10/21/08 Processed Foods

Okay, I'll admit it; I enjoy watching the television show, Boston Legal. Don't ask me why, sometimes I'm not even sure myself, but if I really search the recesses of my brain I come up with the fact that this show, while being entertaining on a sometimes hackneyed level, also makes it's audience think on issues that we might generally try to shy away from. One such episode explored the subject of added chemicals and preservatives in most processed food, and how most of the population is unaware to the extent of which this has progressed. As food prices continue to remain high even with the fall of oil prices a lot of people are tempted to buy bulk packaged and processed foods. But do consumers really want to stock their pantry with foods that are preserved with enough chemical additives to ensure they're still around months or years from now? Buying fresh, local foods not only helps your family eat healthier, it helps support local farmers, who in turn support and help the local community through good stewardship of the land and the environment.