October 11, 2017 

In 2015 the USDA reported orange juice was the most consumed fruit juice in the United States and oranges were second most consumed fruit overall, just slightly behind apples. The average person in America consumes  2.7 gallons of orange juice and 3 pounds of oranges each year. “100% Pure Orange Juice” is a common claim used by many juice brands that allow consumers to feel safe when serving it to their families daily. However, recent testing revealed that every one of the five top orange juice brands Moms Across America sent to an accredited lab tested positive for glyphosate weed killer. Glyphosate is the declared active chemical ingredient in Roundup, manufactured by Monsanto, and 750 other brands of glyphosate-based herbicides. Roundup is the most widely used herbicide in the world, often sprayed as a weedkiller between citrus trees, found in irrigation water and rain. 

Moms Across America founder Zen Honeycutt stated, "The discovery of glyphosate residue in orange juice is unacceptable, especially since a branch of the World Health Organization designated glyphosate a probable carcinogen, two years ago, back in the spring of 2015. The EPA has had ample time to revoke the license of this chemical and restrict its use in our food and beverage crops. As confirmed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, our children (who frequently drink orange juice for breakfast) are especially vulnerable to pesticides and measures should be taken immediately to protect them."

Two samples of each of the following brands were tested for both the herbicide glyphosate and its residue AMPA. Positive results ranged from 4.33 parts per billion (“ppb”) to an alarming 26.05 ppb. Chemical farming proponents will claim that these levels are too low to cause harm, and are lower than the EPA's allowable glyphosate residue level of 30 ppm on citrus, but these claims are irrelevant in comparison to new data. Studies have shown that only 0.1 ppm (100ppb) of glyphosate destroys beneficial gut bacteria, weakening the immune system, which can lead to a wide variety of health and neurological issues. Considering the standard American diet high wheat, sugar, oatmeal, soy, and corn, with levels of up to 6000 ppb or 1.67ppm have been detected,  a child can easily exceed the 100 ppb if a glass of orange juice is added at  26 ppb.

Additionally, 1 part per trillion (ppt) has been shown to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.  1 ppt is equivalent to 1 drop in the water of 22 Olympic swimming pools combined. Considering that studies show glyphosate bioaccumulates in bone marrow, any amount ingested is unacceptable.

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Miscarriage Coverup Revealed

On Tuesday attorneys from Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, who are representing hundreds of plaintiffs accusing Monsanto of causing their Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, made Monsanto's secrets available to the public. Documents produced during the discovery of the lawsuit, including emails, manipulated studies, and texts are proving to be a treasure trove of evidence not only for their case but for hundreds of thousands who have long named Monsanto the most hated corporation in the world.

Congratulations to everyone who supported the action of the CA Guild, Moms Across America, and many more to have glyphosate be listed on the Prop 65 carcinogen list! We are extremely happy and proud to share that the California EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazzard Assessment has announced that the Monsanto lawsuit has been dismissed and glyphosate will be listed officially and legally on July 7, 2017 on the Prop 65 carcinogen list.
Read the announcement here: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/glyphosate-listed-effective-july-7-2017-known-state-california-cause-cancer

And Reuter's article here: http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-glyphosate-california-idUSL1N1JN1L7

Disturbing Toxin Test Results in American Children and Food Samples

Surprising Impact for Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Organic Consumers

For immediate release:

May 5, 2017 Mission Viejo, CA- Moms Across America releases their report on their recent findings of toxins in 36 American children, tested at Great Plains Lab, along with results from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA). The results are disturbing and have an important message for Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian American consumers and food manufacturers.

 “100% of all the children tested positive for serious toxins. 79% of the children tested had ADHD or autism symptoms, 21% did not. Over 50% tested positive levels of 3X higher than the average. We expected the children who ate organic to have lower levels of toxins than the children who did not. This was not the case for the majority of the children. Upon the release of the CFIA glyphosate data we realized why, and we hope consumer and food manufacturers take note of these important findings.” - Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America.

Honeycutt focused primarily on glyphosate because scientists report that glyphosate increases the harmful impact of other environmental toxins, making the presence of the other 166 chemicals tested for, even more detrimental.

Report from Japan speaking tour, March 1-10

By Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across America

March 21,2017

I expected to go to Japan to speak about Moms Across America’s work and warn mothers of the health risks of GMOs and toxins so they could avoid them. Considering the Asian diet, I was sure their health was far better than ours. I was shocked to discover that Japanese, Korean and Filipino children health issues had far surpassed American children. Over 500-800 moms gathered for my presentations in each of the 5 locations, where I learned why the crowds were so large. 

Japanese children have developmental delays 2x higher than the US. Korean children have autism and developmental delays 2-3x higher. According to the Autism Speaks of Philippines, at least 1 million, or 1 out of 33 children in the Philippines had been diagnosed with autism in 2014 (more without healthcare are likely to have symptoms), which is far worse than our current 1 out of 68 children. I was crushed. I was Angry. I was Outraged.

