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Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
As much as I like Michael Pollan......
He's just starting to grate on me. First the slightly sexist tinge of the last article, now you want the overworked government to tax soda and other stuff we've seen doesn't work? It's not like Kraft Foods is conspiring to take vegetables off the market. I would like everyone to eat healthy wholefoods too, but it is really a matter of personal responsibility. There is some things the government could do, like give a discount on healthy food to those who buy with food stamps, thus making it compatible to corn syrup laden packaged stuff for those on assistance. Really though, I don't want anyone dictating what I should eat. There is so much up in the air about what really is healthy, and so many health claims that science is working to legitimize, how can you. Plus, maybe I want a soda? Life is short.
Sneaking food into movies
I've snuck in sandwiches, candy, hummus and mini pitas, all sorts of things. My teenage years consisted of stuffing the front pocket of my over-sized hoodie with Taco Bell. It must have been detectable. I think the employees who have to do the grunt work of kicking you out don't really care, since it's not a possible legal issue like an underage movie goer, and no one wants to hassle anyone else.
favorite stoned snack
Anything with ranch dressing, first of all, or honey mustard. My college cafeteria had "4th meal" which was from 9-12, and basically full of fried things and sauces, plus a waffle bar with canned pie toppings and stuff. Also, bugles and cream cheese.
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
@BobbieAnne - Driving a few minutes isn't really a good substitute for truly destitute urban livers, many of whom use public transit and have children they need someone to watch. Once you solve that problem, there aren't many farms within a few minutes of the city. It's not much more expensive for me to walk down the block to my yuppy farmer's market, or spend a Sunday in the country at an orchard, but for the urban poor it's just not a luxury.
Ed, I agree with you. Most impoverished neighborhoods are fighting for a full service grocery store and paying through the nose at a local bodega for the reasons I just mentioned. I think Philadelphia is a good example of how to start tackling the problem using local food. The Farm to City program is doing an excellent job of spreading farmers markets around the city, and bringing in a multitude conventional and organic farmers to keep the prices competitive with inexpensive options. They also have a program with the farmers to accept food stamps which certainly is another barrier to local produce for the poor. And, Farm to City facilitates local produce for shelters, share food programs, and soup kitchens. Also, we have a few urban farms with farm stands in Philly, and all are in poorer areas where vacant lots were significantly cheaper, and all take food stamps as well.
I agree with the author's frustration. I've seen rich people sigh and roll their eyes when discussing populations that don't eat local food, mostly for lack of their own understanding. I'm pretty sick of Alice Waters selling zebra tomatoes for a song at Chez Panisse and telling people they need to buck up and find a farmer, without little consideration for how it's done, especially considering the number of school children whose parents can't afford to give them breakfast, let alone local breakfast. But at this point, we need to discuss solutions and not annoyances.
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
As much as I like Michael Pollan......
He's just starting to grate on me. First the slightly sexist tinge of the last article, now you want the overworked government to tax soda and other stuff we've seen doesn't work? It's not like Kraft Foods is conspiring to take vegetables off the market. I would like everyone to eat healthy wholefoods too, but it is really a matter of personal responsibility. There is some things the government could do, like give a discount on healthy food to those who buy with food stamps, thus making it compatible to corn syrup laden packaged stuff for those on assistance. Really though, I don't want anyone dictating what I should eat. There is so much up in the air about what really is healthy, and so many health claims that science is working to legitimize, how can you. Plus, maybe I want a soda? Life is short.
Sneaking food into movies
I've snuck in sandwiches, candy, hummus and mini pitas, all sorts of things. My teenage years consisted of stuffing the front pocket of my over-sized hoodie with Taco Bell. It must have been detectable. I think the employees who have to do the grunt work of kicking you out don't really care, since it's not a possible legal issue like an underage movie goer, and no one wants to hassle anyone else.
favorite stoned snack
Anything with ranch dressing, first of all, or honey mustard. My college cafeteria had "4th meal" which was from 9-12, and basically full of fried things and sauces, plus a waffle bar with canned pie toppings and stuff. Also, bugles and cream cheese.
When Is It Socially Acceptable to Share Food?
