“The irony is that the average consumer does not feel very powerful. They think that they are the recipients of whatever industry has put there for them to consume. Trust me, it’s the exact opposite. Those businesses spend billions of dollars to tally our votes. When we run an item past the supermarket scanner, we’re voting: for local, or not... organic or not...” ~ Gary Hirshberg, the founder of Stonyfield Farm, appearing in Food, Inc.
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Of course, if we simply follow Michael Pollan's advice from In Defense of Food, we'll be doing a lot, both for our own health and the health of the planet:
"Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants."
Food, in this context, means real food--not edible food-like substances! Whole foods--not highly-processed food products! Mostly Plants, refers to foods that are better both for our immediate, bodily health and for the health of our environment!
But according to Food, Inc., if you'd like to do even more to change the status quo, here are some other things to consider:
You can vote to change this system . . . Three times a day . . .
Buy from companies that treat workers, animals, and the environment with respect.
When you go to the supermarket, choose foods that are in season.
Buy foods that are organic.
Know what's in your food.
Read Labels.
Know what you buy...
The average meal travels 1500 miles from the farm to the supermarket.
Buy foods that are grown locally.
Shop at farmers' markets.
Plant a garden (even a small one).
Cook a meal with your family and eat together.
Everyone has a right to healthy food. Make sure your famers' market takes food stamps.
Ask your school board to provide healthy school lunches.
The FDA and USDA are supposed to protect you and your family.
Tell Congress to enforce food safety standards and re-introduce Kevin's Law.
If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet healthy.
You can change the world with every bite.
Hungry for change? go to takepart.com/foodinc