Natural Insight: August 2011

It’s fair to say, that in recent years, there has been a decline of the quality of the food system in

America

. There are major concerns centered around poor agricultural and farming practices and what can be interpreted as a highly flawed food system. It’s seems that we’ve all gotten caught up, to some extent, in processed and convenience foods. With the rising cost of food, however, it has become more and more difficult for the average family to afford to withhold the highest standards in food quality.

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There are many food movements that have recently taken hold that can help us to raise our voice and increase awareness to help protect the quality of food in our country as well as maintain sustainability and environmental protection. Beyond the impact of factory farming and industrial agriculture, processed and convenience foods have sadly become a staple in the vast majority of American diets. The Standard American Diet has been directly linked with chronic diseases. Food issues have finally hit home with the high prevalence of diet related health issues in this country. Thanks to First Lady, Michelle Obama, the concerns of Childhood Obesity and our cultural eating habits are now in the spotlight of the mainstream and it is beginning to garner the attention that it deserves. You can even follow the Obama food initiatives on the Obama Foodorama Blog at : http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/ In addition to Michelle Obama, there are other pioneers that have dedicated themselves to leading the way our children eat at school.

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Alice Waters, Founder of the Chez Panisse Foundation established the http://www.theedibleschoolyard.com/

where educators integrate food system concepts into the core curriculum and students participate in all aspects of growing, harvesting preparing nutritious, seasonal produce.

Also Chef Ann Cooper, who is the self described as the’ Renegade Lunch Lady” is helping provide schools across the country with tools to transform school cafeterias into of source of healthy and delicious food for our children. with her program http://www.thelunchbox.org/.

There is a rise in organizations that support the Food Movement. There are organizations that prioritize the environmental and conservation concerns and others that recognize the importance of the health, nutrition and cultural aspect of food as well. It’s so refreshing to see this shift in thinking, and that there are so many passionate groups of people that are leading the way back a more natural lifestyle that is centered around good quality food and sustainable lifestyle choices.

Organizations like Slow Food USA, is leading the way in inspiring change and transformation in our food system while reinforcing the simple pleasures of good food.