Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Susie did anyone take you up on your generous offer to volunteer with order/office work stuff? I sure hope so, what a waste if not! That would be a chance to build community, I'm sure it would be a learning experience for you, and anyone is lucky who gets to be in the presence of such an open minded, intelligent and caring person! I could add more complements but I think you get the idea! You're wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Susie did anyone take you up on your generous offer to volunteer with order/office work stuff? I sure hope so, what a waste if not! That would be a chance to build community, I'm sure it would be a learning experience for you, and anyone is lucky who gets to be in the presence of such an open minded, intelligent and caring person! I could add more complements but I think you get the idea! You're wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Hi - thanks;) We did have a few people volunteer at the potluck. You're right- it's a great opportunity to get involved. Waibel is collecting names _in_mtns@.... SusieZ On May 24, 2011, at 5:47 AM, " ryan2645 " <ryan2645@...> wrote: > Susie did anyone take you up on your generous offer to volunteer with order/office work stuff? > > I sure hope so, what a waste if not! That would be a chance to build community, I'm sure it would be a learning experience for you, and anyone is lucky who gets to be in the presence of such an open minded, intelligent and caring person! I could add more complements but I think you get the idea! You're wonderful! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Hi - thanks;) We did have a few people volunteer at the potluck. You're right- it's a great opportunity to get involved. Waibel is collecting names _in_mtns@.... SusieZ On May 24, 2011, at 5:47 AM, " ryan2645 " <ryan2645@...> wrote: > Susie did anyone take you up on your generous offer to volunteer with order/office work stuff? > > I sure hope so, what a waste if not! That would be a chance to build community, I'm sure it would be a learning experience for you, and anyone is lucky who gets to be in the presence of such an open minded, intelligent and caring person! I could add more complements but I think you get the idea! You're wonderful! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Will, Another problem is having people order products (milk in this case, and some eggs too) and then not pick it up or bother to call and say they are not going to be able to pick it up. In the last three weeks I have had to DRIVE BACK DOWN to the drop site and pick up milk that was not claimed as well as some duck eggs. I understand that things come up, people forget, etc. but when I can't get a hold of someone who called and said they needed this milk and ordered a good amount of it--and are on this group--and then no show--I quit. My share holders can get milk delivered all summer when I come to the farmers markets but no longer after that. Then they have to drive up to the farm and get it. I dont' have time to do it. And one other thing that annoys the heck out of me, some people say they can't drive out to any farm because of the time and they have kids etc. Well, ya know, I have kids too. My teenager needs to be picked up from school every day at 3:30 and I have a 3 1/2 year old who has done drops with me in the past--not very fair to him to sit in the truck all day. Yeah, us farmers have kids too. Strange, huh? The attitude some people have is so self centered it is amazing. I also raise nearly every kind of critter and have a huge garden. All that involves work too--getting the garden in this time of year is a rush job since markets open next week (3 of the 5 I am in this season) and no one likes it when you dont' have a tomato ready in late June, early July--really people, we are in Minnesota! This past weekend I had a calf butchered on the farm, the psycho beef cow had her calf, a goat finally had her kids, and with the storm the fencing on the east side of the pasture is now down--which let the goats out into the neighbors orchard so after the fencing is done, I get to wrap trees. And that is in addition to normal milking and chores. My share holders that have been with me for a while are wonderful people. They show up, pay on time, have chipped in for more expenses with this stupid gas cost, etc. It is the new ones that have caused the problems. And it isn't fair to my drop site holder to worry about the milk going bad or such. One questions tho Will, how do your other raw milk providers insure their product? I can't find an insurer that will since it is not something that is " safe " to be sold from what I have been told from a couple insurance agencies. Yeah, you can argue that it is safe, etc., but if my kids ever got sick from consuming the milk--die off or not--I would be seeking an attorney. Who cares about the state. And without some form of insurance to cover medical expences the person suing can basically take the farm and tie it up in legal costs so deep, grandkids won't see college. And that contract that many of you have means nothing by being signed. In this state you can not sign away your rights. That has been proven over and over again by people signing away their rights when taking horse riding lessons, doesn't work, enter the attorney. The paper isn't even worth signing since all that has to be proven is negligence on the providers part--which with milk, is probably easier than riding lessons in the current mind set. Sad but true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Will, Another problem is having people order products (milk in this case, and some eggs too) and then not pick it up or bother to call and say they are not going to be able to pick it