Entry #7. Fresh

 Do you know how your food is processed and made? If not, it could be about time to do some research. Many people shop at supermarkets for food with discounted prices and weekly deals, but are these deals worth it if the price is the quality and health of the food we consume? Today, I'm diving into the thought-provoking documentary "Fresh" and sharing my reflections on how it has reshaped my perspective on the food we eat. "Fresh" is a documentary directed by Ana Sofia Joanes that delves into the realm of sustainable agriculture, spotlighting individuals who are revolutionizing America's food system. The film showcases farmers, activists, and entrepreneurs who are departing from conventional agriculture practices and embracing innovative approaches to food production.  

Image Source: Fresh

So, after watching this film, my mind is buzzing with a whirlwind of thoughts. I'll have to admit, I always knew that the process by which the food I ate wasn't the most natural way of doing things, but now it's as if someone has turned on a light in a dim room, revealing aspects of our food system I've never fully considered. Now, let's talk about food. Sure, we all eat it, but how often do we stop to ponder where it comes from, how it's produced, and what impact it has on our health and the planet? Before this documentary, I didn't give it much thought beyond the supermarket aisle, but now I am questioning just about everything. The purpose of "Fresh" is clear: it's a wake-up call. It's a call to rally to reimagine our food system, to challenge the status quo of industrial agriculture, and to promote sustainable alternatives. 

Image Source: Agriculture

This film had several parts that stood out to me, from Joel Salatin's innovative farming practices in the Shenandoah Valley to Will Allen's urban farming revolution in Milwaukee. Mr. Salatin's farming techniques emphasize healthy grass where animals thrive in a cycle of feeding. Cows are herded from one pasture to another, eating grass instead of being corn-fed on a feedlot. Chickens in portable coops are then moved in behind them, where they dig through the cow dung and eat protein-rich fly larvae while fertilizing the field with their droppings. Each of these stories left a lasting impression, but what struck me most was the revelation of how disconnected we as a society have become from our food.  

In today's world, convenience often trumps consciousness; consumers tend to be attracted to quick and easily accessible items. This is what keeps industrial farming in business. Now, should we even bother caring? Without a doubt. Our food choices have far-reaching consequences, not just for ourselves but for future generations and the planet as a whole. Ignorance may be bliss, but knowledge is power. And with that power comes the responsibility to make informed decisions about what we eat and where it comes from. With one meal at a time, we can make a change. So, let's roll up our sleeves, dig in, and sow the seeds of a brighter, healthier future together. Who's with me?