I care about real food. I’m sure you do too. Did you know that this Friday, October 24 is Food Day? Food Day is on a mission to inspire Americans to change their diets for the better and improve our food policies. Created by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day “aims to bring us closer to a food system with “real food” that is produced with care for the environment, animals, and the women and men who grow, harvest, and serve it.” Obesity, chronic disease, food insecurity, hunger, food safety, farm labor, and animal welfare are just some of the topics that Food Day addresses.
Last year I wrote a series of posts on my thoughts on real food. Today seemed like a good day to highlight them again!
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It is important for the public to know not only that an apple is a better choice than a bag of Doritos, but also why. I hope that the nutrition and food posts on KERF play a tiny part in this mission.
I am incredibly lucky to be able to afford to buy not just fresh, real food but organic and sustainable products as well. If organic and sustainable options matter to you as well, consider that each purchase you make encourages producers to provide these foods to consumers at more affordable prices. The more we can show farmers that we not only have a demand for their products but that we care about the skills and craft that it takes to bring them to our tables, the better.
Organizations like Charlottesville’s Local Food Hub, which supports the relationship between farmers and chefs by facilitating local food distribution, the City Schoolyard Garden, which cultivates hands-on learning gardens at our city schools, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Fund, which works to educate youth on cooking and nutrition, are leading the real food movement.
There are lots of events going on this Food Day Friday, and you can search your area to see if any are happening near you here. There is lots of buzz on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest too, and I encourage you to follow along.
A handful of bloggers have joined me in spreading the word. Check out their posts today!
Visit the following blogs written by other authors participating in Food Day’s first-ever Coordinated Blogging Event:
- When it Comes to Our Kids’ Diets, Let’s Get Real by Gillean Barkyoumb, MS, RDN posted on Food & Nutrition
- Celebrating Food Day 2014 by Barbara posted on Morning Berries
- Food Day 2014 blog post by Kenan Hill posted on Kitchen 1204
- Healthy Food for School Food Day blog post by Sally posted on Real Mom Nutrition
- Food Day 2014 – join the fun in Mundelein and Chicago!!! by Lindsey Shifley posted on to the mullies…
- Happy Food Day (Week) from the Land of Chocolate and Fries by Janina Grabs posted on Food (Policy) For Thought
- Why Organic Matters blog post by Andy Bellatti, MS RD posted on Eating Rules
- The True Cost of Your Food by Nancy Chen posted on Spoon University
- Teach Kids to Cook, Eat and Lead Healthier Lives by Katherine Baker posted on Spoon University
- Millennials May Be “Foodies” But Are They Food Illiterate? by Zoe Holland posted on Spoon University
- Arugula, Walnut, and Bleu Cheese Stuffed Portobellos and Food Day by Justin Fox Burks posted on The Chubby Vegetarian
- Food Day blog post posted on Sankofa Speaks Blog
- It’s Food Day blog post posted by National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
- The Future of Heritage Breeding by Eliza MacLean posted on Barnraiser
- 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Food Company by Lisa Curtis posted on Barnraiser
- 5 Reasons to Savor Specialty Coffee This Food Day by Mark Inman posted on Barnraiser
- The Future of School Gardens by Benjamin Eichorn posted on Barnraiser
- Food Day 2014: The Future of Food, collection edited by Barnraiser
- Waste Not, Want Not: How Ordinary Home Cooks Can Help Prevent World Hunger; Autumn’s Harvest and Food Day; Waste Not, Want Not Quick Health Saver Tip; Waste Not, Want Not: Quick Dessert Idea; Waste Not, Want Not: Reflections; Waste Not, Want Not Recipe: Ginger Cardamom Green Beans; Waste Not, Want Not: 5 Tricks for Cooking Not Tossing Bitter Foods by Mary Collette Rogers posted on Everyday Good Eating
- Scantily Clad Photos and Burgers by Denise the Dietitian posted on A Dietitian’s Diary: Finding a Healthy Balance
This post isn’t sponsored in any way – just showing some love for real food.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
This is great–thanks for letting us know about Food Day.
Amanda @ Slimplify Life says
Food day = best day. Thanks for such a great post!!
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
Great round-up!! Thanks for the awesome reads! It’s amazing how clean eating can change your body. I eat clean, real food whenever possible…it’s when I derail from my healthy habits those random times that I really feel it the day after! It makes me never want to eat anything NOT real again!!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
Love the idea of FOOD DAY! Real food rocks. Gotta check out some of those posts!
Lindsey @ SimplyLindsey says
Love it! Can’t wait to check out some of those links! Real food > fake, processed food!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I wish this was an active event in Canada, but it isn’t. I love this idea and I wonder if some of the health food stores in the states would be participating, like Whole Foods?