up. In the last three weeks I have had to DRIVE BACK DOWN to the drop site and pick up milk that was not claimed as well as some duck eggs. I understand that things come up, people forget, etc. but when I can't get a hold of someone who called and said they needed this milk and ordered a good amount of it--and are on this group--and then no show--I quit. My share holders can get milk delivered all summer when I come to the farmers markets but no longer after that. Then they have to drive up to the farm and get it. I dont' have time to do it. And one other thing that annoys the heck out of me, some people say they can't drive out to any farm because of the time and they have kids etc. Well, ya know, I have kids too. My teenager needs to be picked up from school every day at 3:30 and I have a 3 1/2 year old who has done drops with me in the past--not very fair to him to sit in the truck all day. Yeah, us farmers have kids too. Strange, huh? The attitude some people have is so self centered it is amazing. I also raise nearly every kind of critter and have a huge garden. All that involves work too--getting the garden in this time of year is a rush job since markets open next week (3 of the 5 I am in this season) and no one likes it when you dont' have a tomato ready in late June, early July--really people, we are in Minnesota! This past weekend I had a calf butchered on the farm, the psycho beef cow had her calf, a goat finally had her kids, and with the storm the fencing on the east side of the pasture is now down--which let the goats out into the neighbors orchard so after the fencing is done, I get to wrap trees. And that is in addition to normal milking and chores. My share holders that have been with me for a while are wonderful people. They show up, pay on time, have chipped in for more expenses with this stupid gas cost, etc. It is the new ones that have caused the problems. And it isn't fair to my drop site holder to worry about the milk going bad or such. One questions tho Will, how do your other raw milk providers insure their product? I can't find an insurer that will since it is not something that is " safe " to be sold from what I have been told from a couple insurance agencies. Yeah, you can argue that it is safe, etc., but if my kids ever got sick from consuming the milk--die off or not--I would be seeking an attorney. Who cares about the state. And without some form of insurance to cover medical expences the person suing can basically take the farm and tie it up in legal costs so deep, grandkids won't see college. And that contract that many of you have means nothing by being signed. In this state you can not sign away your rights. That has been proven over and over again by people signing away their rights when taking horse riding lessons, doesn't work, enter the attorney. The paper isn't even worth signing since all that has to be proven is negligence on the providers part--which with milk, is probably easier than riding lessons in the current mind set. Sad but true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 What Will described is very upsetting and unfortunate. It is sad so many people were willing to take the free stuff but not buy anything. I was not there, (my daughter had her dance recital) so I have no idea what all went on. I do think we need to support our farmers. The first swap I went to though, I did eat, and I only bought a couple things, because I was new and getting acclimated Could it be that there were that many new people they were just trying to figure out what is what? Or was the room really packed with free loaders? I can't stand free loaders, but often we advertise to encourage free loaders to come to an event, and then get mad when they free load. I don't know if that is what happened or not but I remember a gal who told everyone to come to her home party, it was going to be so much fun and you don't have to buy anything, just come for fun. But then she got ticked when people came and ate and laughed but did not buy anything. I was a little confused since they were merely taking her up on her offer.. Deals like this are gift wrapped in the eyes of the free loader so we should not be surprised when free loaders show up. Just want to make the case for the other side here- I am ok with my farmer raising the prices and they both recently have. HOWEVER, the reality of the matter is that we have somewhere between 10 - 20% of our population unemployed and due to our failing economy, inflation is very high. I have heard we are headed for super inflation. I am not an economist, so I have no idea is that is true or not, but milk may be worth $1000 a gallon, but if you do not have it to pay, what are you to do? Not buy it. It does not mean you don't think it is worth every penny, or that you don't love and care about your farmers. It just means it is out of your price range and you can't adjust your budget to accommodate the rising prices of everything. Contrary to popular action, money does not condense out of thin air, and those who are economically responsible do not spend more than they have. So I am not sure I want to tar and feather the people who can not support their farmers who raise their prices because they no longer can afford it. Again, we (my family) are blessed and can afford a price increase and I love my farmers and am happy to accommodate them. But I do understand what it is like to have to live within your means and understand that even current pricing people are going without milk. I think we might be headed for a time that everyone will either have to sell their product under its value or not sell it at all. It is sad, but I already see it happening in some small (non farm related) businesses. Still getting my brain juices flowing this morning, I hope this makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I'd like to hear people talk about this question. How is everyone structuring their finances to double/triple/quadruple a " Cub Foods " grocery budget to include not only whole local sustainable foods but driving to get them? We don't pay full price for clothes, we don't go to movies, and we rarely eat out. We buy only used vehicles and drive them into the ground. Where else are people cutting? I want to figure out how to be more thrifty so I can buy more good food. I'm stuck being a consumer but I'd LOVE to produce more food for my family! e who eventually will be in town long enough to attend a shop n swap! 4) People need to start believing that the best way out of " poverty mentality " (and therefore out of poverty) is to start giving themselves good things, first of all, great food. How can we accomplish all this? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Very well said. I am also in agreement. Jo Schifsky ________________________________ From: <kat@...> Sent: Tue, May 24, 2011 12:42:50 AM Subject: Re: Are you walking the walk?  Agreed, Susie. Thank you for your insightful and gentle perspective. While no one likes to spend more money for the same product, many of us are willing to pay what is a fair price for an excellent product. Let us know what is happening, we are all partners in the web of living. Linafelter > > From a strictly consumer point of view, I'd just like to say that there are >those of us out here that have and continue to stretch and reshape our budgets >to allow for as much good, clean, local food as we can. If prices need to go up, >so be it. I can't imagine that with the rising costs of materials, feed and gas >that prices could stay stagnant. Here's the thing; since I don't produce, I >don't know- and maybe that's part of the disconnect, right? I do trust my >farmers though and hope that they set prices at a level where they can survive >and ultimately thrive. Without our farmers, us city people are sunk. So please, >tell us what you need when you need it. There are many of us that will jump at a >chance to help. And yes, please increase your prices when you need to without >hesitation. Your family of consumers need you. > > Susie Z > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 In answer to e's question on how people do it, I wrote a blog post about how we spend very little money on groceries awhile ago: http://goofymama.blogspot.com/2010/05/your-questions-answered-part-2.html And in response to the freeloading comments... I went to the Shop and Swap to hear the speaker and to be a part of the community (although, we couldn't stay for the potluck, but we would have liked to). Were we expected to buy things? It's like what Carol was saying about the lady who had a home party and got mad when nobody bought anything. Can't we just come to be a part of the community? A lot of the stuff for sale was extraneous items (like bars and graham crackers and cheese curds) that are just not a part of our budget right now (and, I'm sorry, but my kids totally free-loaded on all the samples, and I let them, even though I wasn't planning on buying anything). I get our staple farm foods, the raw milk and grass-fed organic beef, at other times and I do support local farms. Isn't that okay? Will people be comfortable coming to Shop and Shops if they don't plan on buying anything? I'm not sure if I will. - Kuznia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 It is good to remind all of us that truly nourishing food like the food we provide through the co-op cannot be compared to conventional food prices. It is important to understand that most people have a misconception about the cost of food because the government with your tax dollars subsidizes farms and food manufacturers and thus distorts the actual cost of food since it is not noticed in the final price you pay at the store. The price of food at your average grocery store is NOT the true cost of that food. It is the price after millions of your dollars through taxes have gone to the manufacturers of that food. So, when people start to break away from that system to buy organic and truly nutrient dense food, they suffer sticker shock at the price difference. What they don't realize is that they are paying at least as much if not more through their taxes for poor, lesser quality foods and outright junk poison---The real rip off!!! But know one thing-- only real food has real value and the value of a healthy body, and health mind and yes even a healthy soul (because I believe that what we eat affects the soul too) is the pearl of great price and everything should be sacrificed to have it. Since many of us have suffered at the hands of this exploitation, I don't think I need to convince you that our food from our hardworking farmers is worth it, and the health and life it brings is the pearl of great price. So if we really want to have the money to afford eating this way, we should be doing something to stop the illegal taxation of our hard earned money instead of expecting the farms and co-ops to self destruct through underpricing. Have a lovely day! God bless. In , Sheri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 - I think it's part of the growing pains of these potlucks. Realistically people can't be expected to buy things every month and vendors can't be expected to haul their wares monthly either. This is something that will have to be explored and worked through by the planning committees. Please do NOT feel like money needs to be spent at these events. The point is to come together as a community and have fun. It's our job as organizers to determine what works best in terms of vendors. So please everyone, come out and eat with people, talk with people