For Local Foodies - sound familiar? :)

What’s Out, What’s In for 2012

The Food Network is all sorts of wonderful. It’s an ol’ reliable television pick in our household. This winter break, when my Dad wanted his GolfChannel, I was a sucker for prime time Fox re-runs and my mom was all about her HGTV, the Food Network seemed to be the only remedy to our remote-control ADD. There’s always a program that speaks to the foodie in us. That being said, the Jones’ are big fans. So naturally, I follow the Food Network on Twitter….and their latest update was a wonderful tweet…I mean treat.

Hot off the Press: The 2012 Food Trend Predictions…………….

Out: Organic
With the economy in shambles, going full out organic is just way too costly. The clean 15 and dirty dozen lists tell us where it’s best to invest our organic dollar.

In: Going local (Uh…BOO-YA)
Many local farmers follow organic practices, but getting that official organic seal from the USDA is just too costly for them. Many folks also want to support their local economy and farmers.

Now, we didn’t need a list to tell us that, but it is a prettttttty dandy prediction all the same. Looks like we’re ahead of the curve… so keep chompin’ down on those root veggiez… stew does the body good! =)

Loca-lovin’ til next time,
S. 

Here’s a little something we’re servin’ up for dinner:
Local (Huntsville, Ontario) Ratatouille…. 

All Ingredients and preserves from Farmer’s Daughter. 

This recently caught my eye…

Has anyone read author Raj Patel’s “The Value of Nothing: How to reshape market society and redefine democracy?” It’s my next read… give you the scoop as soon as I grab this from the bookstore!

Trailer for the book:

Busted: Stop Sugarcoating it, Georgia

I take a momentary break from the Locavore food horizon to discuss an issue that is pertinant in every community across North America: childhood obesity. Strong4Life, a Georgia-based organization has released a new campaign and advertisements to end childhood obesity. Their tactic of shock and awe in their most recent anti-obesity campaign, “Stop Sugarcoating It, Georgia” is striking up a sea of controversy. The obesity ad is sending mixed messages. 

One example of their ads: 

Harsh reality: Critics argue that the images of overweight children will just make them feel bad about themselves but health officials argue it is necessary to inform the public of the true face of child obesity

I find something deeply unsettling about this advertisement. Though the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the obesity crisis in North America and empower families to make changes, the mode for doing so is hindered by these cruel images. It seems in my mind, that the campaign is stigmatizing overweight childen - our attention is upon the child’s self-image. This little girl is being held responsible for her weight. It seems as though she is bullied by the campaign itself.

Holding up photos of these children and labelling them fat is not the most effective means for change. The emphasis should not be placed upon appearances. If we tell children to value appearance, above health or mindful choices, we are actively promoting a social culture that is more harmful than helpful. If we promote those values than our efforts for mindful, healthy, consumption is hindered by these ulterior motives for social acceptance and the advertisement’s negative connotations.

The change comes from active, mindful, food choices that begins at home. The child should not be held responsible. She is a little girl - and the ad seems forgetful of this.