Growers and Grocers

I was watching Gordon Ramsey’s F Word the other day when I was again reminded of a sad fact.  According to Ramsey, one out of three children don’t know where French fries come from.  In America, when asked where food comes from, a sizeable percentage of children answer “the supermarket” or “the store.”

As a food writer, I find this disturbing for several reasons.  First, I think it’s unfortunate that anyone is uninformed.  However, the problem is deeper than that.  Ignoring the largely agrarian roots of many parts of the country ignores our country’s history.  However, the real problem is that not knowing where food comes from leaves American consumers ignorant of the many problems that can occur during food production.

If one believes that all food comes from the store, then he or she seems far less likely to question how it got there.  There are so many questions surrounding food production:

• How the animals were treated before they died
• How the animals were slaughtered
• Were the vegetables raised near animal production facilities?
• Is the food organic/natural?
• Was it grown sustainably? 

Even if you do not believe organic/natural food is better for those who eat it and the soil that grows it, there is still a danger that the food was contaminated, irradiated, or genetically modified.  Also, not understanding how food is made can lead to people not understanding the risks involved with processed foods, deep frying foods, or how nutrients degrade after canning.  All of which are important when trying to eat at least somewhat healthy.

Like forest fires, only you can prevent food miseducation! 

Actually, teaching the next generation about where food comes from is something in which anyone who knows a child can take part.  In many cases, using the next major salmonella outbreak as a conversation starter may suffice, but it’s kind of boring.  Or terrifying.

Instead, if you want to teach someone about where food comes from, plant a garden.  It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy.  A good planter, some potting soil, and some seeds should be enough to drive home the point.

If no spot for a planter or direct sunlight is to be found, the next best thing you can do is take children to a farmer’s market.  Let them talk to the farmers about how they grow and care for the food before bringing it to the market.  Most major cities have at least one farmer’s market and most rural communities have at least a few farmers.

Teaching children where food comes from is one of those things that can make a difference.  It’s good for everyone to know where something they depend on (food) comes from and how it got to their plate.  Plus, for many people of any age, gardening or checking out farmer’s markets is a wonderful bonding experience that brings families together around their love of eating. 

With only a little effort, fewer and fewer kids will be in the dark about how those French fries ended up on their plate.  Then Chef Ramsey will have to find something else to swear about.