In 1930 the first frozen food was sold in Springfield MA by the Birds Eye Frosted Foods Company. In the early 1960's Swanson's one upped that with the introduction of the “TV” dinner. Processed food was making it's way into America's pantry. Betty Crocker made cake baking glamorous and Frosted Lucky Charms were magically delicious.
Little thought was given to nutrition and as more and more products were developed, our food became less expensive, less nutritious and was produced or sourced from greater distances.
Mega supermarket produce sections grew and roadside farm stands disappeared. People stopped buying seeds and gardening supplies from local feed and seed co-ops. Open farm lands were bought out by mega-farms or sold to developers. New Hampshire dairy farms have dwindled from 896 in 1970 to only 130 working farms in 2010.. The future of the local farmer is “A long row to hoe”... ( that's southern for uphill battle).
The resident Grandmother of our house grew up on a farm during the “Great Depression” and is quick to point out that she grew up on a diet of fresh, local, organic and it certainly had health benefits. Farm fresh eggs and milk along with homegrown fruits and vegetables sustained the family and gave them good health during very difficult times. She also adds “we didn't know how lucky we were” life on the farm was hard but unlike their counterparts in the city “we could do for of ourselves”...(that's Southern for live off the land).
While I am sure none of us long for the good old days of the “Great Depression” we are turning our attention back to more locally produced sustainable food supplies. August is eat local month in New Hampshire. Local farms, restaurants, hospitals, supermarkets and many others are joining together to spread the idea of eating healthy and local. Eating local is good for your health, the health of the environment, reduces energy consumption and stimulates the local economy as well as taste buds.
I will be judging the “Healthy Chef Competition” at St Joseph's Farmers Market this year. The event is planned for August 27th. Lucia's won last year with a great dish from our menu “Polo Murattore –Stoneworker's Chicken” which is pressed as its cooked with a large chunk of granite. Now that's local and also a very tasty dish, made with fresh tomatoes and basil.
St Joesph's event is just one of many planned throughout New England this growing season. So eat local and enjoy fresh from the farm as often as possible. Support you local farmer, support your families health and let's move back in the direction of “doing for ourselves”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States imported $4.1 billion worth of seafood and agricultural products from China in 2006. In 1995, it was $800 million. Ask yourself....Does my buck stop here with the local farmer? ….or does it stop in a foreign country or at some corporate mega farm?
It's not that hard to take a stand, just take a look at your local farm stand.
It's as simple as this months recipe.
Local Water
Local Corn
Local Butter
Local Beer
Boil Water – Cook Corn – Spread Butter – Drink Beer – Enjoy!
More Info
www.LuciasTavola.com
StJoesph.Hospital.Com/FarmersMarket
NhEatLocal.Org
SustainableaAgriculture.Net
TuckermanBrewing.Com
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