Factory food: The cheap, mass-produced food we eat is killing our environment, our economy — and us

[marmar]

from the Boston Phoenix:



Factory food
Why the cheap, mass-produced food we eat is killing our environment, our economy — and us

By MIKE MILIARD | June 25, 2009 |


Since Squanto taught the Pilgrims to plant maize, no food has been more emblematic of the evolution of American eating habits than corn. That's been true from the sepia-tinged golden age of the Midwestern breadbasket to the present day, where those yellow kernels are lab-engineered and recombinated into a dizzying array of futuristic foodstuffs.

In Mark Kurlansky's new anthology, The Food of a Younger Land (Riverhead) — which compiles reportage and recipes from "America Eats," an unfinished venture of the Depression-era WPA Federal Writers' Project — we visit Pop Corn Days in North Loup, Nebraska. There, fairgoers munched from "bushels of popped fluffiness" while watching the procession of the Pop Corn Queen, "heralded by buglers with green capes over their uniforms . . . regal in her robes of lustrous gold satin." We also learn how, across the Midwest, corn was "cultivated for uses in 'johnny-cake,' corn mush, 'big hominy,' ash-cake, corn whisky, corn pone, or the small loaves called 'corn dodgers.' "

Nowadays, though, as we're shown in Robert Kenner's new documentary Food, Inc., we consume corn via high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, di-glycerides, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, calcium stearate, citrus cloud emulsion, saccharin, sucrose, sorbital, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, cellulose, xylital, alpha tocopherol, gluten, polydextrose, inositol, and Fibersol-2. Gives the term "corn-fed" a whole new meaning, eh?

"The way we eat has changed more in the last 50 years than the previous 10,000," notes Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, at the outset of Food, Inc. And not for the better.

The food we eat today is making us fat. It's making us sick. And the vast, government-subsidized system of agribusiness and mechanized corporate food production is inefficient and unsustainable, slowly ruining our environment, our economy, and our culture. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/85578-Factory-food/

[lindisfarne]

1. Just got back from my farmers market where everything is local and much is produced organically and/

or sustainably. Munching on peas right now.

[kestrel91316]

3. Waiting for the DUers who are gonna attack you as a rich elitist

and how dare you suggest that poor people spend what little money they have on expensive produce in 3....2....1....

:popcorn:

[NYC_SKP]

5. True, that. And to them I say, "walk the talk", "find a way"...

I've read people's comments defending their buying from Walmart because they can't live without them low everyday prices.

Bullshit.

:nuke:

[lindisfarne]

6. Farmers Markets are very affordable where I live. Plus I'm supporting people in my community & the

money stays in the community. I know YOU know that - this is for others.

Processed foods like breakfast cereals are VERY expensive per pound - compare bulk organic oatmeal to cheerios on sale - on a per pound basis, organic bulk oatmeal wins always.

Americans spend a much lower percentage of their income on their food than they did even 30 years ago. So most can afford to make better food choices (esp. when they cut out junk food) if they reduce their consumerism.

Organic is very often as cheap or just slightly more expensive when bought in season = even in stores, but esp. at a farmers market. But, avoid organics from China (Trader Joe's doesn't carry products from China so you're safe there).

Buying sustainably grown, local, &/or organic is a high priority for me. Not everything, but a good deal (and especially to avoid conventional produce in the "dirty dozen" list). Humanely raised (and slaughtered) animals is important - see cornucopia.org for their report on which "organic" dairies treat their cows in a way that is consistent with the spirit and letter of the organics law (avoid Horizon - better to buy rBST-free conventional milk than Horizon). See http://www.certifiedhumane.org/ for which products are from animals humanely raised and slaughtered. Meat: CUT BACK - that's the best thing for you and the animals. Buy local if you can - but make sure you quiz the producer on their methods; visit the farm; ask about where they slaughter the animals. Buy some organic - if you eat less, the increase in price isn't bad.

Anyone who considers this elitist: how much money do you spend eating processed foods? eating out? drinking wine/beer? buying non-alcoholic drinks of any sort? buying non-food junk you really don't need? going to movies? renting movies (I get mine at the library).

I have a small garden but I'm still learning - and the folks at the farmers market give me good tips and have more variety. Plus, I chat with lots of people in the community - for me, the farmers market is a social event.

[kestrel91316]

9. I've at times said everything you are saying. There is a vocal minority

here who will shriek about how the poor "DON'T HAVE TIME TO COOK FROM SCRATCH !!!!!" and therefore "HAVE TO BUY PROCESSED AND CONVENIENCE FOODS!!!!!!"

And I just sigh, because they truly don't GET it.

[Bluenorthwest]

30. There are people here actually stating what others 'will say'

and then arguing with that unsaid thing. Amazing to me.

Anyone who is more affluent and has issues with the diets kept by those with less have many options beyond screaming about what others might say.

