free Town Tour to raise awareness about toxins and empower citizens to take action and get Roundup and toxic chemicals OUT of their Towns and GMOs off their tables. 
We are able and willing to meet with locals and supporters in 40 stops roundtrip and give out free flyers, banners and materials to help create healthy communities. Every person who receives these materials gives their community  new solutions and reverses the health crisis America! It's time!!!

Will you chip in $5, $10 or what ever you can to support us in raising awareness?

Supporting this tour also helps to release the grip of our country from corporate control. The chemical companies only power they have over our government because we give them our money by buying their products. Together we can raise awareness and regain health, justice and freedom in America!

---

 

We need about $7,000 for the trip: $2000 for gas, $2000 for video editing and graphics for the video we will make about the organic farms we visit and the supporters and their stories along the way, $1800 for RV spots and $1200 for support for logistics. 

We are super grateful that Dr.Bronner's will match donations! The additional funds will go towards support of the tour- the program support, T shirts, materials, flyers, lawn signs, and organic food donations to local food banks. 
It would mean so much to us to meet our supporters, raise awareness cross country,  empower action for healthy communities and donate to food banks.

If we do not raise the full amount, priority goes towards gas, materials and the video. We hope to raise more than enough to give freely to food banks and have plenty of supplies to give out!

We will connect with supporters and meet new people all across the country and bring them SUPPORT and SOLUTIONS!

  

We have 14 meetings with supporters planned on the way over. We are makes 40 + stops dropping off flyers and materials at as many as possible.  If you want to meet us along the way, get free materials, have Zen do a talk or meet with your group members, please contact us at [email protected].

Click here for the National Toxin Free Tour Campaign Scheduled Stops and to donate!

It is simply not enough for your family or my family to eat organic or to stop spraying Roundup in our yards. Our children's future spouses are out there somewhere- likely eating GMOs and toxins from their food, neighbors and public parks. So this is a community issue, a national and global issue. One family at a time we can make a difference and protect future generations.

I will be so thankful for your support. This is my life's passion, and my family is utterly devoted to this cause. I promise your donation will make a difference for generations to come. 

Thank you!

Huge Hugs from the Honeycutts!

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