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.

Pineapple is a pain killer!

-This fruit has an enzyme called Bromelain, which is found in the stem of the pineapple and works like an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug, but you don't need to worry about side effects. This enzyme contains strong inflammatory fighting powers. The University of Maryland Center states that it brings pain relief from conditions such as arthritis.

Bu Chapter I

Beep. Beep. BEEP.
Bu jerks forward. His right foot lands on the right pedal, he accelerates. Today he was happy. It was his 17th birthday but that wasn’t the reason for that bright smile. Today he could have something sweet and not have to worry about any allergic reactions. He could consume as much frosting as he pleased. A cake made entirely of classic frosting; a gift and a curse. He’ll never know what the chocolate cake his little brother gets tastes like. Why? Oh why did he have to fight this allergic reaction alone. Because it’s not limited to his brother’s chocolate cakes. Mostly every sweet out there is made with the same substance that nearly caused his inflammatory death several years ago. But no more! No more will he think of these things that haunt him. His frosting cake awaits him; his smile is already forming.

1st W.O.W.

The weed of the week is…
Clovers!!
Red clover

This feature is to show different weeds weekly. Yes, the things that are picked and thrown out. They can be found in your garden and around your house, they can be eaten. This feature will also tell you what ways you can cook and prep them, just so you can eat healthy even when you can’t afford to. The edible weeds I post include all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs.
The red clovers' most obvious feature is their purple-red flower and the white v-shaped stripe on their leaves. The flower of the plant does in fact have a round head. They grow in thickets, roadsides and other random locations. I know this because I see them all the time in fields, in random patches on the side of my apartment. Clovers are healthy to eat(generally)in many forms such as: in a salad, cooked like greens, ground into flour, or blended with another tea. Clovers are high in protein and the most common parts of them that are consumed are their flower heads and their leaves. However they are easier to eat if you let them soak in water for half an hour or boil them. So next time you see a patch of clovers, show your diligence and pick as many as you possibly can.
P.S. Be cautious there are some clovers that just taste like leaves and others that when you bite them they give off a burst of citrus. But don’t be afraid to try them they are not poisonous.

Inorganic Food and the effects on your body.

Did you know that studies show that the pesticides that are applied into the crops can affect the Nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility in men. Pesticides(Organophosphates) affect the Nervous system by interfering with the gap between each neuron which is called "synapse". This is where messages are passed from neuron to neuron known as neurotransmitters. When Organophosphate affect the synapse of the neuron this is known as Acetychlocine. After Acetychlocine interfered with the synapse to the next neuron, and is catalyzed(transfomed) by an enzyme is called Acetychlolinesterase. When the signal does not go on, the message repeats itself by trying to go onto the next neuron. The fertility of a man is also connected to the problems in the nervous system. There are products like soy, gmo, sugar, and water bottles can affect your fertility. Soy products contain and mimick estrogen in the body, which are female sex hormones. The levels of estrogen in the male body can cause fertility problems in a man. GMO is chemicals, hormones, and herbicides (which are chemicals used to destroy plants, especially weeds). From now on you should watch what you're eating.

Maday Travis Interview

1. What are you curious about seeing on the food justice blog?
I am most interested in seeing information about how people produce the food, the farm workers and how they're treated.
2. Are you serious about food justice or will you go home later on and eat a pesticide burger?
I’m a vegan since January, it is hard at times but its worth it.
3. How/Why did you get interested in food justice?
When I was in college I was part of a COOP named ‘Fair Child’ and it was entirely student run. We grew our own food and we didn’t buy things like bananas because of the history of where they came from.
4. How do you feel about the cows, chickens, and pigs being injected with growth hormones?
I think it’s awful! I once worked herding sheeps and goats. It got me very close to the animals.
5. What is the first thing you think of when you hear “Food Justice”?
I think about the community. Some people in the community don’t have access to healthy food. If we had food justice, people would be able to eat healthy all the time
6. Has food justice changed what you eat?
In regular life, I think so.
7. How do you think you can get the word out about food justice in the Community?
The way to get the word out is to talk about it. Talk about it with your community and start a garden, get a group together, things like that will get the word out in your area.
8. Extra Comments: Part of the reason I’m a vegan is because I try to stay away from violence through what I eat and everyday life.

