speak with your food

NPR: "Could Taxes Or Food Stamp Restrictions Tame America's Sweet Tooth?"

2012-02-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

SWYF Finds: Frugal Dad's "The Weight of Walmart"

2012-02-07T10:40:00.000-05:00

I recently wrapped up a paper on Walmart's sustainable food initiatives in Central America (yes, it has some), and in my research, I came across this excellent graphic about the company from Jason of Frugal Dad. Whether you shop at Walmart or never step food in one, its worth looking at the statics on the company's far-reaching influence:

Source: http://frugaldad.com

Eat, Drink and Know Your Organics

2012-01-29T11:48:00.000-05:00

In an ideal world, organic food would be the norm. But, really, what does that mean? In my graduate class this past week, our readings focused on the consolidation of the organic food industry. I've always been turned off by organic processed food because, well, it's a contradiction to what organics should stand for: promotion of environmental and human health. Despite the saturation of products on the organic market, it wasn't until I saw the graphics by Michigan State University professor Philip H. Howard that I realized how many few options consumers really have.

It's terrific that you've chosen to buy organic, but before you go to the store to stock up, I strongly suggest you look at these data charts. Or you can just print them out and have them at the ready for your next get-together or grocery store invasion (not that I did this or anything...):

This is just one image that provides a glimpse into mergers and "stealth acquisitions," a term used by Howard in his article to describe major transactions made by industry processors unbeknownst to consumers. I like to refer to Unilever's buy-out of Ben & Jerry's, but you'd never know it if you look at the label on the popular ice cream pints.

Prefer to spend your disposable income and calories in liquid form? Microbrews (a white person tenant) offer us a glimpse into the consolidation of the food industry into the hands of a few, even when you think you're supporting local brewers. If food doesn't get the point across, maybe beer will:

So, let's regroup; how are you feeling? Overwhelmed? Frustrated? Thinking, "Well, if organics are bad, what do I do now?" It's daunting information that limit your options, but it serves you well as a consumer. It's up to you to decide where you want to spend your money. And, yes, eating well unfortunately means buying big organic brands to save money for the health of you and your family. For me, it's a matter of investigating and considering the environmental and ethical track records of the larger parent companies. (Do I support a brand owned by a company that also heavily invests in genetic engineering and manufacturers agricultural chemicals?). As mentioned, I stay clear of processed organics; the term freaks me out as a consumer and beginning farmer. And the most obvious solution to ease your anxiety is to support real food, or that grown by your favorite local farmers and producers whom you trust.

Headline Harvest: History of our sugar addiction; Monstano stands its ground; real food back on lunch trays; Mason jar non-news

2012-01-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time again to climb the mountain of RSS feeds in my inbox and provide you with the latest in food news headlines...

In sweet tooth news:

"Sugar High: The Dark History and Nasty Methods Used to Feed Our Sweet Tooth" by Jill Richardson, AlterNet

In policy news:

"Local Food and The Farm Bill: Small Investments, Big Returns" by Kari Hamerschlag, Environmental Working Group, Agriculture
"Controversial Animal Drug at the Heart of International Trade Dispute" by Paula Crossfield, Civil Eats
"Fair Trade USA Splits From International Community" by Liz Leslie, Earth Eats/Indiana Public Media
"The Farm Bill is a Climate Bill" by Don Carr, Environmental Working Group

In genetic engineering news:

"Are Genetically Engineered Herbicide-Resistant Crops Undermining Sustainable Weed Control?" by Doug Gurian-Sherman, Union of Concerned Scientists
"Monsanto Says No To Environmental Study" by Liz Leslie, Earth Eats/Indiana Public Media

In natural gas, exploding water news:

"Three Years After Drilling, Feds Say Natural Gas in Medina County Well Water is Potentially Explosive" by Kai Olson-Sawyer, ecoCentric.org

In school lunch news:

"Cheers for USDA's new nutrition standards" by Marion Nestle, Food Politics
"Putting Real Food in School Lunches" by Dawn Undurraga, Environmental Working Group, Agriculture

In mason jar accessory non-news:

Reusable canning lids by Tattler
Turning you canning jar into a travel mug by Cuppow (video from from Paper Fortress on Vimeo):

TEDx Manhattan: Changing the Way We Eat - Live!

2012-01-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

Watch live streaming video from TEDx at livestream.com

Just Label It!: We have a right to know what's in our food!

