Mark Kurlansky answers this question in his children’s book World Without Fish. Clear and simple presentation of facts and great graphics make this a wonderful read for kids. The cover itself with its lone diver all alone in the depths of the ocean sends a strong message.Please do check it out.
The numbers on food wastage are staggering: supermarkets, retailers, restaurants all throw out food that is edible and would serve to feed hungry kids and families. NPR reports on an encouraging initiative by WalMart to route produce from its stores to food banks to feed those in need.
Insights into the exciting possibilities of using technology in agriculture, for instance an app for monitoring environmental conditions or wireless automation products which help farmers in rural India manage irrigation systems. Absorbing read!
Posted in Food Safety
As we grow accustomed to eating food from all corners of the planet whenever we have a craving, we have created an efficient way to transport food-borne illnesses across borders. When we ate locally, only the population of a particular area would be affected if there was an outbreak but now, the potential for infecting people is multiplied because food is shipped out from where it grew to distant places. Food safety in this global system is highly compromised. Another reason to eat local and always, always read the label.
I am always encouraged by insights that view the food discussion in a pragmatic way. While we read and hear a lot about growing our own food and eating local, we often paint to ourselves a perfect and inaccurate picture of life on a farm. So when someone points out that it was mostly hard work, muddy and messy, that we are really glad to leave behind, I am in agreement. Many of the achievements of the past century have their root in the fact that food production and consumption became much easier and less time consuming than before. Having carried that process to the extreme, we surely need to rectify it and bring more balance into our sustenance and our work life. Lewis Lapham, writing in Mother Jones, also points out how, on the one hand, we are faced with a lack of access to food and , on the other, food has morphed into a sort of wealth, a commodity with with outrageous price tags. But the root of our problems lies in the fact that food is not a commodity like any other, cannot be traded or fit into a system or manipulated with ease. Because, to me, after all, food is about nurturing, comfort and love.
The House of Representatives passed a Republican-led bill to slash spending on food safety and nutrition programs. Details, here, also include the list of 19 Republican who voted against the Bill along with the Democrats.
Posted in Food Policy, Food Safety, Nutrition
Tagged food policy, food safety, nutrition
Are you out on this nice weekend spending time with your tomato seedlings and enjoying your flowers? You are not alone! Urban gardens are everywhere and here are two inspiring stories from Minneapolis and New Orleans.
A $5 contribution to the Obama campaign will send your name into the hat for a drawing and the prize is dinner with President Obama! Details here.
Posted in Uncategorized
Thought + Food 