Cesar Chavez's Fight :

People could make differences but one perticular man made the difference of many labor workers.Ii'm wrighting about this topic because this perticular man made a difference that nobody expected him to. Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927 in San Luis, Arizona as a Mexican American. Most of his life he was a farm laborer who experienced bad working conditions and low wages when he a young man. During his early years he was committed to education and also joined the U.S. Navy. Chavez was influenced by Father Donald McDonnell. They both spoke about the farm workers and strikes for better work conditions, peaceful or violent. As a labor leader, Chavez used non-violent metheds to fight for migrant workers rights near the southwestern USA. Chavez learned these non-violent methods from reading about St. Francis and Gandhi. In 1962 Chavez and others founded a group or union named the National Farm Workers Assosiation (NFWA), isn goal for the Union was to stop the unfairness between the bosses and the workers. In 1968 he had organized a five-year long "grape boycott", this act was to stop people from buying California grapes until the workers received a better pay. years pass and the NFWA changed its name to The United FArm Workers (the UFW). Chavez's goal was to educate Mexican immigrants and oraganized registration drives for the new US citizens.

From a personnal view this man is an amazing person who went from a young labor worker to a very wise and famous person who cares for the people that went through the same problems as himself.This is very important to the blog because it deals with lobar workers rights and conditions. Also this is good because it tells the reader that there are people that are taking a stand to stop the unfairness.

Nuestras Raíces

Nuestras Raíces fue fundada en el 1992 por los miembros de la “Finquita Community Garden” de South Holyoke, Massachusetts para promover el desarrollo económico, humano y comunitario a través de proyectos alimentarios, de agricultura y del medio ambiente. Esta organización cuenta con 8 jardines comunitarios y 2 jardines para jóvenes. La organización tiene planes para expandir la red de jardines cada año. Además, Nuestras Raíces cuenta con una finca.

La agricultura urbana o Nuestras Raíces ha ido una organización muy efectiva ya que la mayoría de los miembros vienen de haber vivido en fincas y en los campos de Puerto Rico, teniendo experiencia en agricultura. Y a pesar de vivir en la ciudad ellos tienen la oportunidad de seguir haciendo lo que han hecho toda su vida para mantener a sus familias. Nuestra Raíces tiene la misión de promover la agricultura y las personas que han estado trabajando ahí de generaciones en generaciones seguirán trabajando para mejorar su comunidad y también para ensenarle a la generación mas joven.

Y hablando de jóvenes, esta organización además de tratar de estimular el desarrollo económico busca crear conciencia entre los jóvenes y ayudarlos a cambiar sus estilos de vida. Esta organización tiene muchos proyectos para jóvenes, uno de ellos es el programa Los Protectores de la Tierra en el cual entrenan a los jóvenes y les enseñan a diseñar jardines, a pintar, los adentran en talleres medioambientales. Además los mismos jóvenes comen los productos que ellos cosechan, los venden al mercado de finqueros y así mejoran su comunidad. Nuestras Raíces les provee un lugar seguro en el cual los jóvenes obtienen ayuda y entrenamiento para alcanzar las metas de cada uno de ellos.

Jardinería en la Comunidad

En la área de Springfield se hace muy difícil crecer frutas y vegetales para vender porque la tierra no es muy fértil y también porque es un área urbana . Esto significa que la gente no crece su propia comida y depende de los supermercados y las tiendas cercanas. La mayoría de la gente es de bajos recursos y no tiene el dinero suficiente para comprar comida saludable como vegetales; en vez ellos gastan en comida que no es saludable pero es razonable. La mayoría de la comida que esta disponible en un supermercado viene de otro país o de otro estado. Esto significa que la transportación de esos productos afecta negativamente al medio ambiente. La cultura de Springfield no incluye a la gente produciendo su propia comida; ellos dependen de las comidas que no son saludables pero son baratas. Hay programas en Springfield que soportan la idea de justicia alimentaria.