Craving a BK Burger?

The daily calorie intake for women should be around 1940 calories and 2550 calories for men. A single burger, known as the BK stacker from Burger King consists of four burgers, four slices of cheese and eight strips of bacon. It also contains 1,000 calories, 30g of Saturated fat and 1,800mg of sodium. The amount of calories in this burger is almost half of the calorie intake for women (940).

Craving a BK burger?

Hunger strikes. Alvin decides to go get a quick bite to eat. He pulls up to the nearest fast food restaurant that resembles a warehouse with a single sign…a large glowing burger. When Alvin pulls up the over excited employee at the window asks "what can I get for you today?" with a creepy laugh. Alvin asks for a Quad BK stacker burger with fries as the stench of old grease gushes from the fast food window. Alvin pays and receives a greased drenched paper bag and drives away into the darkness. When Alvin pulls over to eat he notices a laugh, a very evil laugh but doesn’t pay it any attention, letting his stomach think before his brain. Then all of a sudden the over greased burger flings itself out of the bag and onto the dash board. Alvin pulls over with panic and collides into a tree. Once Alvin awakes from being unconscious he notices that he as a severe stomach ache but doesn't know why, then he hears mumbling. The burger somehow made its way into his stomach and is having a hard time digesting. For the next 10 days the burger sits in Alvin’s stomach, making him feel sick and tired all day long. For weeks Alvin has had nightmares about this creepy grease filled hamburger.

(Fact: On average it takes a Burger King cheeseburger 2-11 days to digest.)

Ice cream is chinese food!

-It started with ancient flavored ices, that the chinese put together and made the first ice creams, possibly as early as 300 B.C. At first, ice cream used to be cream, sweetend, set in apot resting in ice to cool it down, but now the recipies have become more sophisticated.

The most expensive coffee in the world comes from civet poop!

- Kopi Luwak are coffee beans that comes from civet (cat sized mammal) poop. The animals eat the finest ripe berries and excrete the beans, which are then gathered and sold for between $120 and $600 USD. It's sold mostly in Japan and in the U.S.

Interview Questions

1.      What are curious about seeing  on the food justice blog?

2.      Are you  serious about food justice or will you  go home later and eat a pesticide burger?

3.      How/Why did you get interested in food justice?

4.      How do you feel about the cows, chickens, and pigs being injected with grows hormones?

5.      What is the first thing you think of when you hear “Food Justice”?

6.      How has food justice changed what you eat?

7.      How do you think you can get the word out about food justice in the Community?

8.   In the world?  

The Government National School Lunch Program

Do you think the government is doing everything in its power to provide a healthy lunch program and an end to obesity? The National School Lunch Program is a part of the government which is responsible for providing all the lunches in participating schools around the United States. The schools pay for the meals but the federal reimbursement pays the schools back for the lunches. They spend an aggregated amount of 9.7 billion dollars a year. Reimbursement; is to pay someone for damage or money already spent. They give reimbursements only when schools provide nutritious meals to students. The lunches provided 1/3 of students recommended calories which is made up of 30% fat and 10% saturated fats. Their goal is to try and cut back on fatty foods, by increasing in fruits, vegetables, and nutritious foods. According to USDA research, children who participate in the school lunch program have more nutritional intake than ones that don’t part take. However, after all these changes in the food lunch program, obesity continues through others lives today. 17 % of children from the ages 6 to 11 are obese and 17.6% of adolescences of 12 to 19 are obese. These children are vulnerable to diseases, even after the governments best efforts to provide nutritional meals. In order to have much more healthy children the government has created a policy called Provision 2. This allows each and every student to receive free meals despite of their income. However, even after reimbursements and Provision 2 the government still spends more on the military then school education and school meals for students.

Food Justice Picture (#1)

F.O.W: Mango

The new F.O.W by popular demand is Mango! Be sure to vote for next week's.



