Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith
  • Mood: busy

Fixing the Food System

This article gives a deep exploration of what's wrong with the food system today and how to fix it.

Michael Pollan | Farmer in Chief
Michael Pollan, The New York Times: "Dear Mr. President-Elect, It may surprise you to learn that among the issues that will occupy much of your time in the coming years is one you barely mentioned during the campaign: food. Food policy is not something American presidents have had to give much thought to, at least since the Nixon administration - the last time high food prices presented a serious political peril."
Tags: food, news
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  • 3 comments
glitteringlynx

glitteringlynx

October 18 2008, 05:44:43 UTC 12 years ago

Glad to see *someone* also still remembers that huge issue looming over our heads. Temporarily food prices will drop with the price of oil boing back below $1/L, but it's a matter of time until they go up again. I had also heard that the only reason the oil guys dropped it was over concern of a drop in Demand as a result of the economic crisis.

Yes, I capitalised "Demand." I think from now on doing that with "Supply" and "Demand" helps to separate the jargon from its normal usage. :) I mean, when you state it, you usually give it emphasis as though it's a proper noun, yes/yes?
ysabetwordsmith

Thoughts

ysabetwordsmith

October 18 2008, 16:29:00 UTC 12 years ago

You have a point about Supply/Demand.

As for food, yes, the artificially low prices are going up fast, and likely to stay up for various reasons. Some things you can do:

Buy local. Look for farmer's markets, co-ops, etc. that carry produce and other foods from nearby sources.

Stock up. When large amounts of food are available then can, dry, freeze, or otherwise preserve them for later use. End of the day at a farmer's market can see some amazing bargains.

Grow your own food. Even if you can only do a little of this, it helps.

Team up with friends. Do you have land but no gardening ability, or vice versa? Do you have a functional pair of hands but no canning experience, or vice versa? Do you have a car that could carry several people to a farmer's market? Pool resources.

Take advantage of community-supported agriculture. These farms sell "shares" that yield vegetables, and many also offer fruits, herbs, eggs, milk, sometimes even meats.