Pineapples in Paradise

What comes to mind when you think of Hawai'i? Paradise, right? Sun, sand, surf, warm breezes . . . I'm with you.

Okay, but what about Hawaiian food? My top three: pineapple, macadamia nuts, and poi. (Not that I've ever had poi, but too much television has undoubtedly shaped my perceptions.)

But Hawai'i is no longer paradise for the pineapple. That industry, so closely tied with many Americans' vision of Hawai'i, is showing signs of struggle.

In 2006, Del Monte planted its last crop of pineapple, citing the expense of growing in Hawai'i as the prime reason for shutting down operations after 90 years in the islands. Their departure leaves just two pineapple companies in the state, Dole Food Hawai'i and Maui Pineapple Co.

But last year, the latter shuttered its pineapple cannery, the last one in the U.S. The closure brought an end to an era for many Hawaiians, but the company remains, redirecting its attention to fresh fruit and juice in an effort to stay profitable.

The bottom line talks loudly. Growers in Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, China, India and Costa Rica can produce the fruit more cheaply, thrusting these countries to the top of list of suppliers worldwide (XLS|41 KB). As a result, the pineapple might become more symbol than reality in Hawai'i. Only time -- and the market -- will tell.

But in honor of pineapple's long, deep history in Hawai'i, and in conjunction with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let me point you to a couple of unique resources from the Center for Oral History at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa that celebrate this fantastic fruit and the people who've brought it to us for decades.

The first, a short video clip (Quicktime | 4.4 MB), shows Venicia Guiala, a former pineapple field worker, demonstrating how she prepared for work in the hot, dusty pineapple fields. If you prefer, you can read the transcript, but I heartily recommend the video. Seeing Mrs. Guiala putting on her scarves, goggles and hat conveys more strongly than the words how difficult and uncomfortable that job must be.

The second provides a short introduction to the Center's oral history project on Women Workers in Hawai'i's Pineapple Industry, a combination of narrative and oral history excerpts.

But for a more contemporary twist on pineapple processing, check out this clip from YouTube. The music makes it an almost mesmerizingly peaceful experience. (Though I'd appreciate someone telling me what the song "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" has to do with peeling and coring pineapple.)

Finally, if you haven't given much thought to the role Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have played and continue to play in our country's agricultural endeavors, jump over to NAL's site on Asian Pacific Americans in agriculture. Among many other things, you can learn from the resources there the unique niche Chinese immigrants filled in 1850s California; the key role Filipinos played in the formation of the United Farm Workers; and the impact of Alien Land Laws on Japanese immigrant farmers.

Aloha.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Biography and Food and Nutrition and History of Agriculture and Marketing and Trade on May 06, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Amber Waves?

Are you feeling the pinch at the grocery store yet?

Higher food prices are creating unrest in some parts of the world and simple belt-tightening in others.

The Washington Post devoted this past week to exploring the current food crisis brought on by food shortages and spiking inflation. If you haven't yet read their five-part series, I recommend you do.

• The New Economics of Hunger looks at skyrocketing grain prices and their impact on the global markets and the world's poor.


• Where Every Meal Is a Sacrifice focuses on the situation in Mauritania and other poor countries that are forced to import most of their food.


• Emptying the Breadbasket tells of the fall in wheat production in the U.S. as more farmers turn to corn and soybeans and examines some of the forces that led to the shift.


• Siphoning Off Corn to Fuel Our Cars examines the tug-of-war over corn as food and fuel and identifies the winners, losers and ongoing fighters in the battle.


• Clipping, Scrimping, Saving registers the impact of rising prices on American consumers across income levels and reveals what steps folks are taking to save money.

You can also hear Dan Morgan, Washington Post agriculture reporter and one of the series' authors, talk about what he learned while researching the series in an interview on C-SPAN. Morgan also answer questions during the hour-long video.

Of course, the global reach of these events means that far more than just the Post is writing about them. For other perspectives, you might also want to dip into the BBC's extensive coverage or read The Economist's recent cover story on what they termed The Silent Tsunami.

