One of the key messages that came through in the movie Food,
Inc is that we, the American Consumers,
have the power to change the food industry. I know, it’s hard to believe, but
we can do this by demanding local, organic, grass-fed and free-range by voicing
our needs and desires each day at the market and in restaurants.
Sound impossible?
Just a few years ago, I wouldn't have
believed a prediction that Walmart would be offering hormone-fee milk in 2009 but,
guess what? They do. And the dairy buyers from Walmart who were featured in
Food, Inc said it best, "...our customers told us they want this milk". Where there's a demand, they'll fill it. And every gallon of organic
or rBST hormone-free milk purchased means that a gallon of the other stuff
isn't.
And that's a step in the right direction. So, here's how we vote
with the dollars we have to spend on food these days...
1. Visit your local farmer's market for fresh, local food.
It's not just produce, either. You'll likely find local meats, eggs, bread and
other items from growers near you. Not all local farms use sustainable
practices so make sure to ask.
2. At your market, ask the produce manager, meat and seafood
counter folks, and the store management about what they're carrying that's
local, organic or sustainable. The more questions they hear and interest they
see, the more likely they are to start carrying more of these items.
3. Be aware of green washing and other marketing tactics
that some food companies use. Become familiar enough with ingredients so that
you can recognize something that doesn't naturally occur in nature. A good tip
is that it's probably questionable (at best) if you can't pronounce it. Also
know that a lot of products that are positioned as natural aren’t necessarily
worth a premium price since this label isn’t as strictly guarded as organic.
Visit the websites, ask questions and do what you can.
What really matters? That we do what we can to make a
difference towards a healthier food system, which leads to a healthier America.
Small steps totally count. If you need some help or new ideas, feel free to
send me an email - I'd love to help you get there.
Comments