2012-01-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

From the Just Label It! campaign:

93% of Americans want the FDA to label genetically engineered foods. Watch the new video from Food, Inc. Filmmaker Robert Kenner to hear why we have the right to know what’s in our food. Will you join these individuals — and over half a million Americans — in contacting the FDA to require the labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods?

Concerns? Inspired? Arm yourself with knowledge, improve your food literacy and sign the petition requiring the labeling of GE foods.

Have questions on GE foods? Post them here, and I'll do my best to answer you!

Must see: "The Economics of Happiness"

2012-01-17T11:46:00.001-05:00

Weight loss, diet and exercise regime, a higher paying job...but is happiness on your list of resolutions this year? Are you happy and what really makes you happy? As you try to pinpoint the things that make you feel content, check out this amazing trailer for the documentary "The Economics of Happiness," with a full screening (**Free**) next week - Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, 2012:

The Economics of Happiness - Official Trailer from The Economics of Happiness on Vimeo.

From the project's site:

The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future.
Both hard-hitting and inspiring, The Economics of Happiness demonstrates that millions of people across the world are engaged in building a better world – that small scale initiatives are happening on a large scale. The film shows that countless initiatives are united around a common cause: rebuilding more democratic, human scale, ecological and local economies – the foundation of an ‘economics of happiness’.
The film features a chorus of voices from six continents calling for systemic economic change, including David Korten, Bill McKibben, Vandana Shiva, Rob Hopkins, Richard, Heinberg, Juliet Schor, Michael Shuman, Helena Norberg-Hodge, and Samdhong Rinpoche - the Prime Minister of Tibet's government in exile.

A few years ago, I read the book, "The Real Wealth of Nations," by Riane Eisler and became so intrigued by her discussion on the happiness index and a caring economic system. This topic seems to be relevant in my own life, as I become engrained in local food initiatives and throw myself into the material for my master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems. A major point I've realized: localization, through the support of small business ventures (including small farms, eating locally, etc.) is a viable answer to many of our personal and economic woes. We need to feel empowered in the life we live and have more control over the inputs and outputs. (Another, somewhat related point: Cranky people don't eat enough vegetables, so that's why they're unhappy...)

Enough of my banter: Watch the trailer, spread the word and maybe view the documentary with friends next week!

E Magazine: "Handcrafted for the Holidays"

2011-12-21T09:53:00.001-05:00

Seed Art Packs from the Hudson Valley Seed Library

Check out my latest article about three East Coast artisans and their handcrafted wares for the holidays. Even though it's getting down to the wire, you should keep these small businesses in mind for future gift-giving ideas.

Also, you know what makes a wonderful gift? E Magazine!

#DIYDecember: Stress-free + fancy (last-minute) food gifts

2011-12-16T18:47:00.000-05:00

This is a post that I wrote for my insanely creative and crafty friend Alex as part of her month-long project, #DIYDecember, on her blog and Twitter. The initiative includes tips, suggestions and overall good reads about how to be that much more creative and self-sufficient during this festive month.

Christmas/Hanukkah/Festivus/Kwanzaa/whatever-holiday-you-celebrate is just around the corner...and, you don't have any gifts ready. No worries - here are a few no-fuss ideas for those special people in your life:

Chocolate bark

Chocolate bark: This is my go-to candy for impromtu get-togethers. It's so easy: Melt some chocolate, add some seeds and dried fruit, a pinch of sea salt and/or your favorite spices, let it set, break into pieces and put in a bag, tin or good ol' mason jar. Check out more details from my blog here. Bark doesn't excite you? Try some of these other healthful candy recipes from The Nourishing Gourmet.

Tea/tisane blends: There may be a pill for every ill, but the same can be said for tea AND you can make your own blends for a fraction of the cost! Since people seem to be unnecessarily stressed-out during this time of year - often leading to colds - why not try a blend of dried calendula (medicinal marigolds), nettle, spearmint, hibiscus, red clover and lemon balm? Simply mix in your preferred proportions based on your own tastes or those of the recipient, and store in a tin or glass jar. Gift with a tea infuser and make it pretty with some fabric for the lid and a nice label describing the blend. Your local health food store should carry dried herbs and flowers in its bulk section, with descriptions of each, and there's usually an expert on hand if you have any questions. If you're a little fearful of the herb world, check out Mountain Rose Herbs for some blend ideas before you make your own.