El Farmer’s Market es un negocio donde varios diferentes vendedores se reúnen y venden productos que ellos hicieron ellos mismos. Por ejemplo puedes encontrar productos como frutas frescas, queso, leche, vegetales, y también comida preparada como pan y galletitas. Yo he visitado un Farmer’s Market en mi comunidad, estaba ubicado al cruzar la calle de mi casa. Se me hacia bien fácil visitarlo los martes porque me quedaba cerca. Yo compraba pan fresco de ciabatta con queso y hierbas, es muy delicioso. También compraba galletitas de diferentes sabores y kettle corn. Se me hizo mas difícil visitar el Farmer’s Market cuando cambiaron la ubicación. Ahora me queda como a quince minutos caminando adentro del parque. No visito el Farmer’s Market tanto como antes porque me queda mas lejos. Pienso que esto también les afecta a las gentes de la comunidad. En vez de dar el viaje a un Farmer’s Market prefieren visitar al supermercado y esto no apoyan a los vendedores de la comunidad. Puedo entender la razón porque se le hace mas difícil y pienso que una buena solución seria tener varios Farmer’s Market en las comunidades para que sean disponibles para todas las gentes. El Farmer’s Market le agrega valor a la comunidad.

En mi ciudad Springfield, Massachusetts hay un programa llamado “Gardening the Community” que es jardinería en la comunidad y se enfoca en agricultura urbana y organiza comunidades que coman saludables. Este programa es bueno porque ellos se preocupan por los jóvenes en la comunidad y los incluyen en la jardinería. Gardening the Community siembra vegetales y frutas en áreas que están vacías y después los venden en el Farmer’s Market, que es un mercado donde venden todos productos orgánicos y producido por las mismas gentes. Esto es bueno porque suporta la idea de justicia alimentaría porque elimina las injusticias a los trabajadores en las fincas. Los vegetales y las frutas que ellos crecen son disponibles para vender en la comunidad y también se donan a los refugios. Esto es beneficiario porque las gentes de la comunidad pueden comer saludables y no tienen que ir muy lejos para comprarlos. También como se vende en el Farmer’s Market, las compañías grandes que producen los vegetales y frutas con pesticidas y cosas inorgánicas no salen ganando. Este programa Gardening the Community es una forma buena para ayudar a la comunidad y la salud de los que viven y compran en el Farmer’s Market. Siempre hay oportunidades para ayudar en este programa, y ayudar a la comunidad de esta manera. También puedes ayudar simplemente tratando de comprar en un Farmer’s Market en vez de un supermercado; es una buena forma de comer saludable y apoyar a la comunidad.

Yo entrevisté a Breyana Roman que trabajó con GTC por un tiempo. Le pregunté varias preguntas sobre el programa. Ella dijo que el programa trabaja con los jóvenes de la comunidad y ellos plantan y cultivan la cosecha en un ambiente urbano. Una de las cosas más importante que hace el programa es educar a los jóvenes de la justicia alimentaria y subtenencia para que ellos puedan ser lideres en el futuro. Muchos de los que trabajan en el programa son jóvenes. Los productos de la cosecha son colectados y vendidos en restaurantes, donados a sitios de refugio y vendidos en el Farmer’s Market en la área de Springfield. Este programa les enseña a los miembros de la comunidad el beneficio de cosechar su propia comida. También les ofrece a los residentes de Springfield la oportunidad de escoger que clase de comida comen aunque viven en una ciudad. Breyana dice “me gustó ser voluntaria con el programa porque me pusieron a trabajar y a hacer jardinería.” Ella también dice que la experiencia de ver a la cosecha crecer y a los jóvenes trabajando es maravillosa y positiva.” Este programa es un ejemplo excelente de seguir para apoyar la justicia alimentaria en Springfield. Para mas información del programa, o para averiguar como puedes ayudar a la comunidad al través de este programa visita a su pagina de internet. http://gardeningthecommunity.blogspot.com/

The Cukes from Me...to You

Did you know that this fresh organic produce was picked by your children today? The UB program at NMH has a local garden that produces food for UB students and staff. The seeds that are planted in the garden are donated by High Mowing organic seeds. The High Mowing company produces 60+ varieties of seeds each year on their farm in Wolcott, Vermont. The seeds are tested in a house lab where germination and purity tests are performed in order to ensure that the seeds are 100% organic.