Too bad all of this stuff is probably forgotten by October the 31st!
Alyssa @ The Healthy RD says
Thanks for sharing! I’m going to celebrate real food day for sure!
Chelsea @ TableForOne says
Food Day is such a big event around here. The dietetics students have planned a huge event at our college campus. Our theme this year is Plant Powered Eating. I am stoked to be a part of it again!
KathEats says
Love your theme!
Christine says
Hi Kath! Just curious… when you write “A handful of bloggers have joined me in spreading the word. Check out their posts today!”, it sounds like you have spearheaded this movement and the other bloggers then followed you. I’m not try to attack you or question the accuracy of your story; just genuinely curious about the evolution of this blog-powered real food movement, and I wondered whether I’m reading this correctly. Thanks!!
KathEats says
No, I’m not the leader – “joined me” simply means we all posted today. Here’s the post from Food Day about the bloggers participation: http://www.foodday.org/blogs_about_food_day_kick_off_nationwide_celebrations
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes says
Thanks for sharing! I had no idea this was a thing so I’ll definitely be celebrating!
Alex says
What a great message! I am a huge advocate for buying and eating real food. I am also fortunate to be in a position that allows me to afford these products but also think there are some great tips for people who want to buy real food but think it is out of their budget. I agree that each dollar we spend on real food that supports local farmers brings us a step closer to changing our food system. Hopefully we will see a drastic shift over the next few years. Buy seasonal and local products. These actually tend to be cheaper than most products in the store. Such a great post-real food all the way!
Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says
I LOVE that you added affordable to the description. I still strongly believe that an apple or a banana is cheaper than junk food. All it takes is education for people to finally understand that junk food can mess with your wallet and your health. We’ve saved so much money since we started eating healthier and you have played a big part in that! Thanks for always keeping me motivated!
Lindsey says
While I agree that “real food” can be more affordable I think it’s irresponsible to not take into account that there are many Americans living far below the poverty line, and in urban areas where they may not have the access nor the education to make healthy choices. For many it is “quantity over quality” when trying to feed themselves and their families. Many are without adequate transportation so the corner grocery store is their best option. You say “All it takes is education” but for many it takes much more than that.
Amanda says
@Lindsey- I am in my 8th year teaching in underprivileged neighborhoods in Philly. As a science and former health teacher, I have always felt a responsibility to educate students on how they can make healthy choices with very, very little money. While what you said is true that the corner store is the best option, many students do not realize that they can purchase an apple or banana for the 50 cents the usually spend on a bag of chips on their way to school. I have seen this information make a huge difference in the well being of my students 🙂
Kelly says
One thing that hasn’t been discussed in this particular thread around access and choices is the very real challenge corner stores have in providing fresh and local produce- there’s a undeniable element of purchasing power and economic incentives here that drive the choices kids and parents are able to make. I think we miss the mark to reduce the conversation to education and awareness. As a native Philadelphian, it concerns me when policy is left out of the equation- policy colors the choices and options you are able to make.
More info here:
http://thefoodtrust.org/uploads/media_items/healthier-corner-stores-positive-impacts-and-profitable-changes.original.pdf
Gracie says
My University is hosting a Real Food event on Friday where students can sample real foods and talk to local farmers and food producers about the benefits of eating local and eating fresh. I feel so lucky to live in a community where there is a real emphasis on healthy and sustainable eating!
Kristen Burnham says
Great post kath! Curious could you share the top three things that you would suggest to eat organic?
Also, can you do a day in the life post soon? Curious on life with a two year old!
KathEats says
Anything in the dirty dozen that you eat most frequently. For us that’s apples, spinach and bell peppers. Hope this link works: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy says
Food Day is one of my favorite collective events, and I love that bloggers are formally involved now. I’ve been making my way through these links for the last hour and love them all. Thanks for posting and for all you do for the real food movement!
Kelly McCabe says
I think the idea of having a healthy food day is great! hopefully it encourages more and more people to change not only their diets but their lifestyles too! I can understand not everyone can afford organic or sustainable foods but there is always just simple choosing a healthier option then the usual. great little article!
Anne Kim says
I am behind any program that brings to awareness how what we Americans eat everyday has such an impact on our health. When I read statistics about obesity and diabetes rates climbing among children, I realize how poorly we educate our young about nutrition. Everything you do on your blog helps, of course. Is there anything you can do about getting units on nutrition taught in the schools? Of course, remembering that the best teaching is by setting a good example rather than by lecturing–I am very aware about my food choices. Unfortunately my grandchildren live a day’s drive away from me and my influence from my view isn’t large enough. The best to you, Anne