Startling, horrifying, and amusing all at the same time right kids? It is to me and my own amusement is what we aim for on Stuff Lust. And other than, the sigh of relief I'm granted every time someone ask why am I showing them a random picture of a stranger; it's also a thought provoking image that instantly calls to mind the biggest social hot topics of our day. In one image we have obesity, healthful eating, and female image wrapped up in a nice 300 pound package. Lust takes all forms and food lust is an excellent way to kick off this little blog of mine.
So what about food? Well, it comes as no shock to those who know me that I try to eat a relatively healthy diet by excluding meat, high fructose corn syrup, eating organic when possible, and eschewing dairy (though the last part is an on and off again battle that I rarely mind losing). Trust me those things are important if you don't want to look like the Green Day clad behemoth above. However, it may not be as common of knowledge that I am - in theory- passionate about urban farming and the local food movements. Don't get it twisted I adore my out of season fruit as much as, the next person; warm banana bread in the winter? Yes, please bring it on!
Growing up in New Orleans, I have always been spoiled on the food culture. In the days of my omnivorous youth, sustainability was a silent no brainer. Everyone knew exactly where their fruit of the sea came from and for the most part you could pretty much tag where your produce came from too. Fresh strawberries from the northern parishes, greens and melons from the back of a truck, pecans from my grandmothers tree, the list goes on. People from Louisiana have been squawking about food harvesting practices and ecological balance way before it was fashionable. In New Orleans, we fought the Uptown Walmart like true (un)Americans. Even though that and the nuances that go into it will have to be another lust for another day. And sadly, when they cut the ribbon on opening day the parking lot was full and has been ever since.
What can we do to fight back? What can I do to tie this post together? Here goes. We start to shop locally with vengeance.
Everyone and their marraine knows about the Crescent City Farmers Market, time to check out some new ones right? Here ya go.
Holly Grove Market
Gretna Farmers Market
Upper Nine Fresh Market
And remember those are just a few. They are all over the place so keep an eye out.
The Not So Obvious: Community Shared Agriculture
Community shared agriculture is probably the most rad idea I'm going to present to you. For a fee, which varies from farmer to farmer, you get a slice of the produce pie. That fee entitles you to a box of goodies which includes but, is not limited to, fresh - usually organic- fruit and veggies for designated amount of time. You can pick them up or, if you live with in a certain radius of the farm have them delivered depending on the agreement. Since, we are all liberals here, I think a great idea would be to split the cost between friends and then split the weekly goodies. Ten pounds of anything is a lot to eat during the week. Bonus! Make a day of it, split the the cost of driving to the pick up point, maybe even bring your bikes?
Local Harvest has more information about the CSA concept and where to find participating farms near you.
& Food Co-Ops
Remember when you were in high school and, a bunch of kids would pool together the money they stole from their mom's purse to buy a bottle of Boone's Farm? Well a food co-op is a lot like that. It can be as simple as getting some friends together and ordering from an organic bulk catalog. Or if you live in a big sprawling urban environment like New Orleans, you can look up your local Food Co-operative. The great thing about co-ops is that much like, credit unions all members are owners so everyone takes part in decisions and promoting the growth of the endeavour. The co-op orders in bulk and then turns the savings over to their patron/owners. So it's a win/win situation.
For catalogs check out Frontier Co-op they've got a wholesale option for clubs of five or more; as well as an option to shop as an individual. This is the best bet in New Orleans until the New Orleans Food Co-op in full swing next year. Never the less you should get involved and, see how you can make it worthwhile for you and everyone you know.
Phew! Aren't you proud? I made it all the way to the end without once uttering the name WhoreFoods. I mean FoodHoles. I mean Whole Foods.
