The lecturers and panelists all proposes interesting opportunities for changing our food supply and improving our lives, here are a few of the main points:
1. "Farm as Farmacy"
One of the most intersting concepts that became evident in this symposium after listening to the first three speakers was the opportunity that exists in NEO for hospitals (especially the Cleveland Clinic) and farmers to collaborate. Jerry Brunetti, the keynote speaker and a cancer surviver, used the phrase "Farm as Farmacy" suggesting that healthy food could play an important role in preventing and curing disease.
2. Education
Everyone, but especially children, need to know where food comes from, how it grows and what it should taste like. Speaker Wil Bullock gave an amazing testimonial about how working in the Boston Food Project as a teenager changed his life. As an urban youth he knew little about farming and fresh vegetable, but now he is an advocate of healthy eating habits -- through his music (he is a very talented singer). Local Farmer and panelist, Bob Jones also gave a rousing talk about his farm "Chefs Garden" and his educational project "Veggie U". Children are most effected by unhealthy food, but they are also the hope for making our food more local, more diverse, and more healthy than it has been in past few decades.
3. "Vote" for healthy food
Small free range farms vs. CAFOs may not be an issue on the ballot, but the dollars you spend on your food make a statement. You don't have to register or be 18 years or older to vote with your dollars either. All the more reason to avoid fast food, soft drinks, and food with low nutritional value. Don't spend your money on something your are not willing to endorse.
4. Reconnecting with our food sources
Many of the panelist talked of breaking the system that now concetrates huge farms in a few areas of the world, and shipping food great distances. This can be done in many ways; supporting smaller local farmers and farmers markets, supporting community gardens, growing food in your own yard. Landscaper Jeff McIntosh suggested that anyone can combine edible plants with their traditional landscaping. Some vegetables and herbs can even have complimentary relationships with scrubs, bedding flowers and other plants found in traditonal landscaping.
Links:
[1] http://realneo.us/a-lot-to-digest-a-taste-for-change-symposium-at-the-cleveland-botanical-garden/more-from-a-taste-for-change-at-cbg/13-facts-you-
[2] http://realneo.us/a-lot-to-digest-a-taste-for-change-symposium-at-the-cleveland-botanical-garden