How did these seeds become cucumbers? The field in which the crops are planted was provided by NMH. They plowed the field and fertilized with manure from their grass feed cows. Viny plants like the cucumbers are planted on the edges, so they don't interfere with the rest of the plants. The two types of cucumbers that are planted in our garden are Euro and Pickling Cucumbers. Volunteer students and staff make sure the crops have enough water and are weed free. The farm is totally organic; there are no pesticides or herbicides added to the crops.

To get here, the food was transported by the students that volunteer to harvest the crops. No non-renewable resources were wasted! Fun fact: the seeds from cucumbers are reusable, which means you can plant them over and over. Sharon, our farm coordinator, says: "Other than weeding, planting your own food is very easy."

G.T.C.

Gardening the community is a youth-led food justice organization engaged in the urban agriculture, substainable living, organizing for healthy and equitable communities. We believe in the power of our communities to make a changet hrough developing and supporting name grown leaders. This program hires youth 10-16 and they get to work with each other. Youth learn about the community, food security, social justics, and community organizing through this program. They focus on different food systems in a relevant way. These systems work as a segway into issues ofopression, inequality and racial healing. GTC, also focus's on fundamental as cooking food and where it comes from. They look at a broader context of community and empowerment. The Gardening Community healthy food, multi-cultural, the community,safety, growing naturally non - genetically modified foods, social construction of differences, and social justice.

From Peru...To You

The Case of the Traveling Banana

It all started when Summer, Rahul, and Elani wanted to know where the banana we ate for lunch came from. We then began to investigate the Northfield Mount Hermon dinning staff. The dinning staff happily provided us with our next clue. The clue that led us to the next level of our mystery. Getting this far was easy to trace and get information. As our research progressed we gained insight on how far our food travels and what it has to go through. It took us about 3 days worth of calling just to find out where bananas came from. If this was compared to the actual journey the banana took you could only imagine how long it traveled. On the other hand if you bought locally you wouldn’t have to take any of these steps and everything you bought would be nice and fresh!

As we unfold our clue we saw a list of produce we are able to purchase, from apples to string beans. The list just started to glow as our eyes spotted bananas right underneath avocados.

We quickly copied down the number an googled them to find the rest of their contact information. However, after calling Black River Produce we lost hope in completing this mission, due to the fact that no one picked up the phone. We felt frustrated and defeated, but we decided to call one more time. They finally picked up after 1 hour. A woman was kind enough to answer our questions until she hung-up the phone. We were beyond angry. Instead of calling them back, we looked up the information we were provided with. We typed “Peru Fair-Trade” into Google but all these different sites came up and none of them were relevant. As a group we just had to call back Black River Produce again. Around 8:00 p.m. we called repeatedly and after our 10th call they FINALLY picked up. We were given the information to contact Danielle, who we could only reach the next day.

Immediately the next day we contacted Danielle who then sent us to another source called OKE USA. This is were we hit the mother load. We talked to her for the next hour, and she told us EVERYTHING we needed to know. After this call we could put all the pieces together. Here is our story of the Traveling Banana.

