It Can Be Done

Images of a sustainable-food revolution 3

Sow What: A Grist special series

Imagine a place where residents pull together to create a thriving store and restaurant serving fresh, local food. Imagine a place where the money appears, the dreams become real, the produce and pastured meat taste like home. Imagine a place where officials support these dreams with policies that fund organic farmers and encourage the purchase of local food.

You can stop imagining. It's happening in Woodbury County, Iowa.

It may seem an unlikely place for a food revolution, but in some ways it's absolutely fitting. Surrounded by an increasingly industrial landscape, the people here decided they were hungry for change, and now they're making themselves a better -- and healthier -- way.

Click the play button above to see images by Mark Hirsch that show what this sustainable-food revolution looks like in the flesh, and to hear Grist's Tom Philpott share some behind-the-scenes reflections on his visit. (To read more about Tom's trip, check out "A Tale of Two Counties.")

 

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
  1. Ron Steenblik Posted 11:12 am
    10 Oct 2007

    Great photosWho's the background music?
  2. cmbryant1 Posted 1:39 am
    11 Oct 2007

    great spot!Thanks for sharing --- very good to see the movement in action in the heartland.  I've started a blog to get out info on actions we can take to support a safe and sustainable food supply.  Check it out:
    http://www.foodkarmaalert.blogspot.com
  3. OhioPaul Posted 11:50 pm
    24 Oct 2007

    Well doneThis is an interesting story. I'm curious as to how it's sustainable year round? Best ...

Add a Comment

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

Hello, Visitor!    Why not register?

Series Intro
A Grist special series on food and farming 1
A journey into the heart of industrial agriculture 2
In the farm belt, a look at the extremes of agricultural production 5
Images of a sustainable-food revolution 3
The savory challenges of being a sustainable chef in Big Ag country 34
A conversation with Michael Pollan 12
An interview with sustainable-food advocate Diane Hatz 5
How the nation's breadbasket is poisoning its own water supply 5
A frustrated resident speaks out 10
On accepting invitations from strangers, and a harvest festival 1
As food series ends, the story is just beginning 6
Advertisement