Food for Thought

In a few short days, we will prepare to undertake the various celebratory practices deemed as appropriate for “Thanksgiving”. For many, this will include consuming a wide array of meats, treats, and other dishes of delight. Luckily for all, the ‘Nest is bringing another savory item to the table: some food for thought. The concept of valuing thought as a necessary step in the process of selecting food is the cornerstone for Slow Foods USA, a global, grassroots movement that aims to support good, clean, and fair food. In theory, this may seem like a very basic ideal, but is a concept that has been largely ignored in our food practices. Do we really know what “good” food is? For many, it’s anything that is moderately priced, easy to make, and convenient. Fast food, restaurant chains, pre-cooked dinners; this is our vision of good food. Home cooked meals count as well, since most times the ingredients come from a can, carton, or jar. It’s wise to say that we need to attempt to recreate the bond that was lost after food became an industrialized concept, and the Slow Food movement attempts to do just that.

This movement involves a wide array of programs that seek to provide the following:

* The pleasure of consuming healthy delicious food that is a harvested in a manner that is considerate of both animals and the environment.
* A food system that supports our ecosystems and encourages diversity in the plant and animal life around us.
* Food as a universal right that is accessible to all, regardless of distinctions.

These programs include the US Ark of Taste, which is an effort to “describe and promote forgotten flavors”. The “Ark” is a catalog of various plant and animal based foods that are in danger of extinction due to the effects of industrialization and environmental damage. The program is essentially an effort to promote agricultural conservation, a key concept of environmentalism and sustainability. That’s certainly a thought to chew on as you gather to celebrate with friends and family for the holiday. Visit the Slow Food USA Website.
in order to learn more about this and other programs.