Well said. Learning how to make my own bread was a game changer, not only did I get bread more delicious than anything I could ever buy wrapped in plastic in a supermarket, but I regained a small glimpse of independence. Something shifted in my head, yet I'm still very far from anything that can be called sustainability.
I don't have the money for it - and that's the horrendous truth we're facing, we're trapped in capitalism that feeds more capitalism. That's the priority, feeding people isn't. Everything is commodified, one's wish to change the way we live and consume is drowned in the system screaming "how dare you dreaming of this without paying for it first?"
So many people live in houses and flats that doesn't allow us to grow substantial amount of food. So many live day to day without any possibility to ever tend to a piece of land, greenhouse, orchard. Our skills have erroded. Those who try to reclaim it still have to get to that stage by working their way through capitalism. The system was made be inescapable.
It’s a scary and very depressing situation, I have to remember my absolutely privilege of space, safety and knowledge. I will try and support others in some way to become more self sufficient or more informed. We have to seek the positives and not lose hope x
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important matter. I ponder similar ideas while walking through a completely different landscape—the Tuscan countryside—but alas, what we find in motorway shops is exactly the same.
Ciara, I think you've answered your own question "and yet the consumer must have driven this change?". Depressingly, there is a reducing number of 'players' in the marketplace; fewer independent purveyors like McNally's Farm shop which means less choice for those who seek out 'real' food. In the convenience sector; simple sugars, hydrogenated fat and table salt, mixed with synthetic ingredients and a few 'recognisables' thrown in for good measure command a greater profit. Unfortunately, it's a mathematical equation, poor food strategy on the part of policy makers and savvy marketing. Teaching ourselves to decipher and appreciate real food from empty, soulless, brain numbing calories is a big challenge and becoming more difficult ("yes, children, there are bones in chicken, seeds in grapes and a goujon is not a body part!"). Access to simple nutritious whole food is perceived to be a privilege of the rich but this is the narrative we are hoodwinked into believing. 'Beans on toast' anyone? A tin of organic white beans (e.g. butter or haricot or cannellini) with the aquafaba added to some olive oil infused with garlic, rosemary, chili, black pepper and salt makes for a delicious meal with bread (one that has escaped the Camden Chorleywood Bread process!). But you know this already. Cynical me, sees food that is 'cost engineered' on our shop shelves and I am loathe to buy it but my children want the 'ice scream', the chocolate palm oil spread, the seasoned dehydrated powder chips! Brand identity is slowly taking hold of their taste buds! Empowering them to make good choices without taking the fun out of it is key. Bring your own seems to be the best solution for Motorway journeys. Ask 'Breakfast roll man'!! In the meantime, keep your observations coming and a seed change may grow at grassroots level. In a nutshell "why, give candy to a baby?" Maith thú.
Well said. Learning how to make my own bread was a game changer, not only did I get bread more delicious than anything I could ever buy wrapped in plastic in a supermarket, but I regained a small glimpse of independence. Something shifted in my head, yet I'm still very far from anything that can be called sustainability.
I don't have the money for it - and that's the horrendous truth we're facing, we're trapped in capitalism that feeds more capitalism. That's the priority, feeding people isn't. Everything is commodified, one's wish to change the way we live and consume is drowned in the system screaming "how dare you dreaming of this without paying for it first?"
So many people live in houses and flats that doesn't allow us to grow substantial amount of food. So many live day to day without any possibility to ever tend to a piece of land, greenhouse, orchard. Our skills have erroded. Those who try to reclaim it still have to get to that stage by working their way through capitalism. The system was made be inescapable.
It’s a scary and very depressing situation, I have to remember my absolutely privilege of space, safety and knowledge. I will try and support others in some way to become more self sufficient or more informed. We have to seek the positives and not lose hope x
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on such an important matter. I ponder similar ideas while walking through a completely different landscape—the Tuscan countryside—but alas, what we find in motorway shops is exactly the same.
Thank you for your lovely post Ciara - much appreciated. Lisa (Australia)
Also loved hungry heart a great book
Fresh home-baked wheaten with butter has been a treat since childhood. I think I recognise a favourite walk too. Happy reading!
Me and Soph always make sandwiches or a salad for a long drive to avoid the motorway shite!
A massively sensible choice!
Ciara, I think you've answered your own question "and yet the consumer must have driven this change?". Depressingly, there is a reducing number of 'players' in the marketplace; fewer independent purveyors like McNally's Farm shop which means less choice for those who seek out 'real' food. In the convenience sector; simple sugars, hydrogenated fat and table salt, mixed with synthetic ingredients and a few 'recognisables' thrown in for good measure command a greater profit. Unfortunately, it's a mathematical equation, poor food strategy on the part of policy makers and savvy marketing. Teaching ourselves to decipher and appreciate real food from empty, soulless, brain numbing calories is a big challenge and becoming more difficult ("yes, children, there are bones in chicken, seeds in grapes and a goujon is not a body part!"). Access to simple nutritious whole food is perceived to be a privilege of the rich but this is the narrative we are hoodwinked into believing. 'Beans on toast' anyone? A tin of organic white beans (e.g. butter or haricot or cannellini) with the aquafaba added to some olive oil infused with garlic, rosemary, chili, black pepper and salt makes for a delicious meal with bread (one that has escaped the Camden Chorleywood Bread process!). But you know this already. Cynical me, sees food that is 'cost engineered' on our shop shelves and I am loathe to buy it but my children want the 'ice scream', the chocolate palm oil spread, the seasoned dehydrated powder chips! Brand identity is slowly taking hold of their taste buds! Empowering them to make good choices without taking the fun out of it is key. Bring your own seems to be the best solution for Motorway journeys. Ask 'Breakfast roll man'!! In the meantime, keep your observations coming and a seed change may grow at grassroots level. In a nutshell "why, give candy to a baby?" Maith thú.
The struggle we face daily! Cynicism is key but so is hopefulness, many of us feel this way and can try and lead change x