Food Day 2011: A Day Dedicated to Sustainable, Healthy, Humane Food

A new movement is growing in the United States which focuses on the importance of quality, affordable, and healthy food. With the epidemic rise of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and food-borne illnesses, people from all walks of life are beginning to question the giant food industry.

The foods we consume should promote good health, not lead to diabetes, tooth decay, and heart disease.  Each year, Americans spend millions of dollars on medical treatments, pharmaceutical drugs, and emergency medical attention.  Procedures like liposuction and gastric bypass are now more common than a dental exam.  Look into your pantry, how many items do you purchase based on appearance "key" phrases on the packaging like "All-Natural," "Wholesome," "Healthy?"  How often do you know where the food in that package originated from?

Unfortunately, many Americans are not aware of the true nutritional value in our foods, or whether the foods they purchase are produced in a sustainable way.

The US Government spends billions of dollars annually to subsidize only 10% of the farms in the US.  The result is huge industrial farms which import cheap materials, treat animals and workers inhumanely (Watch Fast Food Nation and Food Inc.), damage the environment with pollution and chemicals, and prevent smaller sustainable family farms from succeeding. 

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has created Food Day, Monday October 24th, 2011, a day dedicated to bringing awareness to these issues.  The main goal of Food Day is to inspire change and educate people about 6 key issues:

• Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods
• Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness
• Expand access to food and alleviate hunger
• Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms
• Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids
• Support fair conditions for food and farm workers

As a green Vegan, I celebrate Food Day everyday.  I make daily food choices which do not negatively impact the environment in any way.  If you are interested in making the shift to a healthier lifestyle, lose weight or help your family members get lean, reduce your carbon footprint, or if you are just sick of the persuasive marketing campaigns which have ultimately led to an obese, diabetic, heart-diseased society, please celebrate Food Day in your own way. Or send me an email to schedule a consultation.

"Food Day is a grassroots movement made up of individuals and
organizations passionate about promoting a healthy, sustainable,
and just food system. Food Day 2011 will culminate on October
24th with thousands of events across the country that encourage
action and celebrate food. Together we will generate media
coverage in every corner the country, send hundreds of thousands
of signatures to Members of Congress supporting our national
agenda, and most importantly, begin the millions of conversations
that will lead to individual and systemic changes."

-Center for Science in the Public Interest