and spread the word about this dynamic community! Susie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2011 Report Share Posted May 25, 2011 Well said, & Susie. I think we need to remember that not all transactions are monetary. Each of us brings something to our community. Watching vendor transactions will only capture some of an event's exchanges. Some people will leave with Al's " free " information -- yet spread the word to family and friends. What is the value of that to our community? Some people will learn something about another and be there to support them at a potentially difficult time. Some people will stay late to help wash dishes and clear tables. Some people will help make a child laugh and feel loved and safe (or lure a certain preschooler down from a very high tree). Some people will volunteer their talents to help make our community stronger. All these things have value. All of us bring something unique and important to this group. We all need all of us. Do we want to make it worthwhile for our vendors to be there? Heck yeah. But that's sort of up to how the events are structured and advertised. It's up to the event planners to work these kinks out. Ensuring ALL feel welcome and appreciated is step number one. We are trying to strengthen our community. Please be patient with our growing pains as we do that. Waibel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2011 Report Share Posted May 26, 2011 I have a haphazard way of planning and am very frugal, but purchase nearly all organic, grass-fed (but not all local yet, esp. in the winter). One way to stretch the budget (which I don't really keep track of) is to grow your own. I cut up and freeze all of the veggies that we can't eat in the summer. For quick meals, I make very veggie spaghetti sauce and sloppy joes. We are just running out of the onions, broccoli, asparagus, peppers, zucchini and herbs that we use regularly for omelets. (It also helps that they are ready to go for when my kids cook.) I have chopped celery for soups and stuffings, frozen carrot chunks for stews, etc. These are time as well as money savers. I make sure we have at least one super-nutritious meal a day, if not 3. I do keep some items on hand that I consider convenience foods to keep us from going out to eat in a pinch. More later... Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2011 Report Share Posted May 26, 2011 I'm with Susie, I'll pay whatever the price is for the food I eat. I also want my farmers to make money. Obviously we have a budget and we work within our budget. So if I'm at the co-op and one veggie is on sale and the other is not, I'll buy the one that is on sale and eat more of it more ways that week. If my CSA went up by $50 or $100 I would pay that too. If my milk went up a dollar or two a gallon, I would pay that as well. But we have to be realistic and work within our budget. If my milk went up $10 a gallon. I'd make 1 gallon last two weeks. It's an economics issue. There are a lot of cheap, cheap people out there. But I sacrifice other things, because what we eat is that important. Meanwhile still continue to figure out how to cut costs... not cut the prices I'm paying to the people producing my food/ but certainly cut costs.... i.e.... buying in bulk. doing more at home, etc, etc. One thing we all have to understand, and that really, really grieves me is that we are missing the third group of people all together. We have the 1. people willing to pay the costs. 2. the people that believe in the food but are cheapos like Will described... but the third and hard, hard group to deal with is the people who are literally too poor to be able to afford this kind of food. And don't anyone tell me that they just need to make the sacrifice, because that's a bunch of bologna. I'm talking about the poor, poor people of our community, often in the inner city and often in minority groups. Do you know how SAD, absolutely SAD I was that when we had that evening with Mr. McAfee I did not see a single minority face in the crowd. That was SOOOOOOOOOO disturbing to me. Poor people don't deserve to be fed well because they can't afford it????? that's rubbish. There are a lot of people that need to cut their cable because they scoff at the price of local food. (which I've done personally). But let's not forget there is this whole class of people that don't even have access to the kind of food that we feast on, and because of that don't have the education on nutrition or how to make this food or what they're missing out on. This has been my heart since I have noticed this discrepancy. Wow, Way off topic. I'm sure this is NOT the group Will was talking about. But we as a community need to start thinking about these kinds of things and what we do to educate and help those of lower means and in minority groups get access to this food. I meet with a few lower income women who are in previous church groups and invite them to my house to eat and talk about food with them and the importance of eating well and give them tips on how to do it on a budget. But this is something that in the future I want to help tackle in our cities. There is an awesome organization called New Roots in Louisville I believe? That works with inner city poor people and gives them CSA boxes at a fraction of the cost and educates and does cooking classes. The farmers work with the organization and others subsidize the cost. I believe that they even receive food stamps.... THAT'S AWESOME. That's where I want food stamp money to go. I think we need a lot more of that!!!!! Ok. I'll get off my soapbox now. Thanks, > > From a strictly consumer point of view, I'd just like to say that there are those of us out here that have and continue to stretch and reshape our budgets to allow for as much