Finally, for information about food aid available from USDA and the Administration's response to recent events, see the Department's Food Aid page.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Food and Nutrition and Marketing and Trade and Plants and Crops on May 01, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Nutrition Tips on the Go

With summer just around the corner, any chance you're looking for a little nutritional inspiration to help lose that winter weight?

Turns out our friends over at USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), the same folks who bring you MyPyramid.gov, have launched a few video podcasts in an effort to reach you cutting-edge, multi-media types.

These nutrition-oriented podcasts offer simple but often overlooked tips on ways to eat better and grow healthier.

The latest podcast looks at The MyPyramid Menu Planner, recently touted by the American Dietetic Association as the best meal and menu planner on the Web.

Hosted by Brian Wansink, Executive Director of the CNPP, the podcast delivers a simple tour of the Menu Planner, highlighting its ease and effectiveness. Wansink also points out the Menu Planner's usefulness for assessing how balanced your diet is and determining what small dietary changes you have to make to improve things. You can also use it to help build a list of what foods you need to buy the next time you go shopping.

So, check out the Menu Planner and the other MyPyramid podcasts and discover how small steps really can make a difference in your weight and health. And bonus points to those who listen to the podcast while exercising. You're an inspiration to us all!

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Food and Nutrition on April 17, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Two Shows Worth Watching (and Discussing)

It's not often that we get two thought-provoking documentaries on agriculture and farming in the same week, but PBS is serving up a couple of conversation starters, beginning tonight.

"King Corn," a film looking at the corn's central role in American agriculture and food production, makes its television debut in just a few hours on the Emmy award-winning series Independent Lens, PBS's showcase for independent films. Not all PBS stations will be airing the show today, however, and many will be repeating it as well, so be sure to check your local listings for air times. You still might be able to catch it.

Here in the Washington area, Independent Lens will also be re-broadcasting "The Real Dirt on Farmer John" later this week, a 2006 film that follows an Illinois farmer, John Peterson, as he tries to transform his family farm in a way that is at odds with his community. Hopefully, this film too will crop up where you're at in the coming months, so keep checking those local listings.

If PBS lets you down, or you'd just rather watch on your own timetable, "The Real Dirt on Farmer John" is already available on DVD, and "King Corn" will be released later this month.

I haven't seen either film yet, so I'm very interested in seeing what they're about. And, of course, I'd love to hear your take on things. Once you've watched either or both, come back and let us know what you thought. I'm sure our community of readers can get a good discussion going.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Biography and Food and Nutrition and Organic Production and Plants and Crops on April 15, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Cattle Abuse, Beef Recall Recap

Let me catch you up on all that has been happening with the investigation of Westland Meat Company, since USDA first suspended them at the end of last month.

As you recall, workers at Westland's California slaughterhouse were caught on tape using a variety of cruel and inhumane methods to get "downer" cattle to stand for pre-slaughter inspection.

In the immediate aftermath, USDA suspended Westland as a supplier to Federal food programs. Then school districts across the country, along with a few fast food chains, stopped serving ground beef from the company as a precaution.

Turns out, that was only the beginning.

A few days later, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) suspended inspections at the plant after finding "clear violation of Federal regulations and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act." This step effectively closed the company until corrective actions document improved treatment of the animals.

That was followed by the largest meat recall in USDA history. The 143.4 million pounds of meat in the recall constituted Westland's entire production run from the last two years. Since FSIS determined violations occurred off and on during that time, all beef products produced then are considered "adulterated," though the chances of getting ill from the recalled meat are considered "remote."

The Department is working to identify the locations where meat from the Westland plant might have ended up. At this point, the Food and Nutrition Service has determined that one third of the meat under recall, about 50.3 million pounds, went to federal nutrition programs, with 19.6 million pounds of that consumed.

No associated illnesses have been reported.

As an ongoing precaution, the USDA has taken steps to increase inspections at the 900 establishments across the country that slaughter livestock. Though the Department does not believe inhumane handling of cattle is widespread, "The extra checks will give us a better handle on it," said Kenneth Peterson, FSIS assistant administrator for field operations.

Back in California, at about the same time the recall notice hit the streets, the two company employees implicated in the animal abuse were officially charged with animal cruelty and arrested. The two men had already lost their jobs as a result of the undercover video. Now, the manager must respond to five felony counts of animal cruelty and three associated misdemeanors, and his assistant faces three misdemeanor charges.