Anyone who attends a Farmer's Market will usually be able to subscribe to a CSA program, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. By paying in advance of the harvest, you get far more for your money. All anyone has to do is order one that is larger than you need, and send the extra to another family. Many CSA programs will set all of that up for you. So all you have to do is pay to give.
I know people who buy these weekly boxes for multiple families. That way instead of screaming at people that they can afford what they can not, you simply supply them with it, because you can afford enough, then some more. This is possible both in more rural areas and in many urban centers.

Or just meet here and talk about what you imagine others will say in response to what you say, and then what you'd say back, then what they'd say, this time in CAPS!

[jmowreader]

39. A lot of times, you can eat less expensively if you don't cook from scratch

I worked it out. If you go to the least expensive store in Fayetteville (it ain't Walmart, incidentally) and buy enough vegetables to equal one can of the same vegetable, you'll spend about two dollars. This goes for green beans, beets (which are REALLY expensive if you buy fresh) and corn.

Would you be in a better financial position if you spent 79 cents on a can of beets, or three dollars on fresh ones?

And you can go straight down the line on this. You can buy a package of Kraft Mac and Cheese for less than the ingredients to make mac and cheese. You can buy a loaf of bread for less than you can all the stuff that goes into one. Meat's a different story--convenience meat is more expensive than raw.

[anneboleyn]

21. They are not at all affordable where we live.

There is only one within one hundred miles and a chicken for roasting is twenty to twenty five dollars for ONE chicken (five dollars for an organic chicken from the local Target).

[Donnachaidh]

7. well this poor family is GROWING it's own produce on a balcony

Have peppers and tomatoes that are starting to look like the Day of the Triffid plants. We expect to get lots of good stuff from them in a few weeks.

[kestrel91316]

10. I wish I could. My balcony gets zero light most of the year, and then

finally when temps hit the 90s and up to 119F here, lol, it gets LOTS of sun. Sigh.

[Donnachaidh]

13. we've been in the 90's all week, makes droop a problem

But we've got such a sunny balcony I had to take advantage this year. I may plant more if the weather stays nice.

[Bluenorthwest]

36. Your city has lots of public gardens

Those who do not have a garden area can usually take a plot in a Community Garden for very little cost. Your profile says LA. Just fyi, I lived in a high rise for a decade in Hollywood, and kept a garden patch on Franklin the whole time. Such gardens are all over the city. Virtually free, the cost is so low.

[lindisfarne]

8. A place MANY American families can save $ is to cut out food waste: 27% in the US is wasted

which includes food & edible food-like substances (=highly processed & full of chemicals)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/weekinreview/18martin.html

[kestrel91316]

11. I gave up Twinkies and HoHo's in part because they were

not actual food, but only a chemical conglomeration. Likewise Velveeta "cheese", lol.

[ipaint]

14. I'm poor and I buy my veggies locally

In fact I see many poorer folks loading up at the vegetable stand. Now when I go to the local supermarket for the odds and ends I need that is where I see plenty of folks who are well above poverty level loading up their carts full of processed crap.

I'm lucky I live within a few miles of 3 vegetable stands. I have lived in places though where the only place to shop was walmart. Being poor I always shop at the cheapest place for the most quality and quantity and for me and many other poor in my area that is the veggie stand.

Maybe when the much larger number of better folks off who shop at the more expensive supermarkets change their habits and create a larger demand for more accessible to all farmer's markets and veggie stands we will see more poor people able to take advantage of them too.

[DesertDiamond]

33. In my 5th month as a raw vegan, I'm finding I'm spending LESS on food because

I don't need to eat as much. Less food, more nutrition... and less need for doctors. I'd call that a sound economic choice that poor people can definitely afford to make.

[DesertDiamond]

34. Did I mention going raw has also cut down on my utilty bills?

[symbolman]

37. You'll be needing a doctor

Human body cannot support itself in that diet, you'll get sick eventually, what you're doing in effect is Fasting, watch for hair falling out.. Seriously..

Might as well be a Breatharian living on air..

[mike_c]

12. me too!

Breakfast this morning: home roasted FTO coffee from El Salvador, Texas grapefruit, and toasted homemade raisin bread.

Lunch in an hour or so: homemade apple/nut/cheese/dried cherry mix the GF is putting together right now, and local smoked salmon on a bagel.

Dinner tonight: roasted chick peas, shitake mushrooms, and Swiss chard over polenta, artichokes from the backyard, and fresh summer squash. Mint juleps first!

All the produce came from the farmer's market or the local coop. There's absolutely no reason to eat factory food, ESPECIALLY during summer!

[Thothmes]

20. What brand of bourbon in your mint juleps was produced at

the local farmers market or coop.

[mike_c]

23. LOL-- busted, and the grapefruit were from Texas...

...but still....

It was all very good!

[NMDemDist2]

24. home roasted eh??

glad to hear you're still getting good use out of that roaster

:hi:

[mike_c]

25. yep, it's still going strong....