I hate the no same order's rule. In polite society I feel like ordering different things is something you're supposed to do, but I don't want a bite of your steak, I want my own damn steak. If you also want steak, you best beg for a bite of mine or be alright with the double order. I have no problem with someone bringing up the topic of sharing two different meals, and often I'll happily oblige, but I have no intention of sacrificing a craving for the sake of being polite.
How Do You Eat with a Beard?
My father, a man of the long bearded style, was very zen about it. He would wait until he was done and then comb it out in the restroom. He would napkin out the drippy items, but he never worried too much what other people thought about it.
A Return Visit to Royal Tavern, the Best and Worst Hamburger I Ate in Philadelphia
We Philadelphians live for our hot peppers on sandwiches. LIVE FOR THEM! Also next time you come, please go to Tony Luke's for a Roast Prok Italian with Brocalli Raab. Much more representative of our actual local cuisine than some shaved steak and cheez wiz.
Macarons should be the new cupcakes
I personally never understood why cupcakes were the new cupcakes, or why any dessert is the new dessert. Yeah, there are stores that exclusively sell cupcakes, but it's really only because cup cakes are single serving for walk in grazers. How about the blogosphere starts covering a multitude of different, delicious baked goods, and that can be the new "cupcakes."
Omitting Soda Pop
I don't drink soda everyday, but I love it dearly. When you are eating greasy food like a neighborhood slice or some fries, you need something bubbly to cut through the grease to refresh. I'm a pretty regular seltzer and club soda drinker day to day as well.
Serious Cheese: What Happens When a Curd Nerd Becomes Lactose Intolerant?
Welcome to the fold. I have been what I like to call "lactose intolerant amnesiac" for about three years, meaning I control my diet for a while, then become complacent and accidentally a giant bowl of ice cream then forget I did it and wonder why I feel so awful. Some advice:
Sorbetto if made well, can be almost creamy as gelatto and very delicious. It is my go too.
Yogurt is generally okay, as is cultured butter and the like.
Goat's milk can have a lot less lactose, as said above, and that fig ice cream is one of many delicious goat ice creams.
I have heard rumor that wine breaks down lactose in your stomach, hence it's historic pairing with cheese. I have no clue of its real, but it works for me!
Michelle Obama: Should Our First Lady Also Be America's Chef de Cuisine?
It's actually pretty offensive to assume that a: since Michelle is First Lady as opposed to President or anything, she has nothing better to do than represent our idea of families, b: that the family is now using a chef not because Barack was the cook and maybe he's busy, but because Michelle is lay or unwilling to learn, and c: that a Black woman is wrong for not being in the Kitchen. I thought Hesser wrote an extremely one sided piece without any thought, and I'm sad to see you covering it.
Men don't have guilty pleasures? Gluttony a point of pride?
I personally, as a woman, have no qualms about eating anything in front of anybody. That being said, I do have guilty feelings about myself when I indulge in bad, greasy food because ts bad for me. I am totally fine with this, and don't see why it's such a damn feminist issue. I think it would do both men and women good to feel guilt when they eat greasy food. As we live in a fat nation with a multitude of health problems, and extremely decadent eating experience is suppose to be an occasional treat, not breakfast lunch and dinner.
I also have to disagree with those who say it is not as simple as women deciding to buck the cultural norm. It is. I have never gotten anywhere or felt good about myself by thinking of all the ways things could be stacked against me. I've done so by ignoring them, and convincing myself that I am good and worth everything, as long as I am doing my best. Example, yes successful women are often considered bitches. Somehow, there continued success would indicate to me, they are confident they are not. It is only those women without such success that point this out. To me, words only hurt if you let them.
Fancy Restaurants Should Implement an Early 'Baby Seating'
Not to seem rude, but there is a way you can go out to a nice restaurant....it's called a babysitter. Believe me, your waitress will like you a lot more if you go this route.
French in a Flash: Sweet Valentine's Coeur a la Creme with Strawberry Sauce
We used to make this at a pastry shop I worked at. We had a big giant heart-shaped butter cookie spread with strawberry or raspberry jam, and then a coeur a la creme on top. We just served it with a fork on a plate, and no one said it was too rich or anything. Although a lot of people shared them, and I think that was the key; it was too rich to eat by itself.