good, clean, local food as we can. If prices need to go up, so be it. I can't imagine that with the rising costs of materials, feed and gas that prices could stay stagnant. Here's the thing; since I don't produce, I don't know- and maybe that's part of the disconnect, right? I do trust my farmers though and hope that they set prices at a level where they can survive and ultimately thrive. Without our farmers, us city people are sunk. So please, tell us what you need when you need it. There are many of us that will jump at a chance to help. And yes, please increase your prices when you need to without hesitation. Your family of consumers need you. > > Susie Z > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 Good point , I know I have heard my farmer say that they keep the price low because they want poor people to be able to afford it. But it is still way more than skim milk from walmart and that is what the truly pverty striken people are buying. The sinister side of my frequently asks if our current food system of subsidized unhealthy crops is to harm the minorities and poor people and to make them sicker. We did a food relief program putting together meals and a large portion of those food pouches was soy that certainly was GMO, and I know full well that this diet will sterilize the population who consumes it. I can't help but wondering if that was not a motive.. With that said, why aren't poor people *interested* in eating this way? Is it because they are unaware, it is too expensive, they disagree, too much effort? It would be interesting to find out. But if there were poor people interested, I would be interested in a charity to allow them to do so. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 We have " fallen " into the poverty level with no income from our business for almost two years. Our wonderful beef, poultry, dairy farmer has helped us out greatly once they knew our predicament. I will NOT cut out nutrition, but we have cut out or lessoned the non-essentials: potato chips, cheap cereals, ice cream, and have learned to make soup broths, butter, use up the rice and stuff in cupboards. I've been helped so much by this chat group by learning about good foods , been challenged to eat more WAPF ways, and just experiment with spices with basic whole chicken or beef roast. Three years ago we be became a CSA dropsite and that has helped us to be able to buy organic veggies and fruit. I guess you could say we are living the " where there's a will there's a way " mentality. But without being educated by you all, by the Nourishing Trads cookbook, by friends making healthy changes, then I wouldn't value organic-pasture raised, non-GMO veggies, raw dairy etc. Some day we will be able to help others after we climb out of our business debt in this down economy. I like the idea of educating low income people in your home and sharing a healthy meal with them. Keep it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 Sally Fallon recommends eating Spam? It's true. And, let me tell you, she caught holy hell for it. However, if you take what she said in context, it was really important information. Her story was related to this exact topic. Let's say you are in a financial position, whether temporary or ongoing, that prevents the ability to purchase of all the classic Traditional Foods, she still thinks a person can make stunningly wholesome meals from the absolute basic foods found at the lowest discount supermarket in the country. Ironically, the most expensive foods in the store are the junky pre-fab, pre-cooked meals and over-processed snack foods. Will Winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 Totally agree with you Carol. I do think it's a combo... people don't care, etc, etc. Just like a lot of middle class people don't care.... but I do honestly think it is a majority lack of education and living in neighborhoods that don't have easy access to local produce and farm food. It's just sad. > > Good point , > > > > I know I have heard my farmer say that they keep the price low because they > want poor people to be able to afford it. But it is still way more than > skim milk from walmart and that is what the truly pverty striken people are > buying. The sinister side of my frequently asks if our current food system > of subsidized unhealthy crops is to harm the minorities and poor people and > to make them sicker. We did a food relief program putting together meals > and a large portion of those food pouches was soy that certainly was GMO, > and I know full well that this diet will sterilize the population who > consumes it. I can't help but wondering if that was not a motive.. > > > > With that said, why aren't poor people *interested* in eating this way? Is > it because they are unaware, it is too expensive, they disagree, too much > effort? It would be interesting to find out. But if there were poor people > interested, I would be interested in a charity to allow them to do so. > > > > Carol > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 So awesome ! Nutrition is so important no matter whether rich or poor. And making due with the resources you do have is inspiring! There is a food shelf at Joyce church that is (I believe) mostly all organic. I believe my csa donates to them. I just think it's important to do what we can with the circles of people that have been put in front of us. Eventually, I hope to expand that circle and make somewhat of a full-time ministry out of it. It is up to us to educate and somehow teach people the economics of food, I believe. And then it's up to them to make those choices to change/improve their nutrition. > > We have " fallen " into the poverty level with no income from our business for almost two years. Our wonderful beef, poultry, dairy