Food is Political
I’ve become increasingly hopeless trying to engage in federal issues and politics, and have found a bit more solace lasering in on local issues. Part of engaging in local politics is of course, clearly identifying what it is I believe in, and taking action to support causes that support my beliefs.
So why write this on our “business” blog? Well, in part because my identity as a farmer is inextricably linked to my personal identity.
On the one hand, explicitly stating our beliefs as a small business might seem kind of useless, like we’re shouting into the void a message that few people will hear, and even fewer will care about. But perhaps that’s besides the point. In a time such as this, where the safety of our neighbors is constantly in jeopardy, perhaps clearly stating our allyship with certain populations is the very least we can do.
So here it is.
Old North Acres believes:
-Immigrants are the backbone of American Agriculture. If you ate something from the grocery store that was grown in the US today, an immigrant likely grew it, harvested it, packaged it and helped distribute it. 57% of farmworkers are immigrants and 36% of those workers are undocumented. From an ethical perspective, we believe they have a right to live and work here simply because they are humans. But from a business standpoint, we believe they must stay living and working here, or our national food system will literally collapse.
-Food is unavoidably political. In a capitalist system where massive corporations own the distribution and sale of every type of food available to us, and ALL the means of production, food is no longer just the thing that keeps us alive. Instead, it’s the fuel that fills the pockets of the mega-rich and further disenfranchises the poor. The high cost of healthy food (which, by the way, doesn’t go to the farmer), creates obvious barriers to health for low-income people, as do food deserts, which are driven by corporate greed prioritizing the wealthy (i.e concentrating grocery stores in wealthier areas). Perhaps part of being an ethical food producer includes talking about the politics of food and health.
-Diversity isn’t just a nice thing to strive for, it’s a necessity of a well-functioning society. This means, we love and celebrate neighbors of every race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, and religion. We believe all types of people and lived experiences should have a safe and protected existence in this country. Y’all means ALL.
-Food should be a right, not a privilege. Duh.
The next 4 years feel bleak. In terms of action steps, I’ve found comfort leaning on the 4 R’s of social transformation, as framed by the NC Climate Justice Collective.
Resist
Reform
Reimagine
Recreate
All 4 R’s have a part to play in radical transformation, and different people and organizations can lean into the R, or R’s that resonates most with them.
Historically I’ve worked mainly in the reform category. Being in social work entailed a lot of working within systems, and trying to improve them. I still think there’s a lot of value in that. But more often now I find myself trying to reimagine systems.
The simplest, easiest way to put that into practice is being mindful with how I spend my money and time. I can imagine a more just world tomorrow but supporting businesses that are on the right track towards justice today. I can buy food and clothing from small businesses that support causes I care about (i.e. women leadership, earth-friendly practices, living wages, etc). In a Capitalist economy, putting our money where our mouth is helps justice-minded businesses and organizations have the support they need to survive, grow, and ideally, beat out their bigoted competition.
And finally, I can commit as a small business owner (ok a tiny business owner), to sharing my thoughts, however rudimentary they may be, so that community members who may feel unsafe and left out in other circles, will feel safe with me.
In solidarity and hope for a kinder America,
Dana
