Now, I don't usually put the same post on both blogs, but I wanted a few more comments on this, because it's really on my mind lately. So forgive me if you are following http://nursingthesoul.blogspot.com/2008/07/2-nephi-8.html
but...I needed open discussion here.
I've had this dilemma lately: buy "better" food (organic, local, etc) or buy cheaper food? After much research, (which, if you know me, you know that I research a lot before making a decision), I've concluded a few things.
#1. Better is not always more expensive if you know where to look. The farm co-op we are a part of is supplying us with wonderful, organic produce for a fraction of the cost at the stores (in fact, it's less than traditional(?) vegetables there, too). The farmer's market is another example of better being cheaper. Grains, though not grown locally, are cheaper when bought in their whole form & processed at home. Upicks provide fruit I can pick & can myself for less than store cost and 100-fold in taste.
#2. About the other foods I buy; convenience items, milk, cheeses, meats. These are more expensive if purchased from a local source. So, I wonder, should I buy them & support ALL local foods? Or, is there something I'm missing? Local, small farms are usually "cruelty free" (yeah, like chopping a chicken's head off at any time in their life is free of cruelty as long as they lived a good life...hmmm?) and they use organic resources.
However (since I'm not for pushing complete veganism) I wonder if this cost is worth it. Yes, it tastes better, there is higher nutrition, but today's scripture study had me wondering something else: What about those who have NO nutrition? I'm not talking about the kids at the soup kitchen on the corner, they're getting help, but those who are literally starving to death? Is the better "taste" of my food so important, when they are getting none? Is a miniscule increase in minerals & vitamins in my food worth it, when they are getting NONE?
What if I pocketed those extra dollars each year, and then sent them to a better cause? I calculated today that by saving $3/gallon on milk alone, (by not buying organic) given we drink 2 gallons a week, I could be sending $312/year worth of food to a starving child somewhere. I read that in those countries, kids are living on less than a dollar a day (if they are living at all), so just by giving up my extra milk money, I can feed another person for a whole YEAR. And feed them well. The scripture that got me on this was
11 Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass?
13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor?
14 The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 8:11 - 14)
At first, I was rejoicing that the suffering would not suffer...but then, it came--will he really lift up all the suffering, or is it up to us? Just a thought.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A Copy
Posted by Jillian at 10:11 AM
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2 comments:
Hey Jill. So I speak from a position of almost entire ignorance. I have no experience in raising kids and what kind of nutritional needs they have, but since you asked for feedback, I thought I might as well give you my opinion. I think that you should get the food that tastes good to you and your family and that you feel keeps ya'll healthy, whatever that means to you. I've found that it is rarely most effective to go with the top of the line (in this case all organic, expensive, local food) but it is also not effective to go with the cheapest stuff. Then you start giving up your own family's health. The organic, local stuff that you're getting cheaper is awesome. If there are some local things that are more expensive it's probably okay for you to buy them. You're balancing things out a bit with the cheaper local food you're buying. However, if the difference in taste and nutrition between the organic, local stuff and the food you get from the grocery store isn't that big, then go with the cheaper stuff. Why pay more for something that is virtually the same?
Also, don't feel like you have a big moral obligation to buy the cheapest of everything so that you can send money oversees for a starving child. It is important that we strive to help those that we can help. But I think that as a parent your primary responsibility (and most effective way to help heal the problems of the world)is to take care of your own children (which I must say you do remarkably well). Pay your tithes and a generous fast offering. The money will go where it needs to go. But also invest in your children. Putting that little extra money away for their education may be a way of multiplying your contribution to the world's starving people as your kids grow up, get good jobs and pay their tithes and generous fast offerings like their mom.
Anyway, hope that helps, by at least giving you something to laugh at. :) Hope you guys are doing great!!
Love, Jared
I think that when we are so blessed that we start noticing all we have and all that others don't have, then it may be the time to give. But I don't think you need to compromise the health and well-being of your own family. Maybe you could pick a few things that you would rather have but it doesn't make a big difference if you don't have it and give it to someone who really does need it. Let the rest of your family help decide.
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