farmer has helped us out greatly once they knew our predicament. I will NOT cut out nutrition, but we have cut out or lessoned the non-essentials: potato chips, cheap cereals, ice cream, and have learned to make soup broths, butter, use up the rice and stuff in cupboards. > I've been helped so much by this chat group by learning about good foods , been challenged to eat more WAPF ways, and just experiment with spices with basic whole chicken or beef roast. > Three years ago we be became a CSA dropsite and that has helped us to be able to buy organic veggies and fruit. I guess you could say we are living the " where there's a will there's a way " mentality. But without being educated by you all, by the Nourishing Trads cookbook, by friends making healthy changes, then I wouldn't value organic-pasture raised, non-GMO veggies, raw dairy etc. > Some day we will be able to help others after we climb out of our business debt in this down economy. > I like the idea of educating low income people in your home and sharing a healthy meal with them. Keep it up. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 Agreed! > > Sally Fallon recommends eating Spam? It's true. And, let me tell you, she caught holy hell for it. However, if you take what she said in context, it was really important information. Her story was related to this exact topic. Let's say you are in a financial position, whether temporary or ongoing, that prevents the ability to purchase of all the classic Traditional Foods, she still thinks a person can make stunningly wholesome meals from the absolute basic foods found at the lowest discount supermarket in the country. Ironically, the most expensive foods in the store are the junky pre-fab, pre-cooked meals and over-processed snack foods. > > Will Winter > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2011 Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 What is your business? > > We have " fallen " into the poverty level with no income from our business for almost two years. Our wonderful beef, poultry, dairy farmer has helped us out greatly once they knew our predicament. I will NOT cut out nutrition, but we have cut out or lessoned the non-essentials: potato chips, cheap cereals, ice cream, and have learned to make soup broths, butter, use up the rice and stuff in cupboards. > I've been helped so much by this chat group by learning about good foods , been challenged to eat more WAPF ways, and just experiment with spices with basic whole chicken or beef roast. > Three years ago we be became a CSA dropsite and that has helped us to be able to buy organic veggies and fruit. I guess you could say we are living the " where there's a will there's a way " mentality. But without being educated by you all, by the Nourishing Trads cookbook, by friends making healthy changes, then I wouldn't value organic-pasture raised, non-GMO veggies, raw dairy etc. > Some day we will be able to help others after we climb out of our business debt in this down economy. > I like the idea of educating low income people in your home and sharing a healthy meal with them. Keep it up. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 Carol, In my experience, most inner city people and the true poor, don't know what a CSA is, or raw milk, or who is winning on survivor. They don't know any farmers, or where to find one. Many don't know how to cook now either except for those easy to pop in the microwave meals. And they are the ones who really need some good food. If you want to really see how difficult it can be to shop for real food--organic or not-- go to an inner city grocery store and try to do your normal shopping with what they offer. Daylight hours may be needed depending on where you go! Many places are higher in price too but they take food stamps.... About 20 years ago when I was on WIC, they gave me a cookbook about how to use beans and lentils. I had never eaten either before (and still don't overly like them) but had no idea how to cook them. I don't think they pass that out anymore. And no cooking classes of any sort with food stamps. I don't think anything fancy is needed but to be able to put together a meal that didn't come from a box for a family of 4 should not cost a great deal or be difficult. Many of these people think it is difficult. I know of a few families up here who do not make their own meals. They eat pizza (cheap, nasty $3 pizza) 3-4 times a week, mac and cheese, pop, etc. Yep, all sick most of the winter, none in great shape, etc. Both parents work but they just don't have money or know how. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 , I do not watch TV so I don't understand what survivor has to do with CSAs or raw milk.. Sorry. I do like the idea of a low income cook book though! Beans and lentils are delicious is my book, and it is true that most people don't know how to use them. Most people do not know how to use their bone waste to make delicious and healthful broths. ' Gotta run, but you have my mind churning here! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 I LOVE BEANS AND LENTILS. My kid can't get enough. It makes my heart happy to see him eating these as well as my homemade soups made from bone broths. Life is good. > > , > > > > I do not watch TV so I don't understand what survivor has to do with CSAs or > raw milk.. Sorry. > > > > I do like the idea of a low income cook book though! Beans and lentils are > delicious is my book, and it is true that most people don't know how to use > them. Most people do not know how to use their bone waste to make delicious > and healthful broths. ' > > Gotta run, but you have my mind churning here! > > > > Carol > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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