Unless the structural links to subsidized cheap food made of surplus commodity by-products are somehow radically severed, the nutritional benefits of hunger policies will remain compromised. Bellies may feel temporarily satiated, even while bodies are improperly nourished.
I’ve always found it interesting (but probably more so disgusting) that the USDA can have such a complete contradiction in their national food policy. On the one hand, as you can see in illustration on the right - is a food pyramid showing their recommended nutritional guidelines. Check the levels carefully. On the other hand - as in food pyramid on the left, you will find the percentages for the actual subsidies provided for food production. Do you see the difference? So, US - you want people to eat more fruits, vegetables and grains and consume less fats and sugars, and yet you allow the agricultural system to be heavily dominated and subsidized by food staple for animals/meat itself and sugar? You can’t have Michelle Obama going around planting gardens and then dropping dollars to the cow farm after she leaves. Stop the hypocrisy. (and stop tek money from big agriculture!)
(Chart courtesy from a class on the US Food System at Johns Hopkins University on Coursera - Free online courses!!)
New music coming at you, courtesy of Jah9. This one is called ‘Jungle.’
My new favourite Jah9 song, beautiful lyrics! “When the LIONS are leading there is nothing to fear”
Part 2: One Cup of Coffee
This part goes into the impact of the farm to the community. Just watch it! 1 LOVE.
Marley Coffee website: http://www.marleycoffee.com/
1LOVE, http://www.1love.org/ (Marley family movement)
One Drop of Coffee, Part 1 (Sustainable Organic Coffee Farming: Marley Coffee, Jamaica)
I’ve been really inspired over the past few weeks by the works of Bob Marley’s children (particularly Ziggy, Rohan and Robbie - just watched and really fulljoyed their Africa road trip show in South Africa —-I really felt the mission. LOVE). I came across this really nice two part video of the Marley Coffee farming practices in Jamaica. I love that the earth and humanity is in the center of the mission to farm and to continue to live out one of Bob Marley’s dreams. (Which is so beautiful!! Imagine having children that believe in your mission so much that they take on the charge and live it after you pass away! It’s like dying and being granted 11 more lives than the one you left…) (Blessings to Mama Rita too…)
I also love that they created a standard above the rest by certifying the coffee as “Ital”, which in Rastafari faith just means (food) straight and natural from the earth. So yes. watch this beautiful video and be inspired! Cant wait to get my hands in the dirt in Sainty!!!
the video comes in two parts: this part talks about the origins of coffee in Ethiopia, the role of coffee in the Jamaican economy and the sustainability farming practices on the farm.
LOVE.
The Future of Food and Seed by the rebel soul and protector of the earth and humanity, Vandana Shiva. Gives a good overview of how seeds became a monopoly.
Six Super Spices.
Arts is not entertainment. Arts is indoctrination. Arts is serious business. Arts are the methods by which the culture of a people manifests itself in order to reinforce itself. I am a revolutionary with no gun, no weapons of mass destruction, and I feel strongly about arts and culture. Dutty Bookman.
Get Foodcuated!
My sistren sent me this link for a smartphone app, Foodcuate, that allows you to get a grade for food (taking into consideration its natural, minimal processing, health benefits and other properties —packaged not fresh) and helps decode some of those food labels while in the supermarket. I received another shoppers guide a few months ago that rates companies environmental and social responsibility (labor issues etc.) - wish they made this into an app! (will post the link soon…cant remember their website!)
~ Jah9 performing at Rebel Salute 2013 in St.Ann, Jamaica ~
Song Title - “Legitimate”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XgJh1eFaG8
Sabriya posted some BEAUTIFUL pictures from Rebel Salute…I had to reblog this one. LIGHT.
The Color of Food - A photo documentary book that tells the stories of farmers of color. I’m really excited about this book! I remember reading Eco-Amazons, a really nice book about women in the US who are doing great things in the environmental realm - but it seriously lacked in diversity. I guess the author of Color of Food, Natasha Bowens beat me to the punch with this book : ) Natasha Bowens’ Brown Girl Farming blog is also inspiring, check it out. I’ve been listening to some of her radio interviews and she’s definitely on my list of people to try and link up with. Hopefully when I move to JA and start farming I can make it on her farmers directory. Blessings to those who are growing our food…
terraces in the Philippines
National Geographic | May 1982
(via sankofa-soul-farmer)
Ziggy Marley, Chevy Chase, Daryl Hannah, Michael J. Fox, Julie Bowen, and a bunch of others endorsing the Right To Know - Just Label It.
