Learning Where Food Comes From

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I'm always surprised when purchasing some produce at the market and the checker does not recognize what type of fruit or vegetable I am buying. A typical exchange...

Checker: "What's this?"
Me: "It's kale."
Checker: "Huh, what do you do with it?"
Me: "Oh all kinds of things. Soups, stews, salads, saute it. Its really good for you."
Checker: "Oh. Never heard of it before."

I'm equally worried by all the reports that most children these days can not identify what animal their meat comes from or name more than a handful of fruits and vegetables. How did we become so disconnected from our food and so limited in the variety of produce we eat? More and more you hear about how involving children in the production of their own food, usually through a school or community garden, not only encourages them to eat more fruits and vegetables, but also provides an invaluable education about where food comes from. I hope that these programs continue to expand. Fortunately my family has been blessed with a lovely yard where our children can experience vegetable gardening first hand.

Anyone who has kids knows it doesn't take much convincing to get them to dig in the dirt. My daughter absolutely loves to garden along side me and is very enthusiastic about watering, weeding, and planting. Right now its all about enjoying the sunshine together and having fun. I love the excitement of young children as they realize that a little seed grows into a big plant and its flower turns into a vegetable. As my children grow, I hope growing their own vegetables will not only lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits, but also an awareness of the origins of our food. More than just learning to identify different vegetables and the seasons they naturally grow in, its learning about the importance of clean water and fertile soil. Learning that beneficial insects and microorganisms are something to be nurtured, not eliminated. Learning that mono-cultures and a reliance on a handful of crops is risky and resource intensive. Learning how not to waste the resources and food you have. And learning to build a community of gardeners with whom you can share knowledge, exchange seeds, and swap excess garden produce. I hope they learn that healthy food and the farmers who grow it are something we all to often take for granted in this country.

Of course you don't need a yard to enjoy growing some of your own food. A few pots on a balcony or front porch can provide an enormous amount of enjoyment and some delicious veggies. Growing your own food can certainly provide a new perspective on the larger issues surrounding our industrialized food system. But just as importantly, nurturing a little garden plot can provide some much needed nourishment for the soul.