September 17, 2008 > Farm to Table Farm to Table All nutrition experts agree that we should eat more fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Luckily this change also tastes good and moves us away from fast food to slow food. Basically, slow food supports a food system that is good, clean and fair. The slow food movement which has its roots in the Bay Area advocates eating crops grown locally and organically which means using less energy to grow and then transport foods. Shipping long distances means crops need to be picked early before reaching ripeness, growing only those foods that can withstand travel well, and lots of excess packaging. Ultimately the cost is passed on to the consumer. Locally we can decrease our carbon footprint and go slow by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. By belonging to a CSA, members support organic farming practices that are healthful for people and the environment. They also have the opportunity to eat the freshest, most nutritious produce available at low cost (about $17/week). Members buy directly from the farmer; the farmer benefits by having a guaranteed market. Each week members pick up their box of produce at a local pick-up point. You don't get to choose what is in the box because you only receive what is in season. There might be some unfamiliar fruits and vegetables. But don't worry - the CSA usually provides some recipes and information on what to expect each week. Once you taste great fruits and vegetables, it is easy to build meals around them instead of having meat be the main focus. For more information about the CSA that delivers to Fremont, see www.fullbellyfarm.com. For more information www.slowfoodnation.org.