The banana (A.K.A.) George begins in a small farm in Peru. The workers who pick the bananas completely handle their own schedule. They get paid above the national average and are paid before working. From the farm, were George and his friends are picked raw they are washed, packed into crates, and stored at 57 to 58 F. George is loaded onto a truck and is taken on a one hour ride to a port yard. There are about 960 containers loaded onto a ship. This is NOT a banana boat. This boat contains other goods such as mangos and fruits. Then, George travels by boat through the panama canal then up to New York. When George and his friends get to New York they are removed from the boat but not their crates. They are distributed by truck, train, and plane to different parts of the country. In our case the bananas travel by truck from New York to Vermont. They are sent to the Black River Produce Company, were they are sent to Northfield Mount Hermon. Once at his destination George is unpacked and ripened. Later on in the week they are put on display for the students to choose. Rahul decided George was the best fit for his breakfast and before he knew it George was gone!

By: Rahul,Elani,& Summer

Foods That Prevent Illness

As time goes on, most of us are becoming so used to eating "junk food" that soon we won't even remmember what's healthy anymore. Most of us forget that the fruits and vegetables we're supposed to be eating can prevent us from having so many illnesses, some of which are being caused by the "junk food" that we eat every day. If you think about it, fruits and vegetables are more than important. They help us live longer, unlike these other foods that are not so healthy and cause illness. It also increases our chances of premature death.




Not eating enough fruits and vegetables is a major risk factor, in itself, for heart attacks and premature death. The U.S Department of Healthand Human Services and he Department of Agriculture recomended eight servings a day. The higher intake of fruits and vegetables helps orevent coronary heart disease. Some nurses at Harvard School of Public Health served one serving of beans per day instead of one serving of redmeat and they found thatit lower's a woman's long-term heart-disease risk by about 33%. You might be thinking it's not all that fun eating vegetables every day but ther are many ways you can enjoy your vegetables and still have a great meal. You could even camouflage them and add them to breads, cakes, muffins, lasanga, rice, pizza, quiche, scrambled egg or tofu.

Some fruits are known to have benefits to the body. Now there is one more super hand and is known to prevent cancer, the Papaya fruit. Papaya is one fruit that contains lycophene, known as a substance that is highly effective in preventing and combating the spread of cancer cells. A recent study found that levels of lycophene stimulates cells in the body's defense against cancer. This can also prevent DNA damage. Ppapaya is effective a san anti-inflammatory agents against cance rsuch as cervical, breast, liver, lungs and pancreas. This fruit is known to boost the chemicals that regulate the immune system. Other foods that also have lycophene are brocoli, apricot, carrots, prunes, cherries, watermelon an dleafy green vegetables.


Eating curry once or twice a week can help prevent Alzheimer's. Some are investigating if it can be used as a treatment for those who already have it and testing it on them. Curry has a yellow pigment called curcumin, which can stop the spread of plaques found in the brain that cuase this condition. Researchers are still investigating if curcumin could counteract some of the brain changes that are characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Susanne Sorensen, Head of Research at the Alzheimer's Society, states that the "Indian communities that regularly eat curcumin have a surprinsingly low incidence of Alzheimer's disease but we don't really know why".

There are many that help our bodies just like the ones mentioned. We can all enjoy eating fast foods and sweets once in a while, but it's always important to keep a balance.

Massachusetts Schools Ban Junk Food

Say goodbye to your old lunch program. No more vending machines of sugary sodas or high fat snacks. The French fries and desserts you eat all gone. Dream of getting that chocolate ice cream or Italian Ice on a hot day, well that’s gone as well. All caffeine, trans fats, and don’t forget artificial sweeteners in school food, gone!

The State Senate of Massachusetts Schools passed a law to decrease obesity. They decided to take a step forward as a state, trying to fix the part of the nationwide obesity epidemic. The food served in our schools caused students and young children to make poor decisions in life. Instead of having a salad most students would rather get curly fries. These food choices will cause health problems and lead youth to be unable to exercise.

The rules state, Massachusetts school lunch vending machines can only be filled with water bottles, fresh fruits, or vegetables. There will be no flavored milk given out except for low-fat plain milk. Also, juice must be 100% juice and the bread has to be whole grain, not white. The State Senate is trying to create a lunch program that will become much healthier and beneficial for students. This will lead to students putting much more effort into their school work.

