There has been a couple scary reports about our food supply in the last few months. So, because of my profession people often look for me to discuss the state of our food supply. I understand this because there is a lot of fear and uncertainty around this subject. Most people rely upon the US government to regulate and punish the food supplier in our country yet it does not happen, so what they do is avoid the whatever food is currently contaminated for their favorite restaurant to dance with their concerns and eventually comfort them into trusting that food again.
The way I see is it is there is way too many hands touching the food before it gets to our homes. See, the majority of the issue we face starts at the farms where the food is being grown (vegetables and fruits) and/or raise (cows, chickens, pigs, fish, etc). There are large farms that produce either organic or conventional foods. When the foods are harvested it is then handled by the farmers to be transported via different businesses. Then the businesses through its set of handling, processing, transportation, and storage passes it on to factories for processing or warehouses for storage. Not many of us are aware of what takes place between this step. After the food is process or reaches the warehouse it goes through another phase of handling, and storage. Then it is transported to your local grocery store where it once again is handled and then stored in “the back” before it is stored out on the shelves where you get select, purchase, transport it home. Once you get it home you do your version of handling, processing, and storing it until it reaches your plate.
That is a condensed version of the process of how many hands can touch the food before you get to handle it. Now think of how many opportunity there is to contaminate the food from harmful bacteria to harmful chemicals, as well as how much nutrients are being lost with each handling, processing, shipping, and storing process. It does not matter if your food is organic or conventional. The problem we should all be focused on is what happens the moment the food is harvested from the farm and before it gets to your home. Whatever is taking place the health and wellness industry is seeing more and more people, especially children, with more food sensitivities, intolerance, and allergies.
Now, one of the biggest battles I read and often hear about has to with the organic versus conventional foods. My answer is organic is more superior in nutrients than convention food only IF it was grown in your back yard or within a 150 to 200 miles radius from your current home. If your have used some sort of product in your garden to get rid of certain bugs or pests in order to grown your food then it is more than likely higher in nutrients than organic food shipped from 2000 miles away or even worst, the other side of the world. See with each handling, processing, packaging, shipping, and storing of any food (organic or conventional) nutrients are loss. The closer to home you can get your food (organic or conventional) the more nutrients are available. The least amount of handling/processing/transporting/storage from farm or garden to your home the better it is for you and your family.
By the way, the cost associated with organic and conventional food is strictly based on that business’ overhead. Most businesses (small or large) have a complex calculation that tell hem how much it cost to operate their business, and how much they get to home. What they offer is based on demand.
So my gifts to you is first and foremost take time to know the people producing your food. No matter where you are purchasing your food from (grocery store, neighborhood garden, farmer’s market, or directly from the farme). The more you know these people the more informed choice you can make about the type of food you are providing for yourself and your family.
Here are some pointers for finding local food sources:
1.) Grow your own food. If you don’t have a large enough space then consider using containers. Along these lines is to find others in your area with small gardens, grow different foods, and share.
2.) If you don’t have time to grow your own food find out if you have a family member, friend, neighbor, or church member who does and offer them money or services in return.
3.) Visit your local farmers market with growers within 150 to 200 miles radius of your home. http://www.localharvest.org/
4.) Contact your nearest plant nursery and ask about any local vegetable and fruit gardening club. You can usually find local growers at these club who would gladly share their food for a less than you would buy in the grocery store. They might even offer it for free.
5.) Check with your child’s school to see if they have a gardening club. Many schools are now teaching children about gardening. These classes and clubs are being taught by master gardeners.
6.) Join a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in your local area. You can purchase shares crop, from large gardeners and/or farms, once it is harvested and usually it is a lot of food. Mostly vegetables.
7.) Find a local farm close to your home where you can purchase your food directly. You might also consider working with others in your area taking turns driving to the farm and picking up for each other.
Sandra Hurd, MS
Certified Nutrition Consultant
http://www.stopmychildseczema.com
