Let’s talk about food

Food is fundamental. It should not elicit feelings of guilt or elitism. Food is sustenance. As a mom, a farm girl, a cook – and a consumer – I believe we should applaud our food origins, whether it’s Blog Action Day 2011, Food Day or any day. I made this video to celebrate the many faces in our food system – and while it’s not perfect, let’s embrace the progress we’ve made.

Food does not need to be political – nor should it be about posturing. Especially in a time where one in five are hungry – in the U.S. alone. The problem worsens internationally. If you’ve ever looked into the eyes of a hungry child, you’ll gain a new perspective on what’s important with food. I know because of my travels to developing countries such as Egypt and South Africa, as well as the Ukraine and Baltics shortly after communism fell.

People deserve for agriculture to be at its very best. People also deserve choice in the food system, which means we shouldn’t be wasting Food Day or Blog Action Day posturing about our opinions on  organic or conventional, small or large, animal or grain. Instead, let’s honor the incredible diversity of our food system – at many levels, not just on the farm.

Celebrate Food Day and Blog Action Day by reaching a hand across the food plate. If you don’t know a farmer to reach a hand to, please check this list – there are many who will be glad to chat with you. And if you are a farmer, take a look around the Blog Action Day activities for some hands to reach out to.  Let’s talk about it – and reach across the plate so we can all improve!

Other blogs you might want to check out for #BAD11 (Blog Action Day):