10 Things you can do ….

1. Share your story or concerns with S.T.O.P. Let us know why food safety is important to you. One of S.T.O.P.’s most important roles is public speaking and advocacy. Your voice can help scientists, policy makers and government create better policies.
   
2. Become a hotline resource. Do you have experience with a foodborne disease, or expertise in crisis counseling? Would you be willing to share that expertise with S.T.O.P.’s victim hotline response team? Use the knowledge you’ve gained to help others who may be struggling with difficult life circumstances. S.T.O.P. Headquarters answers every call, and makes sure to match callers to volunteers based on comfort and expertise. We often ask volunteers to take calls much as a supporting friend would.
   
3. Write Congress, and tell them why food safety needs to be a legislative priority. Ask them to become leaders on food safety issues, to join congressional caucuses on food safety, to write a letter of support to S.T.O.P. expressing their ongoing commitment to food safety efforts. Use www.congress.org to find your Legislators.
   
4. Inform your local media. Write an op-ed article for your local paper. Request that a favorite magazine does a food safety article. Have your local news station cover a food safety story. Need help approaching the media? Call S.T.O.P. HQ, and we’ll provide you with tips.
   
5. Become an expert on a food safety topic. Research latest medical treatments, study government regulations, or learn more about the safety of our national school lunch program.
   
6. Let your neighbors know - Staff a table at a local health fair, or farmer’s market, or distribute educational materials in your neighborhood. Contact S.T.O.P. for materials. Get the word out, and save lives!
   
7. Join a planning committee, and help organize national events. S.T.O.P. has held medical symposiums, press events, and activist trainings - find out what we’re doing now and how to get involved!
   
8. Involve others in food safety - like your local PTA, or elderly group. Have your book club read Fast Food Nation or Spoiled. (Available for purchase through S.T.O.P.)
   
9. Join your State’s Food Safety Task Force (where applicable) Many states have active task forces working on food safety - ask your governor’s office if your state is among them and how to join. If your state doesn’t, find out about food safety at a local university and what extension programs may exist for you to become involved in.
   
10. Start a S.T.O.P. chapter. Gather with a group of other concerned individuals in your area to build a safe food community. Call S.T.O.P. HQ for more details.