Welcome to the new lunch program. Vending machines filled with water and healthy snacks. Salad, vegetables, a plethora of fruits left and right, many nutritional choices to make.

One Beefy Mornin!?

Today is like any other morning except for i am really late for a meeting. Me thinking the time is saying 6 a.m but it is really only 5. I crawl done the stairs with relief, then leave off to work. Since I'm not in such a rush i take the long way to work. But the way i take is different. I really dont go any other route, I don’t get out much if you know what i mean. The scenery begins to turn very mellow and creepy looking. Then out into the horizon i see a... sombrero?? of all things, a sunberra! Then i notice it’s a Taco Bell. Out of nowhere my stomach speaks to me about itsr needs of hunger. Seduced from the smell, i enter the drive thru with pride. I pull up to the window and find a young man overjoyed for a new customer. the man asks "¿Qué puedo obtener para usted?" with confusion of not knowing spanish i order a 3 beefy burritos and a drink. Moments later i receive my meal and head off. On my way to work my meal just jumps onto the floor with no warning. I pull towards the curb, and that is when it happened: the beef exploded out of it's wrapping and attacks me out of my car! Once i pull some distance from the vehicle, the beef begins to form the shape of a human and steal my car. I tell myself "i just got jacked by beef...wow." Then i notice I'm now late for work.

Gardening the Community in Spanish!

En mi ciudad Springfield, Massachusetts hay un programa llamado “Gardening the Community” que se enfoca en agricultura urbana y organizando comunidades que coman saludables. Este programa es bueno porque ellos se preocupan por los jóvenes en la comunidad y los incluyen en la jardinería. Gardening the Community siembran vegetales y después los venden en el Farmer’s Market. Esto es bueno porque esto suporta la idea de justicia alimentaria. Los vegetales y frutas que ellos crecen son disponible para vender en la comunidad. Esto es beneficiario porque las gentes de la comunidad pueden comer saludables y no tienen que ir muy lejos para comprarlos. También como se vende en el Farmer’s Market, las compañías grandes que producen los vegetales y frutas con pesticidas y cosas inorgánicas no salen ganando. Este programa Gardening the Community es una forma buena para la comunidad y la salud de los que viven y compran en el Farmer’s Market.

Nuestras Raices

Nuestras Raices is a foundation that started in 1992. The foundation is founded by the EPA's CARE program(Community Action for a Renewed Enviroment). The organization was created to help people with low income. It was also created to help people and their eating habits, and eating healthier. The foundation manages eight different community gardens, and two youth gardens. Children, teenagers, adults, and the eldery work together to improve the community. The foundation has eight farms: LaFinquita, La Piedra, El Girasol, Beaudoin Village, Cuentacomigo, Jarvis Heights, Ciudad Verde, and Lyman Terrace. Help your local farm, so you can help the community.

Barbecued food can cause cancer!

-If you eat meat that's chargrilled or burnt, it could cause stomach, prancreatic, colon and breast cancer because it creates high levels of carcinogenic compounds called HCA's (heterocyclic amine). Some of these compounds are deposited onto the food by the smoke and flames of the grill. However, this has only been tested on animals, not humans, but it's always good to take some extra precaution when grilling.

