• Common Ground •

One of the ideas that I worked to drill into the sutdents, who came to Farm Camp 2006 from Barringer High School in Newark was, if it doesn't taste good no one will buy it. So, fresh corn that they shucked and tree ripe peaches from Windy Brow Farm in Newton in addition to our roasted potatoes, grilled sausage and kale, home made maple syrup over home made sour dough biscuits as well as peas, tomatoes and other fresh veggies were my allies. Counilors and students alike were oohing and aahing over the great food. Of course I ate my share as well. It was really interesting to make the comparison of packaged processed food that they brought with fresh and just cooked. I also walked around reading labels on every food item I could get my hands on. Shaniqua Holden was put off by the ingredient list in her brightly colored red beverage. AS usual, I did not allow any soda drinking and made certain that was clear. The group obliged and some of them really enjoyed our well water. I'm not too certain that it really sank in that it comes from a well right here. I probably should have shown the students where the well head was. I also am certain that they were impressed with how much work it takes just to eat, by comparrison with fast food and packaged processed food. Ah yes, a not so hidden cost if you are willing to look past the packaging.

I touched upon the concept of food miles. How far the average food item travels from field to plate. Here in the US that distance is between 1500 and 2500 miles. You may have noticed my food miles placard showing that Hell's Kitchen, our furthest-from-the-farm distribution point, is only 70 miles away. I also have spoken with a number of members about working on developing a food miles game or competition to interest children and others in general about local vs. global food supply.

Denise just sent me this link about the concept of eating only from within a [http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_1463.cfm] 100 mile radius. Cut and paste and it's a great article. I really think that if we put our minds together we can develop a resource guide in a fun format that really drives home the issue of food miles and helps us all be more locally aware.

Here in my neck of the woods is the Foodshed Alliance of the Ridge and Valley Province has developed a Buy Local Buy Fresh campaign that is geared at just this kind of promotion.

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