Food Security In America

Are you concerned about the food security in America?

It's pretty scary.....Almost all of America's cropland is in production with inedible food crops (and it's genetically modified). We are facing serious economic crisis. People are becoming unhealthier and unhealthier every day. What's going on?

As Americans we are eating almost all processed food and have all but forgotten how to prepare our meals from REAL whole grains and fresh produce. Not a box or package that says whole grains, but real wheat kernels that need to be ground fresh. Real oat groats that need to be rolled or chopped. These are REAL foods.

After reading Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver I realized that even though I grind my own wheat and flake my own groats, I have still played my roll in not supporting the very farmers who eek out a living growing REAL food. How many times have I driven right past the vegetable stand or avoided the farmer's market for the convenience of one stop shopping at the grocery store?

One might argue that they are supporting farmers by purchasing produce at the grocery store, but most often that produce has traveled over 1100 miles. What we need to do to build food security and avoid possible food shortages in this country is support our local farmers. We need to go back to eating food that is in season and appreciate it during the season. We need to support the local food producing farmer. In times of need, they, will be the ones to help. Where will they be if we don't support them and they go out of business? Yes, sometimes the food is a bit more expensive, but it is also FRESH, and usually grown without toxins. I believe most disease in this country is caused by the foods we eat. Most of our food supply is toxic and devoid of any nutrition.

If you are concerned about the economy there are several things you can do to help build food security.

• First, plant some food for yourself. Even urbanites can have a small garden and fruit trees. I have been known to plant a garden in almost every dwelling I have lived in--even if it was in a few containers.
• You can keep a couple of laying hens. In most areas of the country people are allowed at least 2 or 3 hens. With very little effort you will have eggs.
• Make friends with country folks who provide fresh food (if not year round with a greenhouse) at least seasonally. Support their farming efforts.
• Eat foods that are in season. I don't think people even know or remember that is what we have done for thousands of years!

I would also recommend that you stop buying as much processed food as you can. This month figure out one convenience food that you can make yourself and do that. Make a lot of it and freeze it so you have it on hand when you want it. Then next month pick another item you can either do without or can make yourself. OR you can find an organic equivalent. By doing this you are not supporting the big agri-buisnesses that have taken over in America. The organics are the little guys...support them instead. The more you learn to do without or do for yourself or purchase locally or purchase organically, the faster we will have food security in America.

What are you willing to do for yourself today?