Bu Chapter II

Several Years Ago…

Celebration! Today was a child’s birthday. Which meant parties, and celebrations, and surprises and lastly cakes. It’s been in Keisha’s family tradition that babies don’t get cakes; neither do toddlers. It’d be too much high fructose corn syrup and sugar for their tiny bodies. It’d be like a squirrel on caffeine. Well anyways, her son Bu would get his first cake.
It didn’t take too long to pick it up from Carlo’s Bake Shop, a Reese’s wrapper styled cake. Chocolate and peanut butter. The family lived for Reese’s. And now Bu would enjoy his family’s greatest temptation. He stood high on a chair, over the table. The candles burned high, illuminating the dark enclosed room. His parents, brother and a couple aunts and uncles were gathered about. Their mouths watered with anticipation, the cake just looked so good. To Bu it seemed nothing else mattered. Like he’d better make his wish or at least close his eyes for a few fast moments before they took it upon themselves to cut it for him. Close eyes. 1 second… 3 seconds… 5 seconds… a cough… three more but not from Bu’s mouth. They were impatient. He picked up the knife, swung it around to instill some playful fear. A quick cut, no more time can be wasted for savoring as even Bu couldn’t suppress his new excitement. He didn’t even cut anyone else’s. he just started gobbling until his throat started getting tight. He stopped to finish chewing but soon realized there was no cake left in his mouth. Why was it so hard to breathe? Bu attempted to tap his aunt Roxanne but soon fell before her knees. She didn’t even notice at first as the cake filled her eyes. It must’ve been her peripheral or the fly she shooed away from her plate but she saw Bu on the floor. She called to him, “Bu? Bu honey get up and finish your cake”. Never one to rebel, Bu still lay on the floor. It was then auntie Roxy started getting exasperated. She got up and pinched his ear. He didn’t even flinch. Qualms filled the minds of those who witnessed. An apprehensive Keisha only dared approach her son. She soon found him barely breathing…

Food Justice: The Confusion Resolved by Alvin Alleyne-Lovell


Hello, Readers.
I have come to the conclusion that most people do not understand what “Food Justice” is. The reason for the confusion is the term: Food Justice. So I will tailor the definition of Food Justice to make the term easier to understand. Food Justice is a confusing term. I mean, what does Food Justice mean by “food” and how does it have anything to do with justice? Is there a crime-fighting vegetable out there defending our right to eat healthy? Or are there food cops that go out into neighborhoods inspecting whether or not Cindy or Bob are eating organic food? The correlation between food and justice is a lost concept to many. However, I’m a benevolent person and I would never leave my readers mystified about the ongoing of Food Justice, so if it is allowed, I will explain the unusual term that is Food Justice.

Food is what we eat; it allows for us to do incredible things like walk or get up in the morning. However, our current food system has caused us to rethink what food means. Private-owned food companies have twisted the concept of food. In this era, food is a way to endorse the branding of a fast food chain rather than providing food for people in need. Fast food companies seek only to satiate the over-indulging addiction that is greased-up, fat-laced fast food. In March 21, 2010 there was a piece of legislation passed that forced all fast food chains in more than 20 locations to list nutritional facts, calories, fat etc. on all food products. However; the ways to obtain this information are incredibly difficult. Take for instance: McDonald’s nutrition fact sheets are not posted anywhere visible. These nutritional facts may give families reason to change their minds on eating at fast food restaurants or at least think twice about getting a specific food item. This community that we have is not for show, so let’s mobilize and become aware of the food injustices that plague our young people’s stomachs.

Food Justice in communities has existed even before the food justice phrase was coined. The oldest form of food justice was called the “free produce movement.” The free produce movement was a boycott against goods produced by slave labor. The movement started due to members of communities feeling that slavery was unjust. The free produce movement restricted consumers into only buying produce created from non-slave labor but from paid men and women. The movement began in the 1790s and ended in the 1860s in the United States or did it? The free produce movement has transcended and evolved into a much more complex idea that focuses on the well-being of all individuals regardless of creed or race, called Food Justice.

Food Justice is composed of buying organic food, being aware of the current corruption of the food system and encouraging small agriculture business to flourish. Organic food offers multiple benefits that may not be apparent short-term but will ensure the health of you and your loved ones in the future. The corruption of the food system has resulted in the focus on “gogurt” and “lunchables” while ignoring healthy foods. Have you recently seen a commercial on buying fruits or vegetables? No. But, I bet that you can remember a Reese’s or Snickers’ commercial. The sad fact is that our food system is failing us and luring us into unhealthy habits that will affect future generations. Buying from local farms will encourage the production of healthy food in more areas and helps us create better food habits. Eating healthy encompasses the right to live a healthy life while enjoying food that not only tastes delicious but is low in calories too.

