Jazmon DeJarnette | KSBW Actions News 8 Reporter
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff spent the day on the Monterey Peninsula, addressing agricultural challenges at the EcoFarm Conference at the Asilomar Conference Grounds and visiting Meals on Wheels Monterey Peninsula to see local food programs in action.
At the conference, Schiff spoke to farmers, advocates, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of federal policies that support all farmers, not just large operations.
“The agricultural you all cultivate is foundational to California, economically, culturally, environmentally, but too often California farmers don’t see themselves reflected in the policies coming out of Washington,” Schiff said.
He highlighted his top priority on the U.S. Agricultural Committee, stating, “It is really part of a whole of government approach by this administration to attack anything that seeks to support a diverse group of people that are engaged in farming or business or who are civil servants.”
Schiff also visited Meals on Wheels Monterey Peninsula, where he observed firsthand how local food programs impact the community.
“To have him get a glimpse at our operations and the impacts that we have in the community can only help, support what we’re doing,” said Jacob Shafer, senior director of advancement for meals on Wheels Monterey Peninsula.
During his visit, Schiff met Gina Fu, a dedicated kitchen worker who has known him for years.
“He’ll also have the pleasure of visiting the mother of somebody that he used to work with, who works for us in the kitchen,” Shafer said.
“He’s one of the best bosses that she had, yeah, she working with them together for over 20 years,” Fu said.
From agricultural policy to community impact, Schiff’s visit highlighted the people at the heart of California’s food system.
Meals on Wheels expressed their satisfaction with the visit, noting it as a positive experience.