Dinner Tonight: Shrimp and Grits with Bacon
@Lorenzo
I don't think the author was intending to say that grits aren't a southern dish. That is precisely what the term "roots in" means; something is from somewhere. I don't think he meant that we Chicago has taken grits from the South. It is impossible to take a recipe from a part of the world and not also leave it there, so I have no fear that I will head across the Mason-Dixon line and nary a grit will be left thanks to us northerners and our stealin' recipes off the internet.
Furthermore, as a Philadelphian, we eat grits all the time, as do many Amish folk in the area who don't spend much time in the South, so I'm not entirely sure giving the South full credit is due. But if you really feel jipped, we have no problem sharing scrapple :)
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
Indygal: My husband and I did do the Food Stamp Challenge trying to eat only organic and buying majority of our groceries at local Farmer's Markets just to see if we could. We found that while it was hard, it wasn't impossible. We managed (but did go a little hungry sometimes and ate less food than normal...and lost weight). I would drag around a notebook and try and compare prices and noticed that Farmer's Markets were higher but we just bought less food and wasted almost nothing unlike pre- and (sadly) post-challenge. Farmers were also very supportive and would throw in extra produce (something that NEVER happens at Vons).
I think the goal is, do what you can and what feels comfortable for you. We try but we're not militant. And yes, it would be harder if we had children or the luxury of a car, etc.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
Even the most expensive local tomato is still way, way, way cheaper than most crappy food eaten out. I buy local. I like to cook. I prefer my food dollars to go to good food, and if one shops sensibly it is not that expensive.
Example:
- cheap chain grocery green beans: $1.50/lb
- frou-frou Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market green beans - could be $3/lb to $4/lb
- Civic Center Farmer's Market - catering to a different demographic: $1/lb.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
One reason why locally farmed food is more expensive because it isn't subsidized by the government. Also, how much more expensive is it really?
http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2009/07/which_price_is_right.html
Another reason why, for example, out of season gassed to ripeness florida tomatoes are cheaper is because the tomato pickers are paid slave wages. In fact, some of them are actually slaves.
http://www.ciw-online.org/
People seem to also forget that local, smaller farmers are HUMAN BEINGS, that work INCREDIBLY hard. A lot of them are barely making minimum wage even charging what some people deem "ridiculously high prices". It's a lot easier to grow things with tons of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. Farming is not even a recognized profession by the U.S. census.
Seasonal food tastes better than out of season food being sold in conventional supermarkets in January(i.e. tomatoes, strawberries). I realize that this is an opinion, not fact, but I'm more than willing to run a blind taste test. Conventional food is also higher in nutritional value than industrialized ag. When people say that in season, local food is only for the rich, one thing I think is "so you're telling me lower income people only deserve flavorless, nutritionless, pesticide laden food? And that isn't elitist?"
I'd also like to point out that cheap food prices are based on fossil fuel. With peak oil, the U.S. is likely going to go through a major food crisis. We could do well to learn from Cuba and try to prevent that by recognizing these local farmers and attempting to give them the status and pay they deserve.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Period
Lastly, there is a lot of flawed reasoning in McWilliam's new book. The reviews on amazon are a good place to read them.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
I find it to be more expensive to shop at my local farmer's market than to buy food at the most expensive grocery in my area -- and that's just the basics, not heirloom vegetables, artisanal breads and cheeses.
I tried to follow the Food Stamp Challenge a year or so ago. It was difficult at the grocery; impossible at the farmer's market.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
It's definitely for people that are better off, financially. The price difference,availability and education of the consumer on the topic being the main reasons. I love a nice delicious locally grown tomato, etc but I cannot justify the price difference to a working single mother of 3 or 4 struggling with a shoestring budget. Can you? If you can, you are being sanctimonious and are just as oblivious as Alice Waters,et al. to any real struggle happening everyday. Also, the inner city population is not going to listen to some hippie locavore talking about 15 dollar grapes. Sorry not gonna happen.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
"Off the cuff: you could consider part of the cost of local vegetables (particularly heirloom) to be the seeds that you'll get that are proven to work in your local ecosystem. So, if you've got the time to invest, the higher cost will amortize over the successive generations of food that you can raise from the first purchase."