At first, I believed that “Food Justice was just a fad,” only created to emphasis the always present health issues associated with “fatty” foods. But, as always, with research comes revelations. I have realized that Food Justice isn’t a shibboleth. Food Justice represents a universal pursuit of food equality that truly demonstrates a community that strives for the future each and every day.

One Year Old Mcdonald's French Fries vs Week Old Organic Fries

In this video, Bryan Marcel compares one year old McDonald's french fries to one week old organic french fries.



You may be asking yourself "what's wrong with the McDonald's french fries? Wouldn't I rather eat something that lasts longer?" The reason that McDonald's french fries still look "good" is because they contain many different types of PRESERVATIVES . These preservatives can impact your nervous system and weaken your immune system if too much of it is being consumed.

Farming For Your Community

The community service trip was a great way to learn about local farms in our neigborhood. It was a nice experience being able to help out with the garden, petting the animals and learning a couple of new useful things such as, edible weeds found right under our noses. Being at the farm was relaxing and it felt good to help out the folks at the farm. Whenever you're feeling like doing a good deed, visit the farm down in Holyoke called Nuestras Raices:) -Katherine C.

I Honestly don't know why food doesn't cost more. Weeding everything by hand was insane! -Rosa O.

Blueberry boosts memory!

- Studies have shown that the polyphenols found in blueberries increase signaling in brain centers associated with memory as well as improve how the brain gets rid of glucose, which helps slow memory decline.

Pros vs. Cons: McDonalds Health

THE PROS

By: Brieanna Arsenault

McDonald’s Food; one’s first thought is greasy and old yet quick and delicious. There are many speculations about McDonald’s food but the dilemma is that most of all people never take the time to really look into the food. After much research, blood, sweat and tears, (exaggeration..haha) the first thought I have is how healthy McDonald’s food can really be on a budget. Although it is up to you, the consumer, to take the initiative to balance out and moderate meals that you choose to eat from McDonalds. Just as someone would take the time to read over nutrition labels in the grocery stores, research diets online and/or spend money on fancy T.V adds for healthy food plans.

On McDonald’s official website there are many ways that it helps you configure a healthy meal for adults and children. They definitely didn’t forget about those of you with special eating difficulties. There are “simple steps” on how to manage personal needs like diabetes, cutting down on calories and saving on sodium. Also, there is a list of McDonald’s healthiest foods that are provided with some nutrition facts that surprised even me.

-1% low fat white & chocolate milk > 30% of the daily recommended calcium
-Apple Dippers & 100% Apple Juice > ½ cup of fruit & meet ¼ of individuals daily need for fruit
-Premium Honey Wheat Roll > 8g of whole grains & ½ serving of recommended intake of grains
-Premium Salads > 3 cups of vegetables which is 100% of daily recommendation

MORE SHOCKING was a meal comparison that was provided.

A happy meal consists of:
-4 piece Chicken McNuggets, Apple Dippers w/low fat caramel dip, and 1% low fat milk.
It contains 390 calories, 15g of fat and 18g of protein.

A ham sandwich meal consists of:
-2 slices of bread, 1 slice of ham, 1 tspn of mayonnaise, 1oz. potato chips, and 1 cup of fruit punch(8oz.)
It contains 540 calories, 21g of fat, and 15g of protein.

