Is Organic Food Only For The Rich?
According to an article published in today's Grist by author and sustainable farmer Tom Philpott, yes, maybe, but it doesn't have to be that way.
I totally agree. My premise is that fresh healthy food is available -- and affordable -- for everyone, and I would like to help everyone learn how to access it, grow, cook, and eat great organic gourmet food.
Philpott says that there is a dark history behind the way our food is grown, and who has real access to the best of our food supply. His article is thought-provoking at the very least.
It's true that people at the low end of the income scale will tend to reach for cheap, available foods (which in the USA is often fast foods and drinks, loaded with trans fats, carbs, and sugar.)
But many farmers markets accept food stamps, and with a little planning and change of habits, even someone on a very low pay scale can still feed their family with healthy meals.
For one thing, a large bag of lentils will make a fabulous soup or stew that serves a large family for more than a week, and costs less than one big hamburger from a fast food joint. Add some fresh vegetables, and maybe a bone or two for extra protein and flavor, and now you're really cooking.
Of course, comparing a pot of lentil soup (that admittedly must be cooked and simmered a while) to something you can grab on the run, is not always the solution for the hard working poor. But it IS possible. And desirable.
Wonderful and simple meals can be easily produced with a minimum of effort. But the key is education.
Who will reach and teach the working poor, to seek better eating habits? Who will show them where to find the bargains they need to find, in order to make it work?
I don't have the whole answer but I'm making a start with my web site, Find Great Organic Gourmet Foods.
I advocate eating better for everyone, regardless of means. And hopefully, I will be able to provide the links and resources you need to start turning away from fast food "solutions" to get on track for healthy eating again.
Here's to a safe and delicious food supply -- for everyone!
Nancy
Here's where to learn more
According to an article published in today's Grist by author and sustainable farmer Tom Philpott, yes, maybe, but it doesn't have to be that way.
I totally agree. My premise is that fresh healthy food is available -- and affordable -- for everyone, and I would like to help everyone learn how to access it, grow, cook, and eat great organic gourmet food.
Philpott says that there is a dark history behind the way our food is grown, and who has real access to the best of our food supply. His article is thought-provoking at the very least.
It's true that people at the low end of the income scale will tend to reach for cheap, available foods (which in the USA is often fast foods and drinks, loaded with trans fats, carbs, and sugar.)
But many farmers markets accept food stamps, and with a little planning and change of habits, even someone on a very low pay scale can still feed their family with healthy meals.
For one thing, a large bag of lentils will make a fabulous soup or stew that serves a large family for more than a week, and costs less than one big hamburger from a fast food joint. Add some fresh vegetables, and maybe a bone or two for extra protein and flavor, and now you're really cooking.
Of course, comparing a pot of lentil soup (that admittedly must be cooked and simmered a while) to something you can grab on the run, is not always the solution for the hard working poor. But it IS possible. And desirable.
Wonderful and simple meals can be easily produced with a minimum of effort. But the key is education.
Who will reach and teach the working poor, to seek better eating habits? Who will show them where to find the bargains they need to find, in order to make it work?
I don't have the whole answer but I'm making a start with my web site, Find Great Organic Gourmet Foods.
I advocate eating better for everyone, regardless of means. And hopefully, I will be able to provide the links and resources you need to start turning away from fast food "solutions" to get on track for healthy eating again.
Here's to a safe and delicious food supply -- for everyone!
Nancy
Here's where to learn more
posted by Nancy at 5:38 PM
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