Meanwhile, the food safety system is under a microscope. Editorials calling for increased oversight and investigations are thick on the ground. Four Democratic lawmakers asked the Government Accountability Office to review the process for assessing the safety of food in the school lunch programs. And pending legislation that would keep downer cattle out of the food supply is receiving renewed interest both the House and the Senate.

But what impact will all this have on consumers? A recent Reuters story suggests not much of one. The beef-loving public is expected to "shrug off" the recall, though the unwavering demand, coupled with this sudden reduced supply, has prompted economists to project a slight price increase for beef.

But if you're a member of the public who wants to stay informed, USDA has created a Web page on which are collected the Department's official statements, press releases, technical briefings, transcripts and informational Q&As pertaining to the Westland Meat Company allegations and the associated beef recall. Or see InfoFarm's overview of how a recall works from last October for a quick look at the process now underway.

More will very likely be forthcoming about all this, but for now, we're both caught up on the news.

How has all of it impacted your feelings about eating beef? Or what, if anything, do you think should be done to improve the inspection process? We'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Food and Nutrition on February 21, 2008 EST | Permalink

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It's quite scary having such a huge recall. Working in schoolfoodservice I would hope that better inspections will take place knowing what grand caos this kind of action can take. Personally it makes me think of how these producers are not following all the rules and what really does go on in the slaughterhouses

Submitted by: Nancy on March 23, 2008 07:17 PM

USDA Investigates Slaughterhouse

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has responded quickly and seriously to the video footage released yesterday showing workers at a California slaughterhouse using a variety of methods to get "downer" cattle to stand for a pre-slaughter inspection.

Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer included in his statement on the matter word that Westland Meat Company will be "indefinitely suspended ... as a supplier to Federal food and nutrition programs" while the Department fully investigates the allegations.

The Department also held a technical briefing on the situation this afternoon. The audio briefing, which runs just short of an hour, provides some background on the animal inspection process and offers details of the Department's plans for investigating the matter.

Federal regulations prohibit cattle unable to stand or walk on their own from entering the food supply. This standard serves as a safeguard against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or BSE.

To learn more about BSE, see the NAL resource page on the topic, or consult the Web sites on the welfare of farm animals pulled together by the Library's Animal Welfare Information Center.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Food and Nutrition on January 31, 2008 EST | Permalink

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This is the first I've looked at the InfoFarm. I think its a good idea. After looking at what's been posted my only comments are that I noticed how President Lincoln spoke (the style back in those days possibly)was quite different than today. Also, I finally see what is the problem with the beef recall.

Submitted by: David on February 19, 2008 12:48 PM

Submitted by: delta jim on February 19, 2008 07:34 PM

Submitted by: Mary Ann on February 22, 2008 08:05 AM

Meat: Less, More or Just Right?

Just a quick heads-up about a thought-provoking article from yesterday's New York Times titled "Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler."

At the time of this writing, it's still listed as the second-most e-mailed article off the Times' site. It has also kicked up some play across the blogosphere, most of it supporting the author's main thrust, that eating less meat would do us and the world some good.

But what do you think? Do we need to change our relationship to meat for the good of the planet? Or is there another way to understand the figures Bittman presents? Are we on the verge of a "sea change," as Bittman suggests, or just in the midst of a eating fad?

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Food and Nutrition on January 28, 2008 EST | Permalink

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I am surprised at the effects of the meat industry on carbon dioxide emissions and the consumption of grain. Why, then, aren't environmentalists focusing on the meat industry as much as they are on the transportation industry? Why, then, aren't those who decry ethanol for taking grain away from the food supply saying anything about using grain to feed livestock? As with everything, I think moderation is in order. Eating meat isn't bad by itself, but being conscious about where it comes from and how it's raised (including what resources go into it) would go a long way to helping Americans re-think their meat habits. Hopefully it would result in more individuals choosing meat raised in a more sustainable fashion.

Submitted by: Cindy on February 5, 2008 11:30 AM

Ag Words on the Growing Edge

As a follow-up to yesterday's entry on locavores, I wanted to quickly mention the other agriculturally related words that have recently been in the running for Word of the Year.

