I’m calling it a challenge because there are a few aspects that are indeed challenging. If you are committed there are going to be things you have to do without. No, I’m not talking coffee, I’m still living on planet reality, you can get coffee at the farmers market. Though you will probably have to switch to honey to sweeten it, which I came to prefer and kept doing. I mean like on-the-go meal planning. Now I am a proud culinary school drop out so I am pretty good at this. I can make something tasty from just about any combo I am presented with. You will certainly become more creative and flexible.
I am going into this with a somewhat planned advantage. For starters I am still breastfeeding the baby. Yes, I’m still calling her a baby. Leave me alone. I also still have all my cloth diapers so that’s going to be happening again. We now also have a garden and chickens which we didn't before. The garden for right now will only in the next month give us some lettuce, kale, cabbage, garlic, possibly some beans, and herbs but not a ton. We get 3 eggs a day from the girls, so that‘s helpful. I also have a few things on hand that could work for our benefit. I make a habit of buying bulk grains, saves a TON and I have a bunch left! I have 5 lbs of cap fat to render into the best lard ever as well. A neighbor gave us some of his deer meat and I have some chicken carcasses in the freezer to make broth with my veggie trimmings. Yup, save those in a freezer bag as the week goes and once full, time for broth.
To start the challenge I went to the farmers market today and a local place that sells raw milk and spent $94. Here is what it got me, ½ flat each blueberries and strawberries, 2 bunches of humongous carrots, 4 heads broccoli, 4 large red onions, and because I bought all that from her she threw in a head of lettuce, cauliflower, and 2 tomatoes, all organic. This is a perk when you are a regular. They know you pour your grocery money into their farm and homes and they appreciate it. They benefit and so do you. Then I got 2 lbs raw local honey and honey soap which is good for shaving too. 2 gallons raw milk and 1 quart cream, which will become butter. I will go again on Saturday for things like meat and cheese and all the delicious treats that I’m going to let you be surprised by.
Another benefit to doing this is the ability to budget. Most farmers markets are cash only so you just go there with what you are going to spend and don’t take out more. That’s it. When things were tight for us I realized how precious what we bought was. This was only intensified by growing some of our own food. Preparing the soil, hauling tons of mulch, planning, seeding, watering, and for the love, the waiting. Oh the waiting! Our food is sacred people! So much work and we think so little of the abundance we can scoop up at these corporate places. I really caused us to be more aware of waste.
One of my favorite aspects is the relationships built. The people at the farmers market are the best kinds of Americans you will find. They are honest and hard working. They are super knowledgeable and share their knowledge freely. We have been out to some of these farms to learn, even on slaughtering day. Free knowledge for the taking in tough times. Can’t beat that. In the visiting you can also see how things are run on an ethical level. Okay, it’s about to get heavy now, I apologize in advance. Do yourself a favor, Google “slavery in the American food industry”. Don’t be a chicken. I can guarantee with a large amount of certainty you won’t like what you find down that rabbit hole and especially if you claim the name of Christ, and most especially if you are a believer that talks a lot about human trafficking. I see your posts all the time and you are right, it’s evil and wrong. Here is your chance to do something ACTUAL, tangible, in real life, with your money and mouth. I‘m not just talking about sending that check out to your organization of choice. That is just too easy, you can do better. You have to eat and you have to get it somewhere. Reap all of the benefits listed above and have a clean conscience. Something to think about. Clean soul food tastes better than slavery food any day of the week.
Now, I am not condemning anyone who does not make this choice or for whatever reason cannot, of course. I get it. Some of you don’t have the farmers markets like I do here or don‘t want to shop where weird hippies like me shop because you think you might catch a whiff of patchouli. You can still educate yourself and become more conscientious. We are all on our own journey and all learning so be patient with yourself and don‘t heap on guilt. Guilt is a slavery all on it’s own. This is my personal conviction and many are just not aware of the real cost of their food. By “the real cost” I mean the actual cost up front, the cost of bad health, and the cost of waste, but also the cost of human lives perpetuated by a system of slavery that most of us, me included here, have signed up for unknowingly. It breaks my heart to think the back of a child breaks for my chocolate, or sugar. It’s just not worth it to me.
I plan to post a weekly update with ideas on what do to with the food and recipes. I would also love to hear from you! What did you make? What did you learn? Did you lose weight and/or feel better? Make any new buddies or have hilariously quirky conversations? (I should have mentioned that is also a fairly regular benefit.) Okay foodie freedom fighters GO!
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