Could it be so simple?

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
Those seven words sum up the book “In Defense Of Food” that author Michael Pollan writes.  Eat food. Not too much.  Mostly plants.  Could it be so simple?  Mr. Pollan has written a few books on subjects that might make you think he is on to something.   In his book “Omnivores Dilema, he discusses the processes in which food is brought to our markets.  Pollan also looks at sustainable farming and the benefits that the practice has on local economy, food quality, safety and the environment.  

These very ideas are discussed regularly at the LiveWell Fountain table. What do these things mean to Fountain Valley, as well as the rest of the great State of Colorado? 

Back to the Future.
The question this week is: Would it be possible to grow enough food locally to feed us if the trucks from California, Kansas, Idaho and Mexico stopped?  Remember September 11th , 2001?  The trucks stopped.  Nothing moved across the country.  How did that not change how we feed ourselves?  Were we overwhelmed with grief and shocked that such an atrocity could happen here that we have forgotten all of other crazy things that happened that week?   Absolutely!   Years later, why are we not growing most of our food locally?  How many of us have home gardens?  How many preserve our produce?  Why would supporting an affordable Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program be so difficult? Okay- that was more than one question.    What are those answers? 

These are questions that I ponder often and hope they are not too much like yelling, “the sky is falling”, but it is.  We have food shortages at local food pantries and can’t feed the hungry, but we are growing corn for fuel?  What is wrong with this picture?

What is right with the picture is the program in Salida, Colorado that is called Farm to Table.  Farm to Table is a grant- funded program that provides fresh produce to any non-profit group that serves as a community food pantry.  Volunteers support the program by helping plant, harvest and take orders.  The Walt Fortman Center was a recipient of this program last week.  A very active retired community member called the order in and drove to Salida for pick-up.  Salida. 

Why not here?
 Let’s talk about it.  Could we start a food program like Farm to Table here?  What are the barriers?  That was just a little food for thought.  In the meantime, if you grow fruits and vegetables, plant a row for the hungry.   Ask for a community garden to be placed in a small spot in your local park or school grounds.  Share with your neighbors.  Support the local CSA’s and Farmer’s Markets.  Do what you can to contribute.  Could it be so simple?   

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7-30-08 | 8-6-08 | 8-13-08 | 8-20-08