Hot cocoa mix: All you need: cocoa powder, sugar and/or a pinch of sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and/or cayenne pepper. The proportions are 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of cocoa. (Sounds like a lot, but think about all the packaging you save by making it in such a big batch.) If using sea salt and/or spices, add sparingly and to taste. If you want to be fancy, put a vanilla bean directly into the mix to enhance the cocoa flavor. Place in a mason jar - pretty much always the appropriate vessel for any gift. Local milk, homemade almond milk, marshmallows and/or a (thrift store) mug offer the perfect accompaniments!

Cookies, cookies, cookies: No slice-and-bake here. Make them from scratch**. My favorites: Teff Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe from the amazing Clean Food cookbook), chocolate crinkles, granola bars/raspberry oat bars and, the standard, sugar cookies. Bust out the family recipes and get baking!

Dog biscuits: Can't leave out our better halves. Avoid the creepy processed treats from the store and make these. It's also an excuse to get out the cookie cutters. My friend gave me this recipe a few years ago and I've made them ever since. Here's the recipe:

Homemade dog biscuits
1 c. of whole wheat, all-purpose or spelt flour
1/2 Tbl. baking powder
1/2 c. peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower butter
1/2 c. milk (cow or non-dairy)

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. In a medium to large bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In a smaller bowl, mix peanut butter and milk. Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix until combined.
3. Pour the dough onto a floured surface, shape into a ball and roll out until dough is a 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or free-hand.
4. Put cookies onto a lined baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes.

**A note on ingredients: Use fair trade, locally grown and/or organic ingredients when possible. Now is not the time to skimp on quality. Feel good about the gifts you give, not only because you made them but also for the ingredients you've used, which were harvested and produced in an ethically and socially responsible manner.**

Make your own recipe book! When all else fails, remind yourself of the adage that it's the thought that counts. Make your own recipe book out of an old notebook or a few pieces of blank paper, a cardboard box for the front and back covers and some yarn, twine or hemp to use as the binding. Include a few of your favorite recipes to inspire a friend or loved one to get in the kitchen.

Alright, time's a-wastin'; get cooking and crafting. Happy holidays!

Thoughts on the USFRA's "Food Dialogues" campaign?

2011-12-14T09:44:00.001-05:00

I came across this gem of a site today: Food Dialogues, a campaign by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. The purpose of the newly formed group:

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is a newly formed alliance consisting of a wide range of prominent farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners. This marks the first time agricultural groups at the national, regional and state levels have collaborated to lead the dialogue and answer Americans’ questions about how we raise our food – while being stewards of the environment, responsibly caring for our animals and maintaining strong businesses and communities.

Word choice, well-crafted videos and marketing is so interesting. Check out one such video - "Soy Farming Documentary" from a father and son farming team, who grow soy and corn (Note: Funding for the following video comes from the Checkoff program):

Or this expanded conversation with growers, ranchers, farmers and a consumer:

The site's purpose is to start a sort of dialogue about where our food comes from - but how far can this questioning go? I would be interested to see if patient, open-minded, level-headed discussion can occur if criticisms of the current model of agriculture arise. To me, it's just another form of farm- and green-washing, another technique to perpetuate the myth that big ag works. It's a first step in opening up conversations, but it's not telling the whole story. What might be more interesting to the consumer? Let's see the CEOs and heads of major big ag corporations address these questions.

I have the utmost respect for farmers, ranchers and growers in this country. They are incredibly intelligent, highly skilled individuals who are doing an enormous service to our country and they have respect for the land, animals and overall health for the environment. My problem is with the food system: Monocultures and large-scale farming can't continue at its current pace or methods. Big ag says we need to keep up with food demand, but how long can we continue to plant, harvest and reap the benefits of such large operations with hazardous chemical applications - no matter who "smartly" they're applied - and vast land use?

Thoughts on Food Dialogues? How would you get the conversation started? What questions do you have or want addressed by the USFRA?

Just when I thought the season was over...

2011-12-13T17:40:00.000-05:00

...I harvested this from the garden!

Arugula, mustard greens and salad mix - jealous?

Uncovered and exposed to the elements, I can't believed it survived. Although I'm a little freaked out by this non-winter weather, I won't complain about having greens.

NPR: "Funny Honey? Bringing Trust To A Sector Full Of Suspicion"

2011-12-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

Yup, second story on bees from NPR today! This one: honey-washing.

I'm suspect of honey sourced from all over the world. And, as the story suggests, more than half the honey consumed by Americans comes from other countries. Honey is not meant to be mass produced. Hmm. Maybe the solution to a lot of these problems is to support from local apiaries! It's meant to be made in small quantities, monitored by a conscientious beekeeper who can closely monitor the hives. You avoid any suspicions of mistreatment of the bees (um, yeah, no mass killings of bees) and can guarantee that your honey is real.

NPR: "Insecticide Destroys 2,300 Beehives In Florida"

2011-12-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

A 40-second story doesn't do this issue justice; a follow-up is definitely needed.

Unbelievably sad.

Eating turkey this year? Know how it's likely raised

2011-11-23T09:37:00.001-05:00

Not responsible for the turkey portion of your meal this year? Not exactly sure where it came from? Well, sadly, it's most likely and unfortunately factory farmed, which, with a look at this amazing - and alarming -infographic from ethicalocean, you can see exactly what that means...

via Ethical Ocean - eco friendly products, fair trade and vegan shopping. (Click here to enlarge this image.)

Where did you get your turkey this year?

WNYC: "Rural farmers unite to feed Wall Street protestors"

2011-11-21T10:26:00.001-05:00

A look into the inspiring Occupy Kitchen:

What's Food Day without sharing?!

2011-10-24T10:53:00.001-04:00

How cute and optimistic!

In the words of the wise, immortal Barney, caring means sharing: with friends, family and those in need.

What's good food without sharing?!

Happy Food Day and let the sharing begin!

The Unconsumption, Unprocessed Movement: A lesson in small + the initiatives carrying the torch

2011-10-20T23:41:00.002-04:00

I've been giving this whole Occupy Wall Street thing some thinking, especially as a beginning farmer, someone who believes in the power of the local food movement and as a person who stands in solidarity with those everyday radicals: small producers and homemakers.

I've seen this image floating around and re-posted around the Facebook-sphere over the last few weeks. And, as of late (i.e. ever since the birth of modern partisan politics), small business owners and producers have been used as pawns by politicans in their platforms. Besides a photo-op and a well-placed anecdote in a public speech, no one really talks about the real significance behind these small businesses, because, well, it's revolutionary and, perhaps, even threatening to how we view our economy. Supporting small businesses, especially local artisanal producers, means reviving, rebuilding and supporting our rural economies and not relying on such abstract and inefficent concepts like "free market," "globalization" and other macro jargon that simply goes unquestioned. These recent protests are a wake-up call as a nation that these generally accepted theories aren't perfect, don't work and shouldn't be the norm! The scale of these long-held operations is astronomical, and as we see, things can be too big to fail.

Ok, so now that I've gone on what some people may see as a socialist rant, let's talk about solutions. One of the most powerful ways to avoid big business, big ag and whatever else gives you the corporate heebie-geebies is to go small!

If you really don't want to be part of the fledging and failed economic and social model, support your local businesses, food producers and community members. It's not a radical notion, as many people having been living this way for centuries. We've unfortunately cast aside these ideals in the name of convenience. Recently, however, we've seen a homesteading, self-sufficiency revival, closely associated with growing awareness of economic uncertainty AND people who begin to question how they want to live their lives, what we consider work and the distinctions between work and home. Yup, good ol' fashioned DIY can be a money saver, make us feel more productive, fulfilled and - *gasp* - make us happier! Happiness? In our jobs and lives? What a novel idea!

And, while I could bore you with the details of my own life (working on a farm, making almost everything from scratch and how rewarding it is, blah, blah, blah...sickening, right?!) and more of my opining, here are some incredibly cool initiatives to help you think bigger by living smaller and more simply:

Join the movement! Take the challenge!

October Unprocessed by Eating Rules: Ok, so, yes, I should have posted this sooner, but it's never too late to take the guidelines posted by creator Andrew Wilder in his month-long eating challenge to simplify and unclutter your diet. A month of unprocessed - and delicious - food. Can you do it? If not a month, try a week, a few weeks, etc. A day even; think about it: Thanksgiving Unprocessed? Sounds totally feasible and fun!

Unconsumption: A Tumblr log of all things for the forward-thinking un-consumer in all of us. Check it out for unique ways to rethink about the things in your life, new ways to repurpose and reuse them and feel inspired. What it means to the site's creators:

Even the Unconsumption logo has a story!

Unconsumption means the accomplishment of properly recycling your old cellphone, rather than the guilt of letting it sit in a drawer.
Unconsumption means the thrill of finding a new use for something that you were about to throw away.
Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a service like Freecycle (or Craigslist, Goodwill, or Salvation Army) to find a new home for the functioning DVD player you just replaced, rather than throwing it in the garbage.
Unconsumption means enjoying the things you own to the fullest – not just at the moment of acquisition.
Unconsumption means the pleasure of using a pair of sneakers until they are truly worn out – as opposed to the nagging feeling of defeat when they simply go out of style.
Unconsumption means feeling good about the simple act of turning off the lights when you leave the room.
Unconsumption is not about the rejection of things, or the demonization of things. It’s not a bunch of rules.
Unconsumption is an idea, a set of behaviors, a way of thinking about consumption itself from a new perspective.
Unconsumption is free.

Buy Handmade: If you've run out of creative steam, at least buy gifts and other items from local artisans. The products will certainly be original and you can feel good about supporting these artisans. Your local farmers' market is a great place to look as well as from those crafters listed on Etsy and Foodzie.

Root Simple: "Root Simple is about back to basics, DIY living, encompassing homegrown vegetables, chickens, herbs, hooch, bicycles, cultural alchemy, and common sense." In other words, a fantastic blog for newbie homesteaders. And, creators Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen are doing the DIY thing in the heart of Los Angeles, so no matter what your location, no excuses! You can homestead, too! I'm looking forward to reading their recent book "Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World" after hearing their interview on The Splendid Table:

And, what's an easier act of living more simply than purging your wardrobe? Check out Project 333, experiments in living with less.

The word "movement" can be a daunting term, and, too often, can loose steam after the next "it"-ideology comes along. But, this is something lasting. So, let's not call this homesteading/unconsumption/unprocessed thing a "movement" in hopes of making it sustainable. Let's think about it as a way to live healthier lives, consume less, cook and create more ourselves. In general, let's just try to live more simply, be and become better people, members of our community and stewards of the earth.

Headline Harvest*: Who's who in the USFRA; food label woes; potato plights; listeria lawsuits; the good food fighters

2011-10-09T23:03:00.001-04:00

Here's some food-related reading to tempt your taste buds, strain your brain and make you that much more interesting to talk to at parties:

In scary GMO and food-labeling news...

"Thanks to the FDA, You Really Have No Idea What's In Your Food" - Ari LeVaux, AlterNet
"Feds help GMO salmon swim upstream" - Clare Leschin-Hoar, Grist.org
"Just Label It: We Have a Right to Know What’s In Our Food" - Naomi Starkman, Civil Eats
"An Exclusive Report on GE Foods Answers Questions Big Ag Doesn’t Want You to Ask" - Rich Bindell, Civil Eats
"European Union sets rules for food labels" - Marion Nestle, Food Politics

In lobbyist/clearly business-as-usual/food politics news...

"Why the Food Market Will Be the Next Bubble to Burst" - Ari LeVaux, AlterNet
"Who’s Behind the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance and Why It Matters" - Anna Lappe, Civil Eats
"Is Walmart allergic to Pollan?" - Twilight Greenaway, Grist.org
"USDA Wants To Limit Potatoes In School Lunches" - Josie Huang, NPR

In food poisoning news...

"109 Cases, 21 Deaths in Listeria Cantaloupe Outbreak" - Mary Rothschild, Food Safety News
"Listeria Victims and Families Call for Investigation" - Gretchen Goetz, Food Safety News

In food reality news..

"Americans Waste Enough Food to Fill a 90,000-seat Football Stadium Every Day -- What Can We Do About It?" - Jonathan Bloom, AlterNet (and of Wasted Food fame)
Infographic: The State of Food Insecurity (via GOOD food)
"Americans’ Views of Industrial Agriculture By the Numbers" - Donald Carr, Civil Eats

In eating habits and diet news...

"Could you go without processed foods for a month?" - Claire Thompson, Grist.org
"New Toolbar Evaluates the Ethics of Your Online Shopping" - Alex Goldmark, GOOD business
"One of the Worst Meals You Can Possibly Eat Has Just Been Banned in California" - Casson Trenor, AlterNet
"There Is No Biological Reason to Eat Three Meals a Day -- So Why Do We Do It?" - Anneli Rufus, AlterNet (and of Scavenging, an amazing blog)

In optimistic food news...

"Need a Job? Create Your Own" - Yes! Magazine
"Food and Power: a Need for Diversity, a Call for Courage" - from EcoCentric
"At O'Hare Airport, Unused Land Is Going to the Bees" - Zak Stone, GOOD environment
"Eggs-Change Turning the Organic Affordability Question on its Head" - Adriana Velez, Civil Eats
"Growing Demand: Crop Swaps Gaining Ground" - Sarah Henry, Civil Eats

And, upcoming posts on SWYF: I'll weigh in on the potato/school lunch debate; food day celebrations and initiatives; and, perhaps a few delicious recipes.

*Formerly "SWYF Week in Food"; this seems like a good working title right now, but I'm open to clever suggestions.)

SWYF Finds: The Mysterious Pawpaw

2011-09-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

You know when you hear about something for the first time and, suddenly, see or read about it everywhere? Well, for me, it's the pawpaw, a mysterious - and, I guess, delicious - wild fruit.

I just tried one this week (Wednesday) for the first time at my friends' farm, and my opinion about it isn't fully formed yet. It's intriguing, and I can't really describe the flavor to you except that it's oddly tropical. The texture of a ripe pawpaw is custard-like, and you have to spoon around the big, black seeds. In the midst of apple and pear season, it's a nice flavor change-up.

Enough of my banter; see if you can find them near you. I challenge you to form a coherent, decisive description about them yourself (it's not easy). But, before you forage, take a look at this just-released story on the pawpaw by NPR on the Tiny Desk Kitchen series.

INGREDIENTS: "You can pay the doctor, or pay the farmer"

2011-09-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

Check out "INGREDIENTS," a documentary that looks at the poor state of the American food system and the repercussions of such a lifestyle, and, more hopefully, celebrates the farms, chefs, foodies and individuals who embrace the importance of local food.

More about the film:

At the focal point of this movement, and of this film, are the farmers and chefs who are creating a truly sustainable food system. Their collaborative work has resulted in great tasting food and an explosion of consumer awareness about the benefits of eating local.

Attention being paid to the local food movement comes at a time when the failings of our current industrialized food system are becoming all too clear. For the first time in history, our children’s generation is expected to have a shorter lifespan than our own. The quality, taste and nutritional value of the food we eat has dropped sharply over the last fifty years. Shipped from ever-greater distances, we have literally lost sight of where our food comes from and in the process we've lost a vital connection to our local community and to our health.

A feature-length documentary, INGREDIENTS illustrates how people around the country are working to revitalize that connection. Narrated by Bebe Neuwirth, the film takes us across the U.S. from the diversified farms of the Hudson River and Willamette Valleys to the urban food deserts of Harlem and to the kitchens of celebrated chefs Alice Waters, Peter Hoffman and Greg Higgins. INGREDIENTS is a journey that reveals the people behind the movement to bring good food back to the table and health back to our communities.

Before you write this off as another food movie, remember: As much as you or I may know about the food we consume, there are just as many and, unfortunately, if not more people who are still unaware. So, share the trailer with your friends, consider hosting or attending a screening and/or food event in your area!

**Extra thanks to INGREDIENTS Producer and Cinematographer Brian Kimmel for allowing me to post the trailer!

What the what?: "Americans' Concern About Food Safety Drops"

2011-09-12T22:05:00.000-04:00

Image from NPR

For real, Americans?! Intrigued by my outrage/use of a question mark and exclamation point?

Click here to read the article from NPR.

Going back to the start: Chipotle, Willie Nelson + greener farm pastures

2011-09-08T16:34:00.002-04:00

Yes, I do realize it's made by restaurant chain Chipotle, but it is pretty cute. And, who doesn't love Willie Nelson?

Farmers: take back your farms! End factory farming!

Take Slow Food's $5 Challenge!

2011-08-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars: On Saturday, Sept. 17, Slow Food USA is asking you and me to take the $5 Challenge - to produce a meal that costs no more than $5 per person. The purpose? Slow Food explains:

WHY: Because slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food. If you know how to cook, then teach others. If you want to learn, this is your chance. Together, we're sending a message that too many people live in communities where it's harder to buy fruit than Froot Loops.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Take the pledge to share a meal with family and friends, find a local meal or host your own. If the date doesn't work [for] you, you can still take the pledge to show your support -- and we'll send you $5 cooking tips and updates on the campaign.

What an awesome idea, and it's an amazing time right now to cook with the flavors of the season: peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, early winter squash, greens - the list goes on.

Check out Slow Food's site for more resources on how to host a Challenge meal or create one. And, read more about the event from the press release here.

To my friends and fam: Dinner anyone? To any of my (few) readers, what are your ideas for a meal?

Today: "'Edible education': A garden grows in the schoolyard"

2011-08-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

1. I guess that I'm on an Alice Waters kick lately.

2. This is just another reason to love Jake Gyllenhaal.

3. And, yes, that is George W.'s daughter. (I scooped her!)

Fresh Air: "Alice Waters: 40 Years Of Sustainable Food"

2011-08-22T20:38:00.000-04:00