FEATURE


San Diego Uptown News | Jan. 21-Feb. 3, 2011 Uptown Games Uptown’s


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Sudoku


Jeff Rossman, (center), owner of Hillcrest's Terra Restaurant, is involved with several garden projects and childhood obesity prevention programs. Here he is shown with Albert Einstein Academy students. (Courtesy of Jeff Rossman)


New school lunch legislation


By Brook Larios SDUN Reporter


Parents, barons of the education system and food activists breathed echoing sighs of relief Dec. 2 as Congress passed the long awaited Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (Senate Bill 3307) with a 264-157 vote. The legislation, also referred to as the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Bill, reauthorizes and expands upon federal child nutrition programs that must be reassessed every five years. Some argue the $4.5 billion legislation will insufficiently fund several of the most essential programs outlined, while others call it the most far- reaching child nutrition legislation in history. What does this mean for


Uptown youth? In short, the legislation aims to fund after-school meals for more low-income children, raises nutrition standards and eradicates certain processed foods and high-sugar drinks from school meals, provides funding for school gardens, funds school meals for foster children. The bill also promises to fund programs to reduce childhood obesity, provide grants for research on childhood hunger and supply a modest six-cent increase in subsidies. Jeff Rossman, executive chef and owner of Hillcrest’s Terra Restaurant, is an advocate for childhood nutrition. He sits on Kensington’s Central Elementary School’s From the Ground Up Gar- den Project advisory board and is


aims to feed the children well Two local food activists change area schoolchildren’s relation- ship with food—with or without the bill’s funds


involved with the San Diego Child- hood Obesity Initiative as well as the Farm-to-School pilot program. Rossman teaches children to grow, harvest and cook their own organic vegetables, resulting in a greater ap- preciation of for fresh produce and requests for it outside of schools. With real implications for ending childhood obesity by reaching chil- dren in underserved areas, Garden Projects such as this are likely to receive funding from the bill. “A lot of people are making the


argument that the government is stepping in and being Big Brother, telling families what they should be doing,” Rossman said. “It’s not really that. It’s the fact that kids


see Food, page 23 Pets of the Week Shelter Volunteer


COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 5480 Gaines St., San Diego, Calif. 767-2611| Adoption Counselor


Nala is an 8-years-young female Poodle/Chihua- hua Mix who came to the shelter as a stray. She is a friendly bundle of curly fur who loves all of the at- tention from shelter volunteers. Nala learns quickly with her poodle smarts and can’t wait to show off her high I.Q. to a lucky family. Her small size makes her an easy traveling companion as well as a great candidate for condo or apartment living. Ask for I.D. #A1383361 and tag #C847. Nala can be adopted for the senior fee of just $35.


Sapphire is a 1 1/2 year old spayed Blue Tortie


who’s previous owner could no longer care for her. She may have matured into an adult cat, but is just as playful and fun as any of the young kittens. Sap- phire is looking for a forever home which she can depend on for the entirety of her nine lives. Start-off the New Year by adding a furry friend to your home by asking for I.D. #A1386744 and tag #C853. Sap- phire can be adopted for $58.


All adoption fees include vaccinations, spaying/ neutering (upon adoption), a microchip and free vet visit. Dog fees also include a 1-year license. Nala and Sapphire are at our Central County


Shelter, 5480 Gaines St., San Diego. Shelter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or visit sddac.com for more information.u


Election Aftermath Answer key, page 23 Uptown Crossword


Answer key, page 23


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