New Yorker Magazine Article Worth Reading

Today I read a New Yorker Magazine article, "The Last Bite: Is the World's Food System Collapsing?", written by Bee Wilson.  It's a provacative piece, mixing things those of us in sustainable food systems often talk about (agriculture, population growth, demographics) and stating the obvious, but mixing it up with some new (and old) ideas, theories, and commentary.  Such as,Thomas Malthus (historic theory); the fact that food crises are currently occuring in thirty-three countries (per the World Food Bank); and some discussion of a new literature - "food-politics" books - and their sometimes frightening conclusions.  (And I admit to having a stack of ten of those particular books at home right now, with more on the way).

The basic premise of Wilson's piece is "that the global food market fosters both scarcity and overconsumption, while imperiling the planet’s ability to produce food in the future."

This makes sense to me.  Too many people have too little (or nothing) to eat; too many of us have access to too much "food" that has traveled a long distance, is unhealthy, overprocessed...and which makes us fat to boot.

Clearly, the larger food system in which we participate needs some serious adjustments.  We can help make those adjustments occur more quickly by taking an active interest in our role as consumers each and every day.  This means making a commitment to improving our health - and the health of the environment - by producing and consuming on a more local basis.   

A good way to up your local consumption is by growing even some of your food.  It's the perfect time to get a garden going.  Don't think you have the time? Little ambition?  Even a small container garden can help feed your family, and will also feed something else: your soul.  Contact your local Master Gardener organization or visit your local nursery for ideas and guidance.

Today, you can become more informed about food systems issues by reading Wilson's article.   She's also authored number of other terrific pieces about the food system, and has published some books that will be of interest to anyone interested in the food system and our role as consumers.   Google her.  Worth it!

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2008/05/19/080519crat_atlarge_wilson

"A Garden for Everyone.  Everyone in a Garden."

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