SGA Resolution 2021-2022 #43, May 2022

RESOLUTION 2021-2022 #43 IN THE STUDENT SENATE OF TOWSON UNIVERSITY, May 10th, 2022, A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE INCORPORATION OF PESTICIDE- FREE/ORGANIC FOOD INTO TOWSON UNIVERSITY’S DINING OPTIONS INTRODUCED ON: May 10th, 2022 INTRODUCED BY: Senator Eaglin and Senator Makki (on behalf of Director Johnstone) COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Favorable SENATE ACTION: ENACT UPON APPROVAL. Jordan M. DeVeaux, President - Student Government Association WHEREAS, Some students stricdy eat organic accommodate their dietary needs. ^r^i^^^pLioods and TU’s dining options do not WHEREAS, GMO-based agriculture is associated with destructive practices such as increased pesticide use and suppressed crop diversity. Loss of biodiversity causes us to lose the valuable benefits that biodiversity has to offer like healthy sod. Healthy soil causes microorganisms to form which can be used for medicine (Living Non-GMO, 2022). WHEREAS, GMO crops place a great amount of power in the hands of large corporations, creating monopolies within the food industry. Supporting Community Sustainable Agricultural programs (CSAs) allows communities to support local farmers. Also, farmers who plant non-GMO crops are able to save seeds (Living Non-GMO, 2022). WHEREAS, nutritionists recommend a diverse diet with a low amount of processed foods. GMO foods have a limited pool of dietary options, with a lot of the staple crops being com and soy being overrepresented by about 90% (Living Non-GMO, 2022). WHEREAS, John Hopkins University has organic food options available to students and works with local and regional farms. In 2013 the university pledged to increase its organic food options within the next six years up to 35% (Wells 2013). WHEREAS, According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, “pesticides are a threat to the region’s environmental health because they can be toxic to aquatic life, wildlife and humans” (Pimental, 2009). The toxic chemicals in pesticides can injure organisms and cause a food web contamination, eventually, this contamination will lead to human consumption. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Student Senate of the 101st Administration of the Student Government Association of Towson University recommends that Towson University’s dining services invest in incorporating pesticide free/ organic foods into Towson’s dining options. 4-0