"You must be the change you want to see in the world."– Mahatma Gandhi
Every decision we make as individuals has consequences. That is no less true of our food choices than in any other aspect of our lives.
For our family, it wasn't enough just to to recognize the impact food had on our health and the environment. We had to understand the alternatives and be an active part of the solution. We knew early on this would require some sacrifices, especially in terms of convenience. But we also felt that were ultimately going to be responsible for our actions.
Though most of us will never spend a day laboring on a farm, we are all co-creators of our agricultural system. The food we find in supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants is just as much a reflection of our choices as it is the workings of factory farms, government policy and marketers.
Every day we hear of the epidemic of obesity and other threats to our health and safety posed by agri-business. Some of us are unaware of how all of these issues are interrelated; or, we feel like we have no choice and are unable to change course, hoping that others can ensure our safety.
Instead, we all need to understand that we exert a tremendous market-based influence through our purchases. With each dollar we spend, we are supporting a certain model of food production and delivery. The question we should ask ourselves is whether we are supporting a system that is aligned with our values and our vision for the future.
By accepting only local, seasonal food, our family is casting a vote for sustainable agriculture. Won't you join us in shaping the future of food?
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