Finally, a perfectly sunny day. The snow is receding, the birds seem more restless (although I haven't spotted a Robin yet), and it's actually too hot to wear my coat in the car. Spring is happening! So, I was not exactly looking forward to my trip to the Supermarket. But, there are just some things that only the supermarket carries....I really had to go!
So, on this perfectly sunny day, I find myself in the middle of a not so sunny place surrounded by towering boxes of what I believe is considered food. Everyone knows what I'm talkin' about! Many of my friends personally know my trials with the supermarket. PANIC comes to mind! I feel myself getting over stimulated with choices I don't even want. How many choices of cereal, crackers, power bars, and toilet paper does there really need to be? Then the produce aisle has rows and rows of neatly shaped and polished vegetables! This is where the my anger starts to radiate from my pores. To my astonishment, the bumped, scratched, or malformed vegetables/fruits don't even make the grade for supermarket shelving. Supermarkets only accept produce that conforms to certain standards of color, size, and shape. Where do all those wasted calories go? If anyone knows, do tell! It's nice to know that some organizations give back to the community by supplying low income families the "factory seconds". For my family, it is entertaining to find a green bean or squash that has beaten all visual standards. And, it's nice to know that these odd looking foods carry the same amount of energy as their "high society" counterparts.
I admit, I am a shopper cart peeper. I am waiting for Mrs. Piggle Wiggle to have a cure. Yes, I peer into other mothers carts to see what they are feeding their children. Much of what I see are the boxes upon boxes upon boxes of food??? piled high in the basket with the child in the front seat stuffing a free cookie in his mouth. Yikes! I further admit, I am not perfect. My kids look forward to the free cookies too. But, it the low income families that hurt the most. These families are getting the best bang for their buck. Lots of cheap calories at cheap prices. It is way too expensive to cook with whole foods! But, these cheaper foods have higher prices in the end. Foods full of high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, lots of Omega 6, hardly any Omega 3, highly processed, and extra packaging to boot equals bad health! It is way to complicated of a subject matter for me to come up with great answers. I think that is why I get so angry at Supermarkets. I see the problem and the ones suffering and feel completely helpless!
I am grateful I can provide whole foods to my family. I am grateful my children have met the wonderful farmers that provide us our chicken and eggs and can learn the benefits of growing our own produce. But, in reality, my kids are also thankful I buy Girl Scout Cookies on occasion too!! Moderation is good! I am waiting for the day whole food choices aren't considered a luxury! It should just be commonplace.
This painting was done for my brother and sister-in-law. They enjoy their whole foods I'm sure!
No Box Needed
Acrylic on Canvas
2003
48"x60"
Private Collection
Oh, Holly, you tell on your thoughts so well! The whole piece read smoothly, quickly and left me wanting more!
A shopping cart peeper and buyer of Girl Scout cookis was too funny!
You know I share your sentiments.
Posted by: Suzanne | March 16, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Holly, you're so right! That's why I can't wait for one of the best things about summer in GR -- the opening of the Fulton Street Farmers Market! I'm daydreaming about Michigan strawberries and tomatoes (the ones in the store bear no resemblance to the real thing!) and the boys are already asking when we can go blueberry picking again!
Posted by: Elisabeth | March 17, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Apparently there are state regulations that prevent our schools from buying locally grown food:
http://www.mlui.org/farms/fullarticle.asp?fileid=17229
Brilliant!
Posted by: Steve | March 17, 2008 at 09:12 AM
does that mean I'm in trouble for feeding your kids ice cream for their after school snack? ;) No seriously, well said my dear. I'm not as much of a "foodie" as you- but I'm getting there. I love the market as well.
Posted by: ter | March 28, 2008 at 03:14 PM