Nice theory. I buy into it every spring. This year was the worst ever. I got two heirloom tomato plants for $1.00 each at my local farmers market. And dirt. And pots. And some seedlings- squash, parsley, jalapenos, cucumbers. I ended up with 3/4 of a tomato (1/4 was buggy or rotted). Granted, it was the sweetest, most delicious tomato I ever tasted, but criminy. 4 months of careful tending, and i ended up with almost nothing.
I'll surely be romanced again next spring. I'm an incurable optimist when it comes to this sort of thing.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
All I know is, here in Chicago, a pound of string beans at my local produce market (and by local I mean in my neighborhood, not a source of local produce), string beans are $1.49/pound. At the farmers market, where the produce IS local, string beans are $6/pound. That is a huge, huge difference.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
@foodinmouth - can you please write a coherent comment? Trying to parse some meaning out of your rant is painful. You seem to think that the Union Sq market is much more important than it really is. Sure, they should take EBT and food stamps. What I think is even more important is that the markets in the poorer neighborhood take them. And they largely do. You are making a lot of angry assumptions, about the people who shop there, about the farmers who sell there, and about the organizers. You are asking a lot of rhetorical questions, I bet you've never bothered to get involved yourself.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
I'm rather tired of people whipping out the argument that we can't feed X amount of people if we all shopped locally and sustainably. That's as illogical as cramming food left on your plate down your throat so that children in Africa don't starve. No one's asking you to give up feedin' the world by supporting your local farmer. But all the costs of 'cheap' supermarket food are subsidized by the govt, i.e. our tax dollars anyhow, so pushing those costs out of the way and hiding them does not in fact make them go away. I've been one of the poor described in the article, for several years. I STILL went out of my way to purchase some of my food from local farmers, most of whom deliver if you order over 50 bux of meat. I still bought organic milk at the store, and when I couldn't afford something I went without. I totally understand that some people cannot. ever. afford to choose pricy local stores, but most farms DELIVER. Whether it's through a CSA, a bulk order split between several friends, or even a private arrangement, you can indeed get at least half of your food from local sources. It will indeed be cheaper, probably healthier, and you'll be supporting your local economy, your own neighbors. We have several community gardens that grow food for the food bank, just for those reasons and people love it. There is a large continuum of shopping locally, but snide comments calling it a fad or worse is just as annoying.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
@simon,
I've seen that site and also know the time that I've check that site (the last two years), the Union Square farmers market has not shown up there.
It's the biggest one. It's the one that would stand to create either
a. the most confusion w/ new ebt equipment or system
b. the one most likely to have farmers who might be irked at having to implement it.
I've heard certain markets use a station for ebt users to go and swap for tokens, and then use tokens at the stands. So yea, I know what's going on with 'em. The point is that if they want to make a statement, they should do a better job. I mean, how long does it take to implement the system at Union Square? Are any of the farmers pushing for it? Are any of the customers? Seriously, if you people want to say that farmers market cares about being a social movement, then you're really talking about everyone at the farmers market *wanting* a social movement. I don't see that at all. The worst part is that people who go to farmers markets don't even realize they're not part of any social movement. Who exactly is progressing the EBT system for farmers markets? Is it the people who go there? Is there such a clamor? Is it the farmers? Are they saying, "Damn, look at the demo that visit my stand!" Get the **** outta here man.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
NYC Greenmarkets currently accepting EBT transactions.
Progress in use of Food Stamps at NYC Greenmarkets. (PDF)
This is a real issue and it is being addressed. The primary mission of the Greenmarket movement has always been a social one.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
Ed,
When are we going to get food stamps or EBT cards in the biggest farmers market in New York City? Or is that one just for the well-to-do? Union Square has got some catching up to do.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
While I enjoy local food, especially when I can find sources that taste better than what's available from afar, there is a romantic quality to this whole "movement" that is a bit precious. I think it unlikely that we could feed 20 million people in the New York metropolitan area for 12 months of the year on locally grown food and, even within quantity limits, confining themselves to food seasonally available is unattractive to most people. Beyond that, it is not clear that fruits and vegetables carried in small quantities in trucks or cars (when picked up at a farmer's market or farm) have a smaller environmental "footprint" than large quantities of food packed in containers and distributed in full trucks to supermarkets.
The availability of decent and decently priced food in low-income neighborhoods is a completely different problem better attacked by finding ways to attract larger stores (even supermarkets!) selling mass-produced food at manageable prices.
