The Farm as Church or the Religion of Eating Local

MY church is a farm. Give me a few chickens, a long row of carrots and the smell of dirt, and I’ll find the open heart and inner peace others might seek from a prayer book or a pew.

So begins an article by Kim Severson in this morning's NY Times.

As an Episcopal priest I thought this article was going n a whole different direction but it turns out, it is a quick and interesting read that explains the motivation of some to eating local.  In fact, the more that is written about our food system or the Farm Bill or organic food the more I hear people struggling to understand the issues.  And if all of the recent writings, politics, and controversies about food is new it can be pretty overwhelming.  It really isn't too different from a new convert trying to understand their new faith but without a regular congregation, pastor, or theological tome to help guide the way.

To help, the NY Times piece in today's paper does cite books by Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver as the bibles of the eat local movement.  And I have to say that each week that I go to the CNY Regional Market and connect with Brian and Megan from Stones Throw Farm or Meg from Wake Robin Farm, it is kind of like going to the church coffee hour.  I get to see friends, I learn a little more about the food I'm eating and the life I'm trying to shape around my food choices, and I experience the strengthening of my community.  I would imagine that this journey would be pretty lonely and difficult if it weren't for the "congregation" that exists at the market, on the internet via blogs, and in my own community.  When I miss the market, or don't make it to the Co-op for several days, I feel as if something is really missing in my week and, for me, it is as much about the people as it is about the food.

In the church world there is a tradition of "bring a friend to church" Sunday.  I'm in the mind of wanting to suggest that as we look forward to this year's Eat Local Challenge that begins next month, that we each befriend an eat local buddy.   It may sound corny but think about it:  we each probably know someone who is struggling their way through the maze of food options all in the hopes of making some small changes that will lead to something more delicious and more healthy on their dinner plate.  We can all raise our hands on that one, can't we?  I'm not thinking of a buddy who would call you up to ask what you ate for dinner last night, but perhaps, someone to meet up with a the market to explore new foods together, or a weekly lunch date where you commit to an eat local meal or a conversation about what you love about local foods, or even a dinner gathering or two to bring together folks to celebrate the local bounty. 

Well, it may be a crazy idea but I know that everything is more fun when you have someone to share the journey.

Archive Alert:   On this date in 2005 I was hyping a couple of eat local dining experiences at bc Restaurant and the Craftsman Restaurant.  Note:  bc Restaurant is doing a 7 course special dinner with beer pairings on August 27th--their taking reservations now.
On this date in 2006 I was trying to figure out how to make the CNY Regional Market work.

Comments

[Heather]

Hi Jennifer,
I love your idea of "eat local buddies"! I have, for quite some time now, been thinking that Syracuse needs an eat local group, one that helps disseminate information about the amazing local food resources (much of which you do so well here on your blog) and also takes the time to cook and share meals together and discuss the may great books and articles on local food, food politics, etc. Am I getting ahead of myself? I hope not because I know that there are more people out there who are just as excited and passionate about local food. I would love to be involved and to help out in any way!

I also completely agree with your observations the importance of and gratification gotten from knowing the people who create our food and farm community. In addition to the wonderful folks you mentioned, I would like to add Jamie and Maggie Edelstein of Wyllie Fox Farm http://www.wylliefoxfarm.com/. They have been farming in Cato for a couple of years and in an attempt to start up their own CSA have been selling their gorgeous produce and flowers at Natur-Thyme on Saturday mornings. They are another great farming couple and are very passionate about what they do.

[Kathleen]

Yes! I loved that article. It's printed out and hilighted in my house right now.
Another great idea could be to make a salad for the office to share, mentioning the local produce involved and where you got it. I think a lot of people want to try to eat local, but don't know how to start or who to look to for inspiration.

I drink local (NYS) wine,
Kathleen
Albany, NY

[bazu]

What an interesting comparison. I love the joys and challenges of eating locally in CNY. This weekend, I'm hoping to go peach and blueberry picking. Hopefully I can keep from eating them all so I can freeze some for the colder months ahead!

[Heather McCoy]

My husband and I are moving to Syracuse next April as my husband makes a career change by attending ESF. We are committee chair people on a large group here in Kansas City called the KC Food Circle. I have been researching for the better part of two years your local food movement and am extremely interested in creating this sort of food circle model in Syracuse. It seems like there are so many willing members who just need to come together?

[Jennifer BB]

Heather, you're right, we need an eat local dinner group around here--it would be great fun. I wonder if it is possible to pull together a pot luck during the Eat Local Challenge month (Sept.) If you're interested in working on it drop me a note. Also--thanks for the tip on Wylie Fox Farm!

Kathleen, I love your idea too--imagine the impact of sharing local food in the workplace could have!

Bazu--how as the blueberry picking? Next time you get to the Co-op make sure you check out the Falafel Waffles that Funk and Waffles are selling there--they're vegan!

Heather--I can't wait for you to get here--I hope you'll keep blogging too. I like the Food Circle idea--maybe by the time you move here we'll have a little group in place.