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While taking a tour of BriarPatch Co-op, a group of preschool children was asked where their food comes from. “From the store,” they answered. When asked where the food was before it was at the store, the children didn't know.
This interaction illustrates a disconnect that has happened with food. Many people no longer think about where their food actually comes from. They don't think further than that groceries come wrapped, ready to be purchased and prepared for dinner.
A big part of the Eat Local, America! Challenge is to focus on where food actually comes from. It's a terrific opportunity to start a dialogue with your children about what farms are, how this carrot grows, and the process required in order for you to make scrambled eggs for breakfast.
It's also a great time to get inspired to schedule a tour at your favorite farm. The Nevada County “2009 Farm Guide” is available at many locations including BriarPatch and has a listing of farms and contact information.
Before going on your farm tour, pepper your conversation with fun facts about food. It's a great way to introduce children to the concept of statistics and a terrific opportunity to show just how much work goes into farming.
Alan Haight of Riverhill Farm in Nevada City has a weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in which subscribers can pick-up their produce at the farm. Many families participate and make it a point to bring their children. “It's a great thing to see,” said Haight. “It gives kids a meaningful relationship with the farm.” Haight continued, “They obviously become comfortable here. It becomes an extension of their household kitchen.”
Not only does going out to the farm teach children about food, Haight has found that it has a major impact on their food preferences. They want to be involved in the process.
They share what their favorite fruits and vegetables are and plan meals involving the fresh produce with their parents. “What we hear from parents when they bring their kids to the farm is that their food habits really change. They're very happy to munch on carrots … simply because they understand where their food comes from,” Haight said.
He spoke of a mother who was unable to pick up her weekly CSA box. She called to let him know that she wasn't coming in, so Haight let her know about the in-town pick-up.
Currently, 40 customers pick-up their boxes in town, and the other 120 go out to the farm. She was disappointed because she didn't want to miss her weekly farm experience with her kids.
Haight scheduled a time that she could come out to the farm so she wouldn't miss out on this weekly ritual. “When people have the opportunity to come to the farm, it becomes a major part of their lives,” Haight said. “Food isn't something to be taken for granted … This is not something that is just bought and sold. This is our lifeblood.”
This interaction illustrates a disconnect that has happened with food. Many people no longer think about where their food actually comes from. They don't think further than that groceries come wrapped, ready to be purchased and prepared for dinner.
A big part of the Eat Local, America! Challenge is to focus on where food actually comes from. It's a terrific opportunity to start a dialogue with your children about what farms are, how this carrot grows, and the process required in order for you to make scrambled eggs for breakfast.
It's also a great time to get inspired to schedule a tour at your favorite farm. The Nevada County “2009 Farm Guide” is available at many locations including BriarPatch and has a listing of farms and contact information.
Before going on your farm tour, pepper your conversation with fun facts about food. It's a great way to introduce children to the concept of statistics and a terrific opportunity to show just how much work goes into farming.
Alan Haight of Riverhill Farm in Nevada City has a weekly Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in which subscribers can pick-up their produce at the farm. Many families participate and make it a point to bring their children. “It's a great thing to see,” said Haight. “It gives kids a meaningful relationship with the farm.” Haight continued, “They obviously become comfortable here. It becomes an extension of their household kitchen.”
Not only does going out to the farm teach children about food, Haight has found that it has a major impact on their food preferences. They want to be involved in the process.
They share what their favorite fruits and vegetables are and plan meals involving the fresh produce with their parents. “What we hear from parents when they bring their kids to the farm is that their food habits really change. They're very happy to munch on carrots … simply because they understand where their food comes from,” Haight said.
He spoke of a mother who was unable to pick up her weekly CSA box. She called to let him know that she wasn't coming in, so Haight let her know about the in-town pick-up.
Currently, 40 customers pick-up their boxes in town, and the other 120 go out to the farm. She was disappointed because she didn't want to miss her weekly farm experience with her kids.
Haight scheduled a time that she could come out to the farm so she wouldn't miss out on this weekly ritual. “When people have the opportunity to come to the farm, it becomes a major part of their lives,” Haight said. “Food isn't something to be taken for granted … This is not something that is just bought and sold. This is our lifeblood.”
