By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON
“If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.” Thomas Jefferson
During the Fourth of July holiday, we often reflect on our independence and give thanks for the freedoms that have come at the great expense of those who have fought the battles and wars to uphold the intentions of our founding fathers. But, are we truly free?
I would argue that one of our very core rights as human beings is challenged in this country on a daily basis. That is the freedom to choose the food(s) that we wish to raise, buy and consume.
What!?! You might cry…But it is a reality. Every day in the United States there are attacks on small farms, raids on food buying clubs, shutdowns of farm-to-fork dinners and arrests of farmers selling items produced on their farms to customers clamoring to procure these foodstuffs.
If you think this is an exaggeration, take a look at these stories:
Exercise Your Freedom to:
Grow/Raise Your Own Food
Buy Fresh & Buy Local
Know Your Farmer
Vote with Your Fork
Let Your Voice Be Heard
“The wonderful thing about food is you get three votes a day. Every one of them has the potential to change the world.” Michael Pollen
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Kristen Lee-Charlson is recognized for her food consulting knowledge, exceptional menus and passion for the local food system. She has hosted a variety of modern homemaking classes from cheesemaking to butchery. Recently she founded the Heirloom Principles a consulting agency for chefs, institutions and individuals for the sourcing of locally-produced and sustainably-raised products. She is an accomplished chef, caterer and home-cook. As a mother of four, she is dedicated to educating and empowering others about traditional food preparation and the joy and economy of eating local. Kristen is a strong advocate for a more localized and resilient food system. Daily she creates and consumes real food for her family including sauerkraut stomped by her children’s bare feet and eggs from her backyard hens. As an urban renaissance woman her ambition is to eat more local pastured pork.
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