The destiny of nations depends on the manner in which they are fed. -Brillat-Savarin
When I read an interview with Alice Waters, author and owner of Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, the current headlines of babies poisoned by milk in China, shed a different light:
"...every decision we make about the food that we eat has consequences. And they aren't just about people's personal health. There are consequences in terms of the healthcare system for all of us if people eat food that makes them sick. And there are environmental consequences. But I think the thing that people don't understand is that there are cultural consequences." (1)
As a residual of the milk situation, a particular brand of candy made in China has been taken off store shelves in Hawaii with more perhaps to follow. After sending a message along to a few people and receiving several "thank you" notes from those who often buy White Rabbit candy, I needed to hear a positive note. How vigilant do we have to be about our food sources? Who's in charge? Alice Waters continues:
"When we're eating fast food, we're not just eating the food, we're eating a set of values that comes with the food. And it's telling us that food should be cheap. It's telling us that food should be the same no matter where we are on the planet. It's telling us that advertising confers value. That it's OK to eat 24 hours a day. That there are unlimited resources. It's telling us that the work of the people who grow or raise the food is unimportant -- in fact we don't even need to know. And all of those values are informing what's happening in the world around us." (1)
She's so right. The number of women who breast- feed in China has declined as more young mothers have entered the workforce and given in to the advertised benefits of baby formulas. Many of them view instant formulas as a status symbol! (2)
Where's my positive note? I think it's time to change my tune! Except when I cook for company, food is a bother. Even though I don't use a microwave and buy organic as much as possible, according to Alice Waters, I've got fast food values. I think about food only when I'm hungry and then I want it fast. It's time to bring my yoga into the kitchen.
As I mentally prepare for the Eat Local Challenge that begins this Wednesday, the world within my 100 mile radius comes into focus. I'm looking for sources of locally grown foods to replace my favorite "foreign substances" and it sure looks as though a plan and a schedule are necessary. It's been years since I've made a weekly menu! But then all it takes is a decision and a change in attitude, a far more pleasant attitude.
Alice says, "you have to find ways of slowing it down. And this is an everyday delightful way to slow it down. Take time. Take a moment....there's pleasure in the doing. It's pleasure in work. It's something that we don't understand in this country. Work is over there and pleasure's over here..."
Consider what it would be like, if people all over the world were able to:
What would need to change? What hasn't happened, yet?
"...every decision we make about the food that we eat has consequences. And they aren't just about people's personal health. There are consequences in terms of the healthcare system for all of us if people eat food that makes them sick. And there are environmental consequences. But I think the thing that people don't understand is that there are cultural consequences." (1)
As a residual of the milk situation, a particular brand of candy made in China has been taken off store shelves in Hawaii with more perhaps to follow. After sending a message along to a few people and receiving several "thank you" notes from those who often buy White Rabbit candy, I needed to hear a positive note. How vigilant do we have to be about our food sources? Who's in charge? Alice Waters continues:
"When we're eating fast food, we're not just eating the food, we're eating a set of values that comes with the food. And it's telling us that food should be cheap. It's telling us that food should be the same no matter where we are on the planet. It's telling us that advertising confers value. That it's OK to eat 24 hours a day. That there are unlimited resources. It's telling us that the work of the people who grow or raise the food is unimportant -- in fact we don't even need to know. And all of those values are informing what's happening in the world around us." (1)
She's so right. The number of women who breast- feed in China has declined as more young mothers have entered the workforce and given in to the advertised benefits of baby formulas. Many of them view instant formulas as a status symbol! (2)
Where's my positive note? I think it's time to change my tune! Except when I cook for company, food is a bother. Even though I don't use a microwave and buy organic as much as possible, according to Alice Waters, I've got fast food values. I think about food only when I'm hungry and then I want it fast. It's time to bring my yoga into the kitchen.
As I mentally prepare for the Eat Local Challenge that begins this Wednesday, the world within my 100 mile radius comes into focus. I'm looking for sources of locally grown foods to replace my favorite "foreign substances" and it sure looks as though a plan and a schedule are necessary. It's been years since I've made a weekly menu! But then all it takes is a decision and a change in attitude, a far more pleasant attitude.
Alice says, "you have to find ways of slowing it down. And this is an everyday delightful way to slow it down. Take time. Take a moment....there's pleasure in the doing. It's pleasure in work. It's something that we don't understand in this country. Work is over there and pleasure's over here..."
Consider what it would be like, if people all over the world were able to:
- Eat locally and sustainably.
- Eat seasonally.
- Eat together with friends and family.
- Believe that food should never be taken for granted.
What would need to change? What hasn't happened, yet?
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Sources:
(1) Interview with Alice Waters (Salon Life)
(2) Women worry, but many don't breastfeed in China. (AP)
Photo: happy d
