Food for Thought

Marion Nestle, an amazing professor, advocate and guru of food sovereignty, has written several in-depth books about food policy and politics. In her many years teaching nutrition and public health, she has revealed how the food industry influences our food security, aid, and availability. As a mom with teens, I have relied on her books Unsavory Truth and Soda Politics to bring awareness into the kids’ spheres and hope some of it sinks into their developing brains and bodies. Access to clean, whole fruits and veggies is only half the problem; the other half is not falling prey to the addictive sugar and carb ads all around us. When my kids return to school fully, there will still be the same school lunch pyramid complexities; the pandemic has heightened health challenges for many children who are at home all day, getting less exercise and under financial strains that are challenging how and what to eat. If only we could somehow infuse a farm into every school! I truly believe that the connection and commitment of growing food as part of the curriculum would have an outstanding positive effect.

Another of Nestle’s books, Eat Drink Vote, is an illustrated cartoon commentary on how to vote with your fork for a healthier, more sustainable world. As we dive into this last week before the election, we can take time on local levels to support candidates that will affect our food choices. Everybody needs to eat, and it should be addressed that while many are food insecure, others are grappling with obesity, and some are faced with both. When we vote, one objective can be to bring fresh, healthy, affordable food to all. And, as always, if you have extra means to donate farm boxes to the food banks during these challenging times, it is greatly appreciated!

Make sure to find us on Instagram @fullcirclefarms.