This Is Fattening, You Shouldn’t Eat It of the Day: The legendary “Fatty Melt” comes to Friendly’s: Grilled Cheese BurgerMelt — “A Big Beef burger between two hot grilled cheese sandwiches, with lettuce, tomato and mayo. Tasting is believing.”
Rejected Tagline: “Tasting is losing faith in an all-loving deity.”
Leaning on her cane, Linda Lee matter-of-factly listed her medical conditions: diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure, emphysema, and arthritis. She had her hip replaced and her gall bladder removed. Her kidneys failed, so she had a transplant. She also had two corneal implants. Asked what caused her woes, the 57-year-old resident of Apopka, Florida, doesn't hesitate: for nearly a decade as a farm laborer on the shores of Lake Apopka in the 1970s and 1980s, she was routinely exposed to agricultural chemicals.I understand - pesticides get the job done. Along with the other "-cides," they eliminate pesky weeds, insects and other invasive factors. But countless studies, books and primary accounts from farm laborers like Ms. Lee show the limitations and long-term health and environmental implications of chemical applications. What I don't understand is the disconnect and lack of response by food companies and government regulatory agencies. Well, sure, an easy understanding would be the deep-rooted link between agribusinesses and politicians, but the glaring oversight of facts is sickening. We have entire dead zones in our bodies of water caused by the run-off from synthetic or petroleum-based agricultural sprays (seen way before the horrendous oil spill), which have wiped out entire plant and animal species, not to mention destroyed small fisheries. People have developed diseases inextricably linked to pesticide, insecticide and fungicide applications and still live at or below the poverty line, obviously without access to healthcare or other viable employment options. I realize it's an age-old cliche about the heartlessness of companies and corporations, but it's baffling how industrial and conventional agriculture puts profit before human and environmental health. How can you plan for a working, successful business model if you (1) kill off your workers (even if you consider them expendable) and (2) exploit the land beyond its capacity. We're stuck in a system that doesn't work and it's maddening, especially when we know the solutions.
When the Environmental Protection Agency approved methyl iodide as a pesticide under the Bush administration in 2007, it was a controversial decision at the time. But California — which is the country's biggest user of the chemical — has its own review process.
In April, the state issued a notice to approve methyl iodide with an exposure limit of 96 parts per billion for workers.
"I was shocked," says Ed Loechler, a biology professor at Boston University.
Loechler served on the independent review panel that was brought in by state regulators to help staff scientists evaluate methyl iodide.
"The number in the notice is 120 times higher than the level that both the independent scientific review panel thought was safe, as well as their own internal experts thought would be safe, in terms of worker exposure," Loechler says.
According to an assessment produced by the panel and staff scientists, the safe exposure level for workers is 0.8 parts per billion. Anything over that, they said, would be unsafe.
"I honestly think that this chemical will cause disease and illness," says Froines, who chaired the panel. "And so does everyone else on the committee."Hmm. Seems like a no brainer: Stop using methyl iodide. What, if any, is the point when people are placed before productivity or profit? When it simply impacts the bottom line? Leave the hippy-dippy treehugger argument out of it and look deeper - how much longer will it be economically viable to use synethic toxins on food?
Hinche, Haiti– An estimated 10,000 peasants gathered for a massive march in Central Haiti on June 4, 2010, to protest what has been described as “the next earthquake for Haiti” – a donation of 475 tons of hybrid corn seeds and vegetable seeds by the US-based agribusiness giant Monsanto, in partnership with USAID. While this move comes at a time of dire need in Haiti, many feel it will undermine rather than bolster the country’s food security...According to Chavannes Jean-Baptiste, leader of the Peasant Movement of Papaye (MPP) and spokesperson for the National Peasant Movement of the Congress of Papaye (MPNKP), the entry of Monsanto seeds into Haiti is "a very strong attack on small agriculture, on farmers, on biodiversity, on Creole seeds... and on what is left our environment in Haiti."
"In exchange for a $25 donation or 5 hours of work, a fan of our market can earn Friend of the Market status. Friends receive a special market logo pin identifying them as a Friend of the Market… and wearing it at the market is the ticket to special discounts, freebies, and opportunities all season long."The pins are pretty cute and most of the vendors featured their special discounts prominently at the front of their tents. It's an excellent way to build a customer base and encourage people to attend the market throughout the season - definitely a model that should be used by other farmers' markets.
"Deciding what to eat ... is the founding act of production and consumption that shapes all others. Choosing leaf or flesh, factory farm or family farm, does not in itself change the world, but teaching ourselves, our children, our local communities, and our nation to choose conscience over ease can. One of the greater opportunities to live our values - or betray them - lies in the food we put on our plates. And we will live or betray our values not only as individuals, but as nations."
The Double L Market (Westport, Conn.): So in my four years at Fairfield and multiple trips into surrounding towns, I'm embarrassed to say that today was my first time to the Double L Market. Fortunately, it's in a brand new space and don't feel as guilty. The market, which is actually a retail space, is still under construction, but in front of stacked baskets and background noise, I found quarts of beautiful, organic and local strawberries! I swiftly bought three as a caravan of locals entered the space. Owner Lloyd Allen was there and extremely personable and knowledgeable about the produce in his store. It's excellent to have a location where farmers can expand and sell their wares. As the season progresses, the market is sure to have even more local produce and is a great place to find your favorite foods if you can't make it to one of many farmers' markets in Fairfield County.
...is quite terrific. Why? Instead of spending $20+ on a vegetarian cookbook, wary of certain recipes (are they vegan? do they have eggs or honey? etc.), this $7.99 issue is packed with amazing recipes (a multitude of smoothie combinations, chickpea croquettes, roasted beet salad, creamy walnut mushroom soup with thyme, sweet corn + heirloom tomato pizzas) that can be prepared exactly as listed or altered to fit your own tastes. Also, it's an good primer for you or your friends on farmers' market tips, the old organic vs. local debate and helpful tips on how to get the most out of your seasonal produce.