Having said all that, those of us who can afford it should encourage artisanal food for the same reasons we prefer and should encourage artisanal production of wines, cheeses, jewelry and clothes. The individuality provides variety and makes an important statement about individuality in a mass-production world -- but only for those who can afford it and without the expectation that we are going to return to eighteenth century production methods and levels of consumption.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
The food I get from my CSA is local, fresh from the field, in season, is either low spray or fully organic, uses fairly paid and treated workers, AND is MUCH MUCH cheaper than what I could find at the store. I don't need transportation to go get it, I pick it up ten blocks from my apartment and carry it home in canvas bags and a backpack.
This is a myth being perpetuated by Machiavellian partisans. Of course, you can go buy your produce at a fancy gourmet store or upscale market and get ripped off, but that is not at all representative of reality.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
I would suggest that, at the very least, local food is inaccessible to those that don't have the transportation or the knowledge of these places.
We used to split a CSA farm share with my in-laws. This stopped when we decided that we weren't getting all that we wanted from it for the cost that we were paying; there were also conflicting issues between pick-up times and my access to a car. The major point of contention was that a significant amount of fruit and vegetables were things that we really had no desire to eat; we could've become creative with those vegetables, but with our hectic schedule, neither of us really had the energy on the weekdays to whip up something new (yet possibly unappetising).
Now we visit a farmer's market on the weekends, where we can pick and choose from the local seasonal produce. Unfortunately, it's the only time that we can shop, because our local farmer's market is about ten minutes via driving in our suburb. If it weren't for my proximity to the Reading Terminal Market and the Tuesday local produce stall in my train station, I wouldn't be able to pick up local food via public transpo.
However, I really disagree with Mr. McWilliams' comment on "Localization, by contrast, specifies what is and is not acceptable within an arbitrary boundary. In this sense, it delimits diversity." One of the vendors at a nearby farmer's market is a Chinese couple who sells Chinese-specific vegetables, which began as a result of the lack of said vegetables in the area. I would argue that this is a direct contrast to McWilliams's comment, in that this example promotes diversity in a traditionally "white bread" area.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
@redfish
The opposite of a locavore would be a televore :P
I knew that Greek/Latin vocab class would come in handy.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
I think cost is a factor, but it's not prohibitive. I try to eat mostly locally - not exclusively, and I'm not doctrinaire about it. But I generally try to buy local when possible. I buy my food either from local sources, or from general sources at a local Mom & Pop non-chain store. My grocery bill is about $40/wk. To put that in perspective, I spend 2.5x as much on health insurance as I do on food. The strains on my budget are from many places - but food isn't really one of them.
Is Locavorism For Rich Folks Only?
if we support local food sources as much as possible - these sources will increase for more people to take part in. in my area we are now looking forward to winter markets which will avail us to winter squash, potatoes, apples, some farmer's are now doing greenhouses, so, lettuce, greens, sprouts .... if there is a need they will figure a way to provide. i think it's great. of course, if you want a pineapple in january, you can get them at your local supermarket.... it would be nice to have a choice to have more local products. so support your local growers and go the distance with them.
Serious Cheese: What Happens When a Curd Nerd Becomes Lactose Intolerant?
Thought for years I was lactose intolerant. Then was prescribed a Z-pack antibiotic, now i can digest dairy!!!!!! Apparently something was blocking the enzyme needed to digest dairy & the antibiotic killed it. But just recently had the stomach flu, was still sick after 2 weeks. Doc said the dairy products were FEEDING the BAD BACTERIA. Said no dairy for 2 weeks, then start adding back in PROBIOTICS (Activia, ect....) for 2 weeks then add regular dairy back in. Still in the no dairy stage, will let you know if it works. Cross your fingers!!!! lol Found this site looking for cheese low in lactose, Thank you so much for a wealth of info everyone!!!!
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
One aspect that I want everyone to remember - NOT ALL PEOPLE ARE FAT BY CHOICE. Meaning that there are some genetic disorders that would require a person to exercise over eight hours a day to achieve a normal weight, even while they are eating a healthy diet. I understand that these people are a very small portion of the larger problem, but to paint all obese people with the same paintbrush is doing disservice to them and to yourself.
I'm the exact opposite - I am thin because of a genetic digestive disorder that doesn't allow my digestive system to properly absorb nutrients. I feel frustrated when people are jealous of me for my weight when they have no idea that I struggle to remain healthy and functional every day. I imagine that people in the opposite situation have it far worse since many people blame them for their weight - not knowing the full story.
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
@Simon - You couldn't have said it better! The corn subsidies REALLY need to go!
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
the cost of food is not the issue. Excessive Calories and lack of activity are the cause of obesity. All of this local, organic and natural movement are not the answer. greater activity levels, Physical labor, and knowledge are the key here, not mandatory government management of food consumption. Lets get out the food ration cards. Lets ban dessert menus and ice cream parlors. Regulation is a never ending spiral of reducing your freedom of choice. If the FDA determines Acrylamide is a carcinogen, they could require all restaurants stop serving toast as it is a carcinogen and would not be legally considered food due the the food and Nutrition acts ban on carcinogens.
Think about the posts and articles here complaining about big business and the government ruining the organic standards.
The other cause is the economics of poverty. If I own a food store in an economically depressed area, the only fruits and vegetables i carry would be processed. I could not afford the waste involved with fresh produce. Same with the customers of these stores, they can't afford to waste food, especially highly priced fresh produce. Let me buy a 99 cent can of tomatoes from California rather than the $3 a pound local fresh tomato put in a soup.
The average person can't cook, doesn't exercise and doesn't care. Even here, where people claim to be food knowledgeable, most commentors don't seem to have a clue on food safety, or understand why certain food additives are used in processed foods. This whole debate is caused by people who have formed beliefs based on limited knowledge, no actual experience in commercial food preparation and international food distribution. They have met local farmers who run profitable truck farms near major metropolitan areas, who don't want to compete in commodity agriculture, and don't care about the guy farming in western Kansas where there is no market for locally grown. Growing commodities is a brutal business, but don't blame just processors for destroying the profitability, blame equally the speculators and investors gambling on the harvest and buying and selling products that don't exist for under the cost of production.
Sneaking food into movies
I always pack a banana-pb sandwich for those late-night movies
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
@Meatguy - part of the problem is that corn subsidies have driven down the price of many unhealthy foods to the point where it's cheaper to eat a too-large unhealthy meal than a small healthy one. In addition, there is plenty of research out there (although somewhat controversial) that shows that refined sugars and simple carbs make you feel less full than whole grains, fiber-full vegetables, etc, making it easier to eat too-large meals of these kinds of foods. Also nobody is denying that genetics make a different and plenty of people who eat well get fat or have high blood pressure (and vice versa)
Michael Pollan on Health Care and the Food System
Nice thought on Mr. Pollan's part, but getting any meaningful health reform is proving difficult enough with the constant invention of myths such as "death panels" and other idiocy that I think the plate is pretty much full right now. Maybe down the road.
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@BobbieAnne - Driving a few minutes isn't really a good substitute for truly destitute urban livers, many of whom use public transit and have children they need someone to watch. Once you solve that problem, there aren't many farms within a few minutes of the city. It's not much more expensive for me to walk down the block to my yuppy farmer's market, or spend a Sunday in the country at an orchard, but for the urban poor it's just not a luxury.
Ed, I agree with you. Most impoverished neighborhoods are fighting for a full service grocery store and paying through the nose at a local bodega for the reasons I just mentioned. I think Philadelphia is a good example of how to start tackling the problem using local food. The Farm to City program is doing an excellent job of spreading farmers markets around the city, and bringing in a multitude conventional and organic farmers to keep the prices competitive with inexpensive options. They also have a program with the farmers to accept food stamps which certainly is another barrier to local produce for the poor. And, Farm to City facilitates local produce for shelters, share food programs, and soup kitchens. Also, we have a few urban farms with farm stands in Philly, and all are in poorer areas where vacant lots were significantly cheaper, and all take food stamps as well.
I agree with the author's frustration. I've seen rich people sigh and roll their eyes when discussing populations that don't eat local food, mostly for lack of their own understanding. I'm pretty sick of Alice Waters selling zebra tomatoes for a song at Chez Panisse and telling people they need to buck up and find a farmer, without little consideration for how it's done, especially considering the number of school children whose parents can't afford to give them breakfast, let alone local breakfast. But at this point, we need to discuss solutions and not annoyances.