Supporting the Sustainable Foods Movement

What is all the buzz about sustainable foods? Celia Barbour (2008), reporting for Oprah Magazine, refers to the Sustainable Food Movement as a “Delicious Revolution.” What a great way to emphasize that “sustainability” does not equal boring; it actually represents “healthy” and anything that sustains, maintains, or improves the quality of our life. In this case, attention is paid to the selection of foods that nurture our basic needs for survival and for remaining well.

As far as a little history, the sustainable foods movement is a result of local food movements or farmer’s markets that focused on collaborative efforts to develop locally grown foods that in turn would develop local community economies. Now, the sustainable foods movement has taken over by focusing on healthy eating by avoiding chemical-laden foods and concentrating on eating fresh foods,  lean meats, and  free-range chicken. Is this routine possible to follow? Why would we even consider these healthier choices? The answers lie in the outcome. Research by Elizabeth Somer (1999) even tells us that eating certain foods can  affect our moods.

So, concentrating on sustainable foods means trading potentially toxic foods for nutritious foods that encourage living a sustainable life. This effort, in turn, contributes exponentially to your personal and family’s health and wellness. As Balbour points out in her article, there is a “full-fledged revolution going on, and all you have to do to join is pass up the chips and nuggets and eat a locally grown, organic carrot instead.”

How do you get started? Start by shopping at a local farmers' market, buy organic produce whenever and wherever possible, and participate in a CSA (community-supported agriculture) programs. Given more visibility and support, small independent family farms can provide healthy you with produce minus the pesticides. You could join a new group of “locavores” (I like that title) who buy food grown close to their home. If you want more information about grass-fed beef or other organic produce, check out LocalHarvest.org and EcoEarth.info. And remember that your local markets such as Whole Foods, Sprout’s, and Trader Joe’s aim to provide you with these healthy foods, as well.

So, what do you have to loose? Nothing. It is more about what you gain by taking small steps to ensure your health, while supporting local farms and of course, the economy. Who knows—you might even grow your own organic foods!