From Farm to Table

I had previously talked about the need to look at what we are eating and the opportunity we have to expose our families to different foods. Depending on where you live, some communities do not have a place to purchase fresh, locally grown products. The main form of food purchases is large chain groceries or big box stores.

I was recently reading an article in the paper about two chefs who had gone beyond the normal partnership with local farmers to purchase their fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other products for their restaurants. They decided to spend a year at a local farm managing the farm for the owners. This time allowed the owners the opportunity to focus on different areas that were neglected without the help, and it provided the chefs the experience of understanding how a farm works and the process of growing different items. 

It made me think about our purchasing habits and how we interact with local producers. I do have to admit that we are blessed to live in a region of the country that has local farms, orchards and vineyards for us to purchase from on a regular basis. This allows us not to only purchase from local providers but to also eat seasonally as opposed to whatever we desire to eat from product brought in from all over the country. 

Even though we are able to purchase from local producers we don't purchase 100% of our food this way. The reason, the cost is so high. The local producer does not have the opportunity to provide their items in central spaces and must rely on customers finding them as opposed to finding the customers in a large grocery store.  I find that I cave into my desires to purchase the easy pre-made items that add to my waist line instead of my enjoyment of food.

What would happen if there was an opportunity to start a business that allows for local producers to use the space to sell their items? Would it allow for more people to purchase fresh products as opposed to frozen breaded high fat instant items that large grocery chains provide? Or, what if we bring a group together to purchase land to start a community "farm" or "garden" to grow their own vegetables, fruits, or raise animals for milk, eggs, meat, etc.?

This is something that would go far in our battle to reeducate our society of eating healthy, by consuming fresh non-chemically enhanced food that brings us to our kitchens to cook together and to our dining rooms to eat and talk together. I know the Trophy Husband and his family do not do this because it is too "hard" but when we do, it becomes the most enjoyable evening.

The Trophy Husband challenges all of us to rethink how we purchase, cook and the consume food. I propose we set aside at least one night a week to purchase, cook and eat from products purchased locally. I understand that we cannot purchase "everything" locally, but try and get as much as possible. Then comment back as to what night you set aside and what you are purchasing, cooking and eating!!

Let's take this small step before moving on to bigger things. Be a part of the Trophy Husband Food Revolution!!! I may not be Jamie Oliver, but I am just as fanatic about food!!!

TH