Comments malatron has made

In response to Tom.

I would like to add that I found your original column VERY insightful, perceptive, and informative. So much so, that I've sinced read many articles here at this site. And enjoyed them as much.

I want only to speak for myself here, without being overly emotional, though this is a topic that does illicit strong emotions from me. And I want not to try and discount what you wrote, for what you write might be true.

But for me, when you say...

"most people in this country still lack access to delicious, nutritious, and fresh local food...And that won't change with concerted grassroots effort and straight talk."

It is exactly what changed it for me.

And I am poor.
But I also have no children, which is an economic burden I am not familar with.

In the world I grew up in, anybody who has been identified as a member of this class struggle is recognized as such. And the farmers would sooner sell their farms for developement than charge a member of this struggle a fair market price. As in the land of affluence we live in that is the Northeast US, a fair market price has no limits.

I guess you could say I live with market protection. Which is how it should be, as anybody of affluence is readily familar with.

This is only my experience. I believe it is one that can be duplicated, but I understand that you find that debatable. I agree to disagree.On To create a truly sustainable food system, we'll need to make some fundamental changes. posted 4 years, 1 month ago 26 Responses

Adding to RH's comment on local colleges...

In today's local paper (sub. req'd) in Northampton, MA. they report:

"Boosting Valley produce - In new deal, UMass commits to buying 15 percent locally
BY DAVID FONSECA
Joe Czajkowski pulls into the dusty drive of his Hadley farm and wastes little time unpacking leeks. He's a busy man with mouths to feed.

The farm stands within sight of towers at the University of Massachusetts, home to some of his newest customers.

Under a contract drafted by Communities Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, the university's dining services pledges to use 15 percent of its $1 million yearly produce budget to buy from local farms."

This is an important developement in this arena. Namely, demanding that powerful public institutions reflect the wants and desires of the local community. This is a start. But yet still not enough. We must demand more. On To create a truly sustainable food system, we'll need to make some fundamental changes. posted 4 years, 1 month ago 26 Responses

In a fit of rightousness

I wrote this comment with what now seems like lacking a bit of compassion and understanding.
But I've decide to post it anyways, as I think it can serve to show an example on the myriad propblems we face tackling this very imporatant issue of the class divide in sustainable food.

Thru my own experience, and lack of.
The comment follows:

When Gristmill says:
"Where farmland is cheap, people are poor and accustomed to industrial food. Where people are wealthy and attracted to healthy food, farmland is dear."

It seems that you should clarify you statement to better reflect what seems like your true intention. Which was to intend it towards the high quality --organic or otherwise-- food market. Micro produced honeys, cheese, heirloom tomatoes, etc...

Otherwise...
That statement is just simply not true. Not in my experience. It might be true for some areas and people, but it is way too broad a statement to be making, as it simply is not universally true. I read the article, and they make very valid points, that I'm sure are true for some, maybe most? people. I just don't know.

They're is a class divide in sustainable food. No question. But there are steps you can take to insilulate yourself from that. With compassionate community building being the common denominanator in any and all steps you might take.
Don't wait for someone to do it for you. McDonalds is not going to take initative.

The farmland here, though affected by the astronomical increase in value that affects the entire Northeast, is still cheap in some places. Specifically those not zoned for developement. Some poor here dine on locally grown food for two reasons.
One, by necessity, as buying locally grown tomatoes, potaotes, and other product straight from the farmer is noticeably cheaper that buying it at stop and shop. I can attest to that as I have purchased much local produce for restaurant use. It is ALWAYS cheaper. Without fail. And they only deliver the best products. That may or may not be due to a loyalty factor, but nonetheless, it's is an example of how such a sweeping generalization does not hold true for everybody.

The second reason being the level of eduacation in this area of the benefits of locally grown produce. Many here know locally grown food is better and cheaper, and widely available. I don't know anybody who thinks otherwise.
(again, here in the valley)

You know, I could go on and on with examples from my life that disprove Gristmills very presumptous and possibly self-defeating statement. My father, though poor when we were younger, never approved of us eating school lunches, though we did. He took steps to see to it that we grew up with food that others seem to enjoy paying more than they have too for.

If you are "just too busy" to do what it takes to build a community that reflects your ideals and visions, than, fine. Eat at McDonalds.

We may be poor, but we are not dumb. And we adapt. And we do so smartly and quietly.

And with help from those farmers you unintendedly insulted. Selling your tomatoes for x amount might not be "economically" viable. But I will attest to the belief that economics, save for a fair profit, is hardly a motivating factor with ALL of the farmers I know, or they would have long ago sold out. They hold dear the community they live in, and the people that comprise it, just as we do they. And we work together to make our lives enjoyable. And that has always been the motivating factor for all of us.

To create a community that we all can prosper in, and enjoy, inspite of the powerful forces that work against that.

The rest of them?
Well...
Let them eat heirloom cake.
Dumb americans.

p.s. those cards that the supermarket give you for a discount?
A discount with hidden costs elswhere. Get rid of them. They are causing you to be at an economic disadvantage. http://blog.stayfreemagazine.org/2005/10/shopping_cards.htmlOn To create a truly sustainable food system, we'll need to make some fundamental changes. posted 4 years, 1 month ago 26 Responses