Mango-Pineapple Smoothie
This mango-pineapple smoothie is a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day or at a friendly gathering with friends. Its rich flavors make this smoothie delightful. You can't go wrong with this mango-pineapple smoothie because it's made with fresh fruits and natural fruit juice. Its quick preparation time makes it hassle free. Don't hesitate, try it today!

Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 banana, sliced
1 mango - peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup nonfat milk
2 tablespoons cream of coconut

Preparation:
In a blender blend the vanilla yogurt, pineapple juice, banana, mango, milk, and cream of coconut until smooth.

Prep. Time: Approximately 10 minutes
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Mango, Avocado, Tomato Dip

This mango, avocado, tomato dip has a savory kick to it. It is different than your average salsa dip. Enjoy this dip with your choice of tortilla chips, or as a topping for chicken or fish. One thing's for sure, you don't want to miss out on this delectable dip. This dip will have your taste buds begging for more, it's quick and easy to make; try it today!

Ingredients
1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
4 medium tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, and garlic. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion, and olive oil. To blend the flavors, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
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Mango Yogurt Parfaits
This tasty treat is refreshing and simple to make. It's ready to serve in just minutes and is perfect to serve to guests and family. This dessert just screams summer time, so enjoy one today!

Ingredients:
2 large, ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and cubed
3 cups low fat vanilla yogurt
6 tbs low fat granola

1. Puree 1 mango and spoon equal amounts into 6 clear plastic cups.
2. Top each with 1/4 cup yogurt.
3. Spoon cubed mango over the top, saving a few pieces for garnish.
4. Top with remaining 1/4 cup yogurt and reserved mango.
5. Top each serving with a tablespoon of granola just before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Is Food Justice Just A Fad?

I believe that Food Justice is just a fad. Food Justice is just a bunch of words that suppose to resonate a feeling of concern but it doesn’t. Who really cares about how our food is processed. As long the food is on my plate when I’m hungry, I’m fine. Just like fitted caps being replaced with “snapbacks”, the word food justice will be seen and heard less and less until it is replaced with a new “hip” term. I mean does anyone care about Food Justice. Readers, what are your thoughts? Comment below.

Where do McDonald's chicken nuggets come from?

Have you ever wondered where your McDonald's chicken nuggets come from? What goes into making these nuggets? What part of the chicken is actually used in the nuggets And how the chicken nuggets are kept fresh? This short clip from the documentary movie "Supersize Me" helps you become more aware of the McDonald's food that you eat.

F.O.W.

The recipe section of the Food Justice Blog was created in order to feature a food of the week and encourage people to eat healthy by being able to create a quick and easy meal that includes the food of the week. The goal of this section is to have recipes from various cultures in order to have it relate to any person that reads it. There could be one food that gets focused on for the week and include a different recipe daily that incorporates the food of the week. The concept is to make the recipes that are not time consuming and promote healthy eating.

FOOD OF THE WEEK: Spinach

Spinach Dip


Spinach dip is a quick, easy, tasty, and healthy dip; especially if you use locally or home grown ingredients, (and or light ingredients) and have something healthy to dip it in (like vegetables.) This is the perfect dish for any party or event as well as a great dish to have around the house. Coming home from a long day of school or work and only having junk food can be a thing of the past! There are countless reasons to make spinach dip; What's yours?

Ingredients:
1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed & drained
1 pkg. frozen artichokes, chopped
1 c. mayonnaise
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Thaw and squeeze excess moisture from spinach using a clean kitchen strainer.
2. Combine all ingredients, reserving 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack Cheese.
3. (Optional) Portion spinach mixture into individual baking dishes.
4. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup Monterey Jack over tops of each serving.
5. Bake in preheated 350°F oven until top is bubbly.
Great served with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

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Spinach Spanakopita



Spanakopita is a healthy Greek spinach dish that is made like a pie. The Breading is light and delicious, making it a great factor that contributes to this scrumptious meal’s healthiness. Bring it to a dinner event or just an ordinary meal with the family. This meal is sure to impress any house guests and satisfy even the people who are hardest to please. Also, this dish satisfies most of the food groups too; Talk about balanced eating! How much better can it get? This is a dish that you shouldn’t miss, so enjoy it today!