In 2005 Oxford gave the nod to "podcast," a decidedly non-agricultural word, but a technology the aggies have certainly taken advantage of, including the folks over at USDA's Economic Research Service and National Agricultural Statistics Service.

And among the runners-up that year we had "bird flu" and "trans fats," two very different but significant challenges to our health that ag researchers are addressing.

The following year was also big for agriculture and the environment. "Carbon neutral" took the top spot, encouraging all of us to reduce our carbon emissions and to then balance "our remaining emissions...by purchasing a carbon offset, paying to plant new trees or investing in 'green' technologies such as solar and wind power."

Then "CSA," community supported agriculture, occupied a key runner-up position, and -- who knows? -- maybe contributed to "locavore's" win in 2007 by building momentum in the "buy local" movement.

For the librarians in the audience, 2006 also brought us "DRM," digital rights management, a mere hop, skip and a jump from the copyright issues we discussed the other day.

Then, as noted earlier, "locavore" snagged Oxford's latest blue ribbon, but the mysterious "colony collapse disorder" made the list, as did "upcycling," a innovative alternative to waste disposal, one that puts a value-added spin on recycling.

So, not bad, nine words in three years related to agriculture, the environment, nutrition or librarianship. (I cast a wide net.)

But what did Oxford miss? Any other good, new agricultural words out there? Send 'em along or make 'em up. We're always ready to push that growing edge.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Food and Nutrition and Marketing and Trade and Natural Resources & Environment and Plants and Crops on January 18, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Hello! Nice site ;) Bye

Submitted by: BersJonrete on January 20, 2008 12:26 AM

Submitted by: David Engel on January 23, 2008 09:57 AM

Submitted by: Mary Ann on January 23, 2008 01:26 PM

Submitted by: Lori Finch on January 24, 2008 05:18 PM

Are You a Locavore? Should You Be?

So, do you consider yourself a locavore? If so, you're environmentally conscious and trendy, wearing a label declared the "Word of the Year 2007" by the New Oxford American Dictionary.

For those who've never heard the term, it was coined just a few years ago by Jessica Prentice, one of four women in San Francisco who set out to eat food grown or produced within 100 miles of their homes. They weren't the only ones doing so, but their word caught on, at least in some circles, and is now, as Oxford sees it, a "word to watch."

It has gotten a few amateur (maybe even professional) lexicographers in an uproar: Should it be "localvore," (with an "l")? Should it be "localtarian," to convey the choice implied (a la "vegetarian")? Should we even care?

Of course, the last question touches upon more than just the word, but on the choices and actions the word encompasses -- eating locally, supporting nearby farmers and producers, reducing the transportation and shipping costs associated with what we eat.

The payoff comes in terms both personal and global. The food I get from our neighborhood farmers' market is generally fresher and tastes better than the long-distance stuff. Even the meat is more flavorful. And I get all that while doing something positive for the environment.

Not so fast, interjects Sarah Murray. While buying locally might supply those benefits, "food miles" shouldn't be the sole factor taken into account when buying food. We must also consider harvesting and production methods, storage requirements, food packaging, and other steps along the road from farm to fork.

Murray cites the example of a British snack company that teamed up with the Carbon Trust to measure the carbon footprint of a bag of its potato crisps. In calculating the carbon dioxide emissions in the making and shipping of the crisps, they found that the troublespot was not transportation, but "storing and frying the potatoes." Making changes there, Murray points out, could reduce emissions more than constraining the miles the crisps travel to consumers.

Okay, sounds good. But what about the formula used for calculating a product's carbon footprint in the first place? What gets included? What doesn't? And how far down the growth and production chain do you go? As an article in The Economist points out, how you answer these questions significantly impacts your formula, and, of course, the results.

And taking a consumer's position on this, how will I know which formula is "right"?

Obviously, this carbon footprint stuff is tricky business, and the scientists will be hashing out the details for some time. Until then, though, until we see standards, I'll work with what I do know and buy locally as much as I can. I might never be a true locavore -- I like chocolate way too much for that -- but I'll do what I can, even if it does address just one factor in a lengthy environmental equation.

