it’s a wrap
Global food prices have risen dramatically, adding a new level of danger to the crisis of world hunger…. In the United States there has been a 41 percent surge in prices for wheat, corn, rice and other cereals over the past six months.
This according to Amy Goodman on Democracy Now, as part of an interview where she introduces the author of Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System,” Raj Patel.
Patel outlines a perfect storm of conditions that are causing food shortages and riots globally, including:
- bad harvests, possibly related to climate change
- biofuels and ethanol driving up the price of commodities like sugar, corn, wheat
- increasing demand for meat leading to an increasing demand for grain to feed livestock, not people, and driving up the price of grain
- rising price of oil
Other stories in the news talk about how jobs are leaving and inflation is hitting everyone. Those stories scare me, even tho it hasn’t gotten to riot levels in the United States.
I see my grocery bill creeping higher and higher for the same amount of groceries. But I’m also becoming more savvy about wholesome, cheap meals and I feel like blogging about that :~j
I think of myself as a vegetarian with omnivore tendencies–I’d eat anything if I HAD to, most likely, or if it would be especially rude not to, or if I’m just curious about the dish. But I prefer not to for the most part. Officially I’m an ovo-lacto-pescatarian, meaning I will happily consume eggs, dairy and seafood in addition to starches, veggies, fruits and grains. I prefer simple foods.
I was so hungry the other night after class, with little energy to cook. I dug into the fridge and in 13 minutes threw this meal together:
Wheat flour tortilla wrap, toasted in a frying pan and filled with:
- vegetarian refried beans
- grated sharp cheddar
- avocado
- tomato
- green onion
- BBQ sauce (optional, not rly recommended)
Dessert was a natural local delicacy, mountain apples, and a half slice of Kahlua chocolate cake (from a bakesale supporting Hawaii Food Bank):
So good!
Filed under food, stuffs |2 Responses to “it’s a wrap”
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Jeela,
Great post! I’ll have to check that Patel book. Might I suggest “Diet For A Dead Planet” by Christopher Cook? It’s a well researched look at America’s poisoned, big business, ag/food system. Very painless read too.
Also I highly recommend Global Oneness’ short film about “People’s Grocery.” Have been meaning to do a small feature on the blog about these.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HN2laxseU8E
“In West Oakland, California, where liquor stores have replaced markets, People’s Grocery is creating a healthy alternative, offering access to organic produce and an invitation to reconnect with the land.”
Other videos focus on sustainability, responsibility, relationship to the land, and indigenous culture.
Lastly I wish I knew about that bake sale!! I can’t find mountain apples anywhere anymore, not even at the farmer’s market. If you have any leads……………
Ah thx thx for the recommendations! That was a good documentary, too! Very cool. I was thinking about blogging this one http://www.marksdailyapple.com/urban-gardening/
The Oakland group is more community-oriented, whereas this other family is obviously more privileged, growing for high-end restaurants etc… not that there is anything wrong with either… both representative of what I hope becomes a larger trend.
Almost makes me want to see about one of those lil community garden plots down by Iolani School… but I’m not sure I’m ready for that. Maybe grow some herbs on the lanai first heh
Mmmm, yea the mountain apples *drool* the way I wrote it you wouldn’t have known, but I actually found those in a local health food store–they were gone a couple days later :’( I’ll let ya know if I ever see em again!
Another timely article, “Credit crunch? The real crisis is global hunger. And if you care, eat less meat” http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/apr/15/food.biofuels