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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Moms & Scientists Demand FDA & CDC Test Vaccines for Glyphosate

Glyphosate, a chemical ingredient found in Monsanto’s Roundup and hundreds of other herbicides, has been found in vaccines.  Moms Across America received preliminary screening results from Microbe Inotech Laboratories Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri which shows the DTap Adacel (Sanofi Pasteur) vaccine had 0.123 ppb, Influenza Fluvirin (Novartis)  0.331 ppb and HepB Energix-B (Glaxo Smith Kline) 0.325 and Pneumococcal Vax Polyvalent Pneumovax 23, (Merck) had 0.107 ppb of glyphosate. The MMR II (Merck) vaccine, which CDC whistleblower Dr.William Thompson has linked to autism, had levels up to 25 times higher than the other vaccines, at 2.671ppb.  Subsequently, multiple rounds of additional independent tests have confirmed these findings at or above the same levels.

Consider doing the following to protect you and your family:

• Go glyphosate-free 
• Drink purified water
• Get gut wall defense

Moms Across America’s Zen Honeycutt sent vaccines to an independent lab earlier this year for testing because “vaccines contain many ingredients which could be genetically modified. 80% of GMOs are genetically engineered to withstand glyphosate-based herbicides and glyphosate is allowed on 160 non-organic food and feed crops by the EPA. We wondered if glyphosate could be contaminating not only our water, urine, breast milk, food, soil, beer, and wine, but our vaccines as well.”

Moms Across America has sent a letter on September 1, 2016, to the FDA, CDC, EPA, NIH, California Department of Health, and Senator Boxer requesting that they make it a priority to test vaccines for glyphosate, recall contaminated vaccines and for the EPA to revoke the license of glyphosate to prevent further contamination. “And in the meantime, we call upon our lawmakers to rescind the mandate which forces parents to vaccinate their child in order to attend school, in light of extraordinary new evidence.”

Honeycutt states, “We were shocked to find the presence of glyphosate in all five of the vaccines and to find that the contamination of glyphosate has extended into our medical treatments. The fact is that the CDC, vaccine makers, and our regulatory agencies should have been testing for herbicide/pesticide contamination 40 years ago before they started spraying these chemicals on our food and feed crops. If anyone questions these results we ask them to test.”

The tests were conducted with the Elisa method, (link to the full report here) which is regarded by the scientific community as a screening method only and not as accurate as HPLC mass spectrometry.  Honeycutt reports that they asked numerous labs to test additional vaccines for glyphosate over the past few months and they have been unable to test. After learning of MAA’s results, an independent scientist conducted numerous rounds of testing and has confirmed the presence of glyphosate in vaccines. He sent his data to Senator Sheehan, the FDA, NIH, elected government officials, major media, last week and received no response. One can contact Senator Sheehan for the additional test results.

Honeycutt continues, “The public must know that their vaccines likely contain glyphosate, a toxic weed killer, which is acknowledged by the EPA as a “reproductive effector” ( i.e.: endocrine disruptor) which "can cause liver and kidney damage” and has been shown to be a neurotoxin. The WHO has deemed glyphosate a probable carcinogen. We do not believe any state or government should have the right to mandate vaccines which contain harmful additives including a probable carcinogen such as glyphosate-based herbicides, especially to our most vulnerable babies. Certainly, no parent should have to knowingly inject directly into the bloodstream of their newborn, within hours of being born, or growing child, with a probable carcinogen. No pregnant mother should ever be injected with a neurotoxin and endocrine disruptor.  We are very concerned that the introduction of glyphosate in our food and feed crops, which correlates with the spike of reports of vaccine damage in the late 1990s, could be a major contributing factor in the autism epidemic. This must be researched. Testing and reformulation must also be done. We will no longer settle for anything other than safe vaccines.“

How do glyphosate-based herbicides get into vaccines?

GMO and glyphosate herbicide sprayed crops are ingredients of vaccines or are fed to livestock.

MIT scientist, Dr. Stephanie Seneff, added that “glyphosate could easily be present in vaccines due to the fact that certain vaccine viruses (including measles in MMR and flu virus) are grown on gelatin derived from the ligaments of pigs fed heavy doses of glyphosate in their GMO feed. Livestock feed is allowed to have up to 400 PPM of glyphosate residues by the EPA, thousands of times higher than has been shown to cause harm in numerous studies."

French scientist and glyphosate expert Seralini’s research has shown that glyphosate is never used alone. It is always used with adjuvants (co-formulants/other chemicals) and they have found those adjuvants to make Roundup 1000X more toxic. So the detection of glyphosate in vaccines with this methodology would indicate the presence of other co-formulants which are 1000X more toxic.

Toni Bark MD MHEM LEED AP and Co-Producer of the movie BOUGHT, states, “I am deeply concerned about injecting glyphosate, a known pesticide, directly into children. Neither Roundup nor glyphosate has been tested for safety as an injectable. Injection is a very different route of entry than the oral route.  Injected toxins, even in minute doses can have profound effects on the organs and the different systems of the body. In addition, injecting a chemical along with an adjuvant or live virus can induce severe allergic reactions to that substance. Vaccines induce the immune system to create antibodies to whatever is included in the vaccine. Since glyphosate is heavily used in corn, soy, wheat, cotton, and other commodities, we can expect to see more severe food allergies in the vaccine recipients. In addition, chemicals in ultra-low doses can have powerful effects on physiology behaving almost as hormones, stimulating or suppressing physiological receptors. ”

Contacts:

Zen Honeycutt
press@momsacrossamerica.org

Dr. Stephanie Seneff
seneff@csail.mit.edu

Dr. Toni Bark
info@diseasereversal.com

Resources:

The glyphosate in vaccines report: click here.

The test results: click here.

The letter to the FDA: click here.

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