There is a certain amount of trust involved in buying food. Most of us are aware there is a story behind every row of fresh produce, but rarely do we stop to ask ourselves if this apple was grown in Canada, or if that mango can really be in season in November.
This blind faith, which is often a quest for the lowest price tag, is something large corporations count on. Sure, most of us want to eat organic food that hasn't been genetically tampered with, or harvested with child labour, or coated with pesticides, or shipped thousands of miles when the very same item can be obtained locally. But we also want fill the pantry in the least expensive way possible.
It's a fine balancing act. Although it's easy to think only of ourselves and our bills (hey, I look out for number one, too) we have a responsibility for our actions. As the popular documentary, Food Inc., suggests, every dollar we spend is a vote. Do we vote for the 'evil corporation,' or the local farmer?
I love bananas, but after watching the documentary, BANANAS!*, I no longer feel justified buying anything from Dole. The documentary focused on the trial between Dole and Nicaraguan banana workers suffering from exposure to a pesticide. The CEO of Dole admitted during the trial that he was aware of the harm posed by the pesticide, but used it anyways. The jury awarded $3.2 million to the workers, as well as finding Dole guilty of malice.
This story is far from the exception. Take time to research companies such as Monsanto and Nestle, and what you find will forever alter your perception of common food products.
But it's not just about taking a stand against the big bad conglomerates. It's about supporting the local economy in the midst of a recession that has crippled the economy of our country.
It all starts with a small step, and hopefully that step will take you to the local farmer's market. You might even just take time to read the label on your favourite foods and look for alternatives. A wise person once said, "If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've never been in bed with a mosquito."
Together, we can make a difference.
- Tara Scaglione, Staff Reporter
