July 06, 2008
The farmer takes a wife
With new Whole Foods Markets cropping up daily, buying "organic" and "free range" is all the rage. But in an article titled "Is Whole Foods Wholesome?," Slate magazine reporter Field Maloney urges that grocers like Whole Foods have profited from the widespread misperception that "organic" means "small family farmers." Indeed, a banner hanging in Whole Foods proclaims that "Buying Organic supports the small, family farmers that make up a large percentage of organic food producers." Still, Maloney contends that the bulk of organic food in this country comes from five or six farms in California - not from farmers in the immediate area. He writes, "There are a lot of small, family-run organic farms, but their share of the organic crop in this country, and of the produce sold at Whole Foods, is miniscule."
Oftentimes, it seems that slapping an "organically-grown" sticker on produce is just a clever ruse to charge more. Translated loosely, the word "organic" means "expensive." I've even heard people quip that Whole Foods is "the wholesome healthy for the wholesome wealthy." Shouldn't healthier eating options, fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides, be available to everyone - not just status enjoyers who can afford to buy organic?
Support area farmers by shopping for fresh produce at your local farmers' market. Workers don't usually want to pack up and haul home unsold produce, so if you stop by a few minutes before close, they might make you a deal.
For recipes and ideas on how to best use your produce, visit the Vegan Lunch Box.