As 6 inches of snow (or what seems like cement at this point) falls from the sky, spring seems forever away. Gratefully, a fresh breeze of spring blew into my email box this morning—an article by Mark Bittman—Food: Six Things to Feel Good About. 

 

Love it.

 

In the worrisome world of food safety concerns, hyper-marketing of not-so-great foods and super strict diets (most recently The Dukan Diet), Mr. Bittman’s article breathes a wonderful sense of hope for the future.   Some of the shifts occurring:

 

·       Talk is turning into action.  Many accolades are going to companies, people and policies that are moving the needle in the right direction. Think Walmart’s announcement to double the sales of locally sourced produce; Jamie Oliver’s behind the curtain look at school food service’s challenges, etc.

·       Real food is where it’s at. Since 1994 there has been a 250% increase in farmer’s markets. Access to uber local, fresh food is growing by leaps and bounds. Many health experts seem to be making the distinction between wholesome food and highly manufactured foods when they talk about eating well.   Yay.

·       People are getting their hands in the dirt. One of the best ways to fully appreciate the goodness of food is to grow some. It’s a labor of love. School yard gardens, window box or container gardens and backyard plots (and chickens) are becoming so popular that zoning codes are changing, summer camps are cropping up and collaboratives are being formed to bring communities together through food gardens. Any time people learn more about their food and are “closer” to it—chances are the better they will eat.

 

 

So… melt snow melt. We’re ready for all the good that comes with spring.