The link if provided here for those who are non-believers.
http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/food_quality/nutrition_choices/balancing_busy_lives/meal_comparisons.html
Now how about everyone’s favorite topic to abase, the MEAT! Yes some of McDonald’s meat comes from major meat corporations such as Tyson and Dean who uphold certain reputations but they still make sure that some of their meat comes from a good corporation which happens to be Lopez Foods. Their cows are fed corn to keep up with the demand, but what company can afford not to. Even with the demand though, there is still a portion of their cows in New Zealand and Australia that are fed grass. This treatment falls under animal welfare which McDonalds upholds to be one of its upmost important factors of it’s food. This video below explains what animal welfare is and how McDonalds lives up to it’s said reputation of animal welfare.

http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/csr/video/mcdonald_s_usa_animal.html

All of the above is according to:
-U.S Department of Health & Human Services (USDHHS)
-U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

McDonalds takes their healthy choices seriously so there are a few people hired to make sure that all the food is living up to it’s potential of being the healthiest it can be for people to obtain. Dr.Cythia Goody, Director of Nutrition and a member of the American Dietic Association. Also Julia Braun who is Labeling Manager and apart of U.S Nutrition.

THE CONS

By: Brianna Mattos - Akey

Over 25 percent of Americans consume fast food every day. There’s really no way around it anymore. When you’re in a rush, you need something quick, fast and effective; but have you actually given thought as to what you’re really putting into your mouth?

Typically families that eat at fast foods are in a rush. They might be on their way home from a long busy day, and it’s cheaper getting a Big Mac, large fry, and soda, then actually going grocery shopping for healthier options, and then still having to prepare it. Let’s face it, most customers aren’t going to McDonalds for a “healthy snack.” They’re going there for a nice juicy burger and fries.

Take McDonalds for instance, if you go to their website they’ll show you a list of items on their menu, that show healthier options. Are those same facts in the actual restaurant? Does the window person remind or suggest to you about these healthier options? Probably not ; right? The point of fast food is the quickness, so while McDonalds might have a website sharing these facts with you, realistically people aren’t going to Google all this information in the drive-thru or while they’re inline waiting to take their order.

What about the effects it has on your body? Fast food places are the causes as to why America’s population is becoming more and more obese, and more and more people are getting diseases. They put chemicals in the cows and chickens to help them grow faster than normal, and those chemicals are carrying through into your body when you’re just trying to eat a delicious meal.

On average people should consume 2500 calories a day. From McDonalds you can get half of your daily intake in one meal.
For example:
- Big Mac = 540 Calories
- Large fry = 500 Calories
- Medium Milkshake = 420 Calories.

All together that’s 1460 calories. If McDonalds was really as healthy as they claim wouldn’t they try to get better ingredients or better cooking methods? It’s such a simple idea, but the people that are in charge of making changes are to focused on making money and not the well being of their customer.

Poll Question 1

Which of the following two items are most commonly used in basic foods, such as drinks and candies?

The answer is SOY BEANS AND CORN

" I feel Like I'm Making a Difference" - Naiomi Robles

1. What are you curious about seeing on the Food Justice blog?
Local food justice in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
2. Are you serious about food justice or will you go home later and eat a pesticide burger?
I’m serious within my economic means, I stay as aware as possible.
3. How/Why did you get interested in food justice?
I got interested when I started reading The Omnivores Dilemma.
4. How do you feel about the cows, chickens, and pigs being injected with growth hormones?
Now that I know about it, I feel grossed out! It’s very wrong to do that to animals and not tell the people who are eating them.
5. What is the first thing you think of when you hear “Food Justice”?
When I hear food justice, I think of equality starting from the crops and animals to the consumers and everything in between.
6. How has food justice changed what you eat?
After I learned about food justice through the book The Omnivores Dilemma and the food justice conference at the Northeastern University, my family and I have changed our eating habits in order to take a stand against food injustice.
7. How do you think you can get the word out about food justice in the Community?
I think that communities need to support their local farmers by asking that their foods be brought to often sought out stores. Also being aware about over paying for certain things because a store has a monopoly in your community.
8. In the world?
I think that we should start locally and spread globally and not give up when things get hard because changes don't happen over night.