tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603202988847584283.post3082293473342763393..comments2023-10-22T09:24:14.464-04:00Comments on The Slow Cook: Weekend Update--Local AgricultureEd Bruskehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12217850970833353800noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603202988847584283.post-72882051223064691622008-05-19T14:59:00.000-04:002008-05-19T14:59:00.000-04:00It's ok to be a cynic, just don't give up. Someth...It's ok to be a cynic, just don't give up. Something I've observed living in rural Northwest Illinois is that there are a whole lot of farmers that don't appreciate a wide variety of fresh, healthy produce as well. Local sweet corn is about their limit. Our local farmers market is pitiful. So it becomes obvious that the lack of interest does not always stem from a lack of availability, or even money. I think it is a matter of what you grew up with in a lot of situations. <BR/><BR/>I think Americans need to be re-educated about the value and the fun of growing, preparing and eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The best place to start is in our schools, and the sooner the better. The reality is that even if inner city neighborhoods suddenly have access to fresh foods, they likely have never prepared them, so they aren't interested regardless of price. Programs like the edible playground programs being started all over the country are going to go along way in raising the next generation of gardeners and healthy eaters. I think that once demand increases the rest will take care of itself. It's the American capitalist way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com