"Organic does not necessarily mean that the food was grown in an ecologically, energetically, or socially sustainable way." If you send it half way around the world before it is eaten, an organic food still may be "good" for the consumer, but it is "good" for the food system? Quoted from Joan Gussow, nutritionist. Exert taken from Coming Home to Eat by Gary Paul Nabhan
This raises a good point. Does everything we consume need to be organically grown? Can we trust the labels that have been slapped on the packing by the marketing team? Would you prefer it to be ethically grown, but not necessarily organic? Ethically including both a healthy environment for the workers and nature.
Just something to think about as the new year approaches. Where do you want to go with your food choices? Are you able to pay top dollar for Whole Foods pricing or are you willing and able to get dirty and grow it yourself? Do you know your farmer? Are you part of a CSA meat or veggie? Have you purchased a whole pig and stashed it in the freezer?
2010 was a great year. Wonderful things happened at Wrigley Garden, Farm Lot 59 got started, Farm Box is available for you to pick up, my family joined J&J Grassfed Beef CSA. We are eating eggs from our own chickens. The more people I meet the better I feel about our city. It seems everyone is trying to do right. I feel healthy and energized because of you. There are many ways for us to eat locally and responsibly and its not more expensive. It does require a little bit extra effort and taking time to make a meal but the payoff is totally worth it. You feel better about the choices you have made and the food you are feeding yourself and your family.
2011 is going to be awesome. Please share your sources and experiences with us. Where do you shop, what are you planning to grow this year? What was your favorite thing from last year? Its something to reflect on as 2010 is put to rest and 2011 is on the horizon. Thank you so much for being part of something wonderful
Happy New Year!