Ingredients:

•2.5 lbs. spinach, chopped (you can substitute frozen, thawed well)
•1/2 cup olive oil
•4 large onions, diced
•2 bunches green onions, diced (incl. 4 inches green)
•1/2 cup parsley, chopped
•1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped (substitute 3 tbsp. dried)
•1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
•Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
•1/2 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
•4 eggs, lightly beaten
•1/2 lb. ricotta or cottage cheese
•1/4 cup butter, melted
•1/4 cup olive oil
•1 lb. phyllo pastry sheets

Preparation:

1. Wash and drain the chopped spinach very well. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water. Spinach should be dry.
2. Heat the olive oil in a deep saute pan. Saute the onions and green onions until tender.
3. Add the spinach, parsley, and dill and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and heated through.
4. Add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
5. If using frozen spinach, you will want to cook until excess moisture evaporates. Spinach mixture should be on the dry side.
6. Remove from heat and set the spinach aside to cool.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the feta, eggs, and ricotta (cottage) cheese. Add the cooled spinach mixture and mix until combined.
8. Combine the melted butter with the olive oil in a bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly grease two 9 x 12 rectangular pans.

Unwrap the Phyllo:

1. Carefully remove the Phyllo roll from the plastic sleeve. Using a scissor or sharp knife, cut the sheets in half to make two stacks of 9x12 inch sheets. To prevent drying, cover one stack with wax paper and a damp paper towel while working with the other.

Prepare the Pita:
1. Layer about 10 sheets on the bottom of the pan making sure to brush each sheet with the butter/olive oil mixture. Add half of the spinach mixture in an even layer and press with a spatula to flatten.
2. Layer another 10 sheets on top of the spinach mixture making sure to brush well with butter/olive oil mixture. Repeat the process with the second pan.
3. Before baking, score the top layer of phyllo (making sure not to puncture filling layer) to enable easier cutting of pieces later. I place the pan in the freezer to harden the top layers and then use a serrated knife.
4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the pita turns a deep golden brown. If the pita is frozen when you put it in the oven, you will need approximately 45 minutes cooking time. If fresh, plan for approximately 20 to 25 minutes of cooking time.

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Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad




Ingredients:
1 clove garlic (grated)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 5 ounce bag baby spinach
2 handfuls strawberries (sliced)
1 avocado (peeled, pitted, sliced)
1 handful fresh peas (optional)
2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, optional)
1 handful blue cheese (crumbled)
1 handful pecans (chopped)

Directions:
1. Mix the garlic, honey, mustard, vinegar and oil.
2. Assemble the salad and toss with the dressing.

Mmmm! This Salad looks as good as it is healthy for you. Its simple ingredients make it easy for anyone to make. It would be a great snack for returning home from a stressful day and a great side dish for dinner or a lunch. The fruit adds a nice change from a traditional salad too, thus creating an outstanding dish to stray from making an average salad. Surely people will love it and complement your expertise. In addition to all the other good aspects of this salad, it has a quick assembly time and can practically be made on the go. So go on and indulge in this glorious salad; eat on my friends!

Introducing to you...

It’s come to our understanding that the very thing set on this Earth to keep us alive may be one of the very things leading to our downfall. Of course food is the topic and it’s only like, one of the most controversial topics in this world. We are going behind the scenes to let you know what you don’t know. It’s all here in |UB Eating What?|. The tomatoes you’re able to enjoy in New England in the beginning of March. The giant, juicy turkey, almost balanced in weight on a scale with the two turkey’s Michael Phelps ate, you have during the summer in Florida. Or how about that Gatorade you had after football practice, the one with many superfluous chemicals added for extra sweetening. It’s how we’re getting this food that’s killing us… emotionally first. How is it killing us you ask? The lacking of Food Justice; the brutality we use on bred animals; the way nature is tricked by our adept scientists. We’re doing something that may be morally wrong, but tastes oh so good. And it’s the flavor we’re given that’s hindering any opportunity of escape.
Sincerely, UB Eating What

Can Pesticides Harm You ?

If you really want to protect the children check this link.

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