Folks Gotta Eat
The purpose of Folks Gotta Eat is to filter and curate stories, articles, projects and policies related to food security. The increasingly heated public debate about food systems is the nexus of so many of the social problems we face. At the same time, some of the most inspiring projects and policy initiatives globally speak to these issues. A single Internet search of food security-related topics gives a little insight into the complexity of the issues and the vast amounts of information out there - information that needs some filtering and curating.
On a personal level, I am definitely not an agricultural expert. I am, like most of you who've somehow stumbled onto this blog, passionately interested in and concerned about global food security. Some might call my preoccupation with food systems and cooking "elitist" - and that's fine. The real story is that my interest in food security comes from years of personal experience with my own working class family. I've watched the insidiousness of processed food industry advertising and production wreak havoc on the health and well-being of my family and the communities in which we live. It's an understatement to call me a "concerned citizen."
Professionally, I consult with social mission organizations dedicated to addressing the root causes of complex social problems. Every day it is more clear to me that my energies should be focused on food security as it relates to the communities and organizations I work with. Folks Gotta Eat is not only a contribution to the food security conversation, but also a way to continue to educate myself.
Sometimes, I am as mad as hell, but more often than not, I am inspired by what I read, watch and hear related to food security. I hope my passion and commitment reaches your family via Folks Gotta Eat, and contributes something valuable to this increasingly important conversation. Nick Saul, Executive Director of the Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto, does a great job of laying out where I'm coming from: "No fucking garden is going to solve hunger. It's the integrated approach: letting people in the door, supporting people where they're at, and then advocating for more just social policy. That's the stew that we have that works."
Melanie Redman
www.melanieredman.com
