When you have a big conceptual behemoth on a roll, gaining momentum for 60 years or so, it’s pretty hard to stop it. That’s our food system. We waste, we pollute, we overconsume. We subsidize some farmers to grow more food than we need—or food products we really don’t need, all the while importing other foodstuffs from thousands of miles away. I’m not pointing fingers here—I’d say we’re all in the same boat, given the fact that we’re alive in the 21st century. It’s just the way our civilization has gotten used to living. But there are changes afoot—small signs of improvement—and I think they’re an indicator that a bigger shift is underway.
We’ve been thinking a lot about food at the Source office. “Food, glorious food” is the resounding cry that captures our passion for delicious eats:
“Food, glorious food!
What is there more handsome?
Gulped, swallowed or chewed—
Still worth a king’s ransom.
What is it we dream about?
What brings on a sigh?
Piled peaches and cream, about
Six feet high!”
Of course, in the musical Oliver, it’s sung by starving orphans. In our case, we sing it to celebrate nature’s bounty and the people who prepare delectable meals: the upcoming March issue is our annual Restaurant and Food Issue. The Regional Restaurant Contest articles —which showcase the winners and readers’ comments about their dining-out faves—draw more traffic online than just about any other article (except the one on the Art of Tattoos —go figure). This year we added a category for Best Local Food—honoring the growing Buy Fresh Buy Local movement and bringing attention to the restaurants that go out of their way to buy as much locally produced food as possible.
Also in the March issue, Sarah Kingsbury, who writes our Green Living column, is researching how to eat out and be green. David Fisher, who’s on faculty at MUM’s Sustainable Living Department, has gathered up some compelling facts about the growing changes in our farming and food systems.
You still have till Friday, February 20, midnight, to vote in the 5th Annual Regional Restaurant Contest. Vote today , be eligible to win prizes, and let your voice be heard!