That little roaster is a beast. I've totally lost track of how many pounds of coffee I've put through it. The chaff collector is beginning to loose "teeth" from the heat and there's a crack in the base, but it still roasts dependably, nearly every day. :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

26. i've got a bigger one that I'm done with

still works good, so let me know if you need a new one

:evilgrin:

[SmileyRose]

2. proud to be the first Recommend

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Sometimes I think our corn-based diet is the real 'Montezuma's Revenge'. nt

[Cha]

15. Thankfully, the last time I ate "factoryfood"

was in the last century..in an another life time.

It's been good to me and I totally agree with the article.

[kaylynwright]

16. agreed

I definitely agree. And I agree with all the users who said take advantage of the local farmers markets if you have them. We just went today and I just ate two delicious home grown peaches. Yum yum. And really, there is no need for cereals when oatmeal is cheaper and more convenient. Toss from sliced fruit it and a little sugar, Voila! Also, bread makers make yummy, delicious bread and you just have to set it so you put in the ingredients at night. We also shop at the nearby Aldi if costs are a problem. We've bought things there that taste great.

[ashemichael]

17. Factory food: The cheap, mass-produced food we eat is killing our environment, our economy — and

We buy farm produce in bulk locally, then cook it and freeze it. It doesn't keep forever, but it is a wholesome, healthy activity and it helps the local farmers out. Store bought processed vegetables are soylent green if you ask me. Good enough in a pinch, but you and your family deserve better. Fortunately for me, (I haven't always appreciated it) I am a country boy and grew up working with the "old folks" planting, harvesting and preserving foods. As long as I am physically and financially able there will be no Monsanto food in my home.

[Stellabella]

18. Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C.

Yes, it's usually made from corn, but the molecule is the same as any other Vitamin C from other sources.

[Kurovski]

19. K&R

It amazes me that people go searching for "magical" reasons as to why they feel lousy both physically and emotionally without first changing the diet.

in six months of crap-free eating the change would be evident. But it's hard, I know. Addictions, availability, whatever.

the choice is always ours to make.

[AllieB]

22. I saw "Food Inc" last week. Here's my review.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5892944

[bertman]

27. Error: you've already recommended that thread.

But, but, I really liked it A LOT.

[Reterr]

40. Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours

Oh well :-0!

Everybody check out Food Inc. if you haven't seen it already....

[marias23]

28. Good Resources

Nikki & David Goldbeck have been fighting the good fight for pure food and local agriculture for 40 years. They continue their fight at HealthyHighways.com

[Butch350]

29. So, ah, what's new. I didn't exactly think our massed produced food

was a secret source of longevity.

[mojowork_n]

31. "Cloned Meat," to label or not to label?

Section two of the article said "cloned meat" may not have to be labelled.

I didn't know there was such a commercial product. Then I googled it and yes,

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/01/11/cloned-meat-and-milk-await-an-official-ok.html

They're talking about it, but the process is still too expensive to be practical.

[RC]

32. Cloned meat is identical to "real meat'

Yeah, it really is. The reason for cloned meat is that the animals are uniform in size and quality. Makes for cheaper butchering and processing. What they won't/can't recognized is the mono-generic animals can get wiped out with a single disease. i.e., no generic diversity. What the hell, it's only money.

[graywarrior]

35. According to George Oshawa, founder of macrobiotics (which I do now due to health issues)

•Foods are the foundation of health and happiness.


•Sodium and potassium are the primary antagonistic and complementary clements in food. They most strongly determine its character-or "yin/ yang" quality.


•Grain is properly the staple food of man.


•Food should be unrefined, whole, and natural.


•Food should be grown locally and eaten in season.


I strayed from eating like this for a few years, got sick and I'm now back to eating this way. Huge improvement. Everything I eat is prepared. Nothing from a package. Nothing.

[imdjh]

38. My great grandparents lived into their 90's - what they ate

eggs
bacon, sausage, ham
biscuits
coffee
milk
oatmeal
grits
butter
gravy
pickles, pickled watermelon, pickled tomatoes, pickled peppers, pickled eggs (yuck)
lots of chicken
roasted chicken
fried chicken
chicken with dumplings
roast beef or ham on Sunday and as leftovers and breakfast
slick dumplings (boiled in stock)
cornbread
lima beans (fresh or dried)
green beans (fresh or preserved)
lots of tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon, spinach, fresh corn, lettuce, squash in summer
Lots carrots, potatoes, onions, turnips (yuck) in the winter
Kale and collard greens cooked with fatback
Apples, peaches, persimmons, blackberries, strawberries, pears, cherries, walnuts, and pecans.

During the Depression, a giant pot of lima beans cooked with dumplings and chicken or some sort of meat stock went a long way to feed a large family in the winter. Especially when you sop it up with buttered biscuits.

Oh, and frogs.


Little to no alcoholic beverages. Lots of tea.

[ColesCountyDem]

41. Sounds very similar to what my grandparents ate.

They, too, lived into their 90's. They ate very little 'red meat', and their overall meat consumption was far less than the average American's is today.