A Brief Moment On The Soapbox

Dan & I finally watched the recently released DVD, Food, Inc. For those of you who haven't seen it or heard of it, it's a riveting documentary where the filmmaker's hope is to "lift the veil" on our nation's food history and present day circumstances and expose the governmental and corporate control that is held on our food sources and supply. (Incidentally, it's also been nominated for the 2010 Indie Film Spirit Awards.) It's unflattering, it's scary, it's infuriating and so incredibly important for us to see.

In short, we were completely fascinated- and utterly shocked by what we learned in this film. At times it was painful to even watch. I'm not usually one to get on a bandwagon and yell my 2 cents from the rooftop, but it is not an exaggeration to say that this film has truly changed me and the way that I feel about what we eat and how it's produced. It has forced both Dan & I to take a long hard look at what we're eating, and most importantly, what we're feeding our children. It has also fostered a new hope in consumers, empowering those who care enough to turn the tables, to realize we have a voice and we can make the changes that need to happen. By no means am I trying to subtly suggest taking radical or drastic measures- as far as I know, we are not making any abrupt conversions to vegetarianism. (Because Lord knows how I love me some pork.....). But I do encourage, even beg of you to watch this film and do what you feel is best for you and your loved ones. I am so grateful we did.

If you want to take baby steps towards getting involved, here are 10 simple things you can do to change our food system. Or you can visit Take Part to learn even more.

If that hasn't lured you in yet, then here's the movie's trailer for your viewing information:

A Small Dose of Tough Love

Dear Trader Joe's,

As you are well aware, I've got nothing but mad love for you. I've been faithful to you for years. You've seen me at my best. You've seen me at my worst. You've inspired hundreds of meals, and I'm sure over the years you've saved me hundreds of dollars. I've stood by you when others attempted to criticize you for your small, petty imperfections. I drive 3 whole towns away just to get to you. But we need to have a little chat which, frankly, is long overdue.

I'll make it quick and as painless as possible: if y'all can't get your produce act together, I may be forced to make a permanent switch to your arch nemesis market. You know the one. She's new in town, and rhymes with Bowl Dudes.

I try not to be a complainer, and I KNOW you know that I'm far from high maintenance, but is it too much to ask to provide fruits and vegetables that haven't sprouted mold just in the time it takes to bring them home? I mean honestly! I bought 1 lb. of your beautiful organic apricots yesterday afternoon, and used them all up this morning for this amazing treat, and I'm sure you can only imagine my disgust and disappointment when I discovered that close to half of the batch were riddled with mold on the inside. And don't even ask me to give you other examples which may or may not include your cherry tomatoes and strawberries. You should know better, Trader Joe's!

Remember, I'm trying to be gentle.

This brings my Tough Love reprimand to an end. I believe in you, and I know you are capable of greater produce. It's not that I want to leave you, but I also really don't want any more moldy foods. And so, if I may quote the Beatles, I believe We Can Work it Out.

Love & expectations,
Nicole

P.S. Please don't ever raise your prices on your Trader Joe's Coastal Sauvignon Blanc. We give you two thumbs up in this department. In fact the two thumbs are so far up, that they almost come close to redeeming you for your moldy produce offenses. Almost.