But what are you doing? Have you tried being a locavore, even on a short-term or seasonal basis? Do you grow your own herbs or veggies? Have you joined a community supported agriculture program? Are you a regular at the local farmers market? Let's hear your tips for reducing our individual carbon footprints.

Or offer your comments on our latest Word of the Year. Does "locavore" work for you? Got a better idea? Propose it here and you might find fame via your well-chosen neologism. Wouldn't that be cool?

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Food and Nutrition and Marketing and Trade and Natural Resources & Environment and Plants and Crops on January 17, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Are Cloned Animals Safe to Eat? FDA Says "Yes"

Oh, boy.

The new stories are flying, and I expect they'll soon to be followed by a flurry of op-ed pieces and blog postings.

On my morning tour through the news, I noticed that the Washington Post had broken the story on the Food and Drug Administration's approval of cloned animals for food consumption. The FDA hadn't even officially released its report yet, but the word was out that they'd found no evidence to ban or restrict meat or milk from cloned animals. The Post even included excerpts from the report.

Other news sources across the Web quickly picked up the story. In fact, each time I refreshed my search on Google News, I got more results. It would seem to be one of the day's hot topics. The New York Times is on it, as are Business Week, CNN and the Associated Press. Actually, by the time you read this, everyone might have picked this one up.

Overall, the stories summarize the FDA's report, explore the associated scientific and ethical concerns, and address the expected uproar from consumers if cloned meat and milk are allowed to sit -- unlabeled -- on store shelves with non-cloned meat.

Though all the articles convey the reasons behind the FDA's assessment and the food safety issues taken into consideration, so far, only the Baltimore Sun (that I've seen) has run a focused piece on the science behind the decision. "In Defense of Cloning" offers comments from a Unversity of Maryland professor who served as one of three animal scientists who reviewed the FDA's research. It's an informative read.

On the government side, I was about to write that neither the FDA nor USDA had release any public statement on the matter, but that's no longer true. In the last hour, both Departments posted press releases to their Web sites about the report and are providing links to more information about animal cloning and food safety.

If you'd like to learn more about cloning than USDA's Questions and Answers page can give you, I invite you to check out the books and articles on the topic here at NAL. And check back here at InfoFarm. I'll keep on eye on reactions to this story in the coming weeks and post key updates.

This one's gonna be interesting.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Food and Nutrition on January 15, 2008 EST | Permalink

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A Plug for Nutrition

We all know that the year rolling over sets a lot of folks' minds toward self-improvement. I'm guessing that might be part of what inspired Nancy over at GovGab to consider her friend's obsessive consumption of grapefruits. Fortunately for us, that led her to delve into the great nuggets of info on Nutrition.gov, and she apparently liked what she saw:

For somebody who insists that banana bread counts as a serving of fruit and mint chocolate chip ice cream counts as a serving of vegetables because it's green, I have to admit, I really liked this site. From buying and preparing food to managing your weight to finding out nutrient values, the site has lots of great information.

Most of them are Registered Dietitians, so they know what they're doing when they're selecting the best sites on Weight Management or nutritional guidance for athletes, the elderly or vegetarians. (They're also great cooks, but you'll have to take my word for it on that one.)

So, thanks to GovGab for giving them their due. Please accept today's link love as an expression of my gratitude.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Food and Nutrition on January 03, 2008 EST | Permalink

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Nutrition.gov is one of many very useful government websites for those of us looking for health information and tools. Thanks for the information.

Submitted by: Jim Purdy on January 12, 2008 11:26 AM

Six Important Updates You Don't Want to Miss

In just the last two days I've noticed how many of the stories I've addressed over the last two months continue to pop up in the news. Given that, I thought it'd be interesting to see how things have moved on a few of them, or what fresh angles more recent coverage offers.

So, without further ado, here are the updates you don't want to miss:

• Since my October 15 entry on food recalls, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a Food Protection Plan that seeks to identify potential foodborne hazards before they sicken or kill anyone, but the plan isn't impressing Congress. Members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions have made some pretty strong statements indicating that neither it, nor the plan to enhance import safety, goes far enough.


