I was lucky enough to grow up knowing where most of my food came from. We gardened and raised some of our own animals. The ones we didn’t raise we traded with neighbors. Maybe this is why knowing where my food comes from is important to me. You can ask my patients, I do get on my soapbox about it from time to time.
My partner and I got a garden plot in a community garden this year. There is a learning curve, but we have enjoyed the time in the dirt: figuring out how to sow and save seeds, learning what nutrients are best for the soil, figuring out how to keep the grasses out-it’s along list! There really is nothing better than not having to buy any greens at the farmer’s market for a week because I was able to get enough out of my garden. I know it’s organic and I even know what snails were trying to eat it. At first I was worried about the extra time out of my week to take care of it. My partner has been amazing support, and I find it is time that I relish. It’s an excuse to get me outside and playing with plants, which I love.There is nothing more satisfying than watching plants and seeds grow. And the time it takes has definitely been worth it. Even if you don’t have the space to garden, or don’t have a green thumb, I recommend going to farmer’s markets. Get to know the people that are growing your produce. Ask them questions about what they put on your food. Visit the farm, teach your kids where their food comes from. We are starting to see an accumulation of toxins put on or in food affecting people’s health (an example are certain pesticides and food additives that interrupt our hormone system).
I am all for feeding the masses and those that are hungry. I also know there are cleaner and safer ways of doing it. Get to know what is in your food, your health depends on it! What questions will you ask about your food to know it is safe and healthy for your family?