• The potato cyst nematode doesn't seem too interested in joining the Year of the Potato celebration. Instead, it's spoiling the party by spreading to its eighth field in Idaho, threatening crop production there.


• Faster computers are accelerating the pace of discovery, but they're also making it possible to generate more realistic, more accurate and more powerful computer simulations. Such progress validates our October post on schools and industries moving away from using animals for education and experimentation.


• Avocado farmers who have started to regroup after October's wildfires are learning that their crop insurance doesn't cover as much as they thought it would. And even those that can expect some payments might not see money until early 2009.


• The farm bill has stalled on its way through the Senate, and there's really no telling where this one's gonna end up. Today word hit that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would be filing a cloture motion this afternoon. Such a motion, if passed, would limit any further debate on the farm bill to 30 hours, but a similar attempt a few weeks ago failed to get the 60 votes required for passage.


• "Sometimes it pays to read the old literature." So said Dr. Peter Palese, a researcher who determined why winter is flu season. And though I've not written a lick about the flu, I thought the lesson Dr. Palese offers to be a timely reminder that some ideas have been thunk before, which was, in fact, the main point behind the Starting Right with Turkeys entry. The Web holds valuable, historical stuff. Make use of it.

If you have more updates to add, feel free to send 'em along.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Animals and Emergency Response and Farm Bill and Food and Nutrition and History of Agriculture and Plants and Crops on December 05, 2007 EST | Permalink

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Outsmart Yourself and Lose

A number of years ago I read an article tacked up to a bulletin board at the gym. It offered a fascinating look at how food variety -- even just perceived variety -- affected how much we ate. That is, faced with two equal-sized bowls of M&Ms, subjects ate more from the bowl with the multi-colored blend than from the bowl holding the single-colored candies, even though they all tasted the same.

The story stuck with me, probably because I'm a big fan of M&Ms, but I didn't really hold onto the name of the researcher who made the discovery. But then I glimpsed an article in USA Today about the appointment of Dr. Brian Wansink as head of the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and it all fell into place. Oh, I thought, that's who Brian Wansink is. My M&M guy. The "mindless eating" guy.

Wansink has been studying the psychology of eating for a while now and has found a range of external factors that lure us into eating more. Take the bones away as you eat, and you'll gobble down more chicken wings. Use a short, squat glass, rather than a tall, skinny one, and you'll pour more to drink. Keep snacks on your desk, and you'll reach for them more frequently than if they're across the room. Volume, variety, and convenience all contribute to our eating on autopilot.

The good news though is that we can use the visual trickery to our advantage. Put a rainbow of veggies on your plate to eat more of what you should be eating. Buy new glassware and eat from smaller plates. Keep fruit nearby instead of candy. These small changes can cut our overall caloric intake without us even noticing a change. The same psychology of eating that got us to eat more can get us to eat less -- or more of what's good for us.

Of course, I'm curious to see how Wansink applies all this at his new post developing the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans or enhancing MyPyramid.

I'm also curious to see if he'll continue his blog, FoodThink with Wansink, that has been around only since August. So far, it looks like he is -- four postings since last week's announcement (PDF | 24.5 KB) -- but interestingly, no mention of his new gig. (Though he did say he's scheduled to appear on The View today.)

And I'm curious if his Mindless Eating Challenge, put together with the the help of his colleagues at Cornell's Food and Brand Lab, can really cut unconscious eating.

What's your take? Have you tried any of Wansink's strategies? Have they worked for you? Let us know.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Food and Nutrition on November 27, 2007 EST | Permalink

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A Thanksgiving Partnership

In the fall of 1621, the Plymouth colonists and their Native American neighbors sat down to an autumn feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

Now, 386 years later, we still gather as best we can around a special meal. Whether that be turkey, ham or veggie meatloaf, whether you like raisins in your stuffing or marshmallows in your sweet potatoes, food still occupies a central place in Thanksgiving. (Football, you'll note, was added much, much later.)

Because of food's integral place in the holiday, this week has been declared National Farm-City Week to acknowledge and celebrate the partnership between urban and rural residents. It reminds us all of the mutual benefit this relationship provides: