We all know about voting with our purchases. How often do we think about voting with our food choices? As a vegan, I think about it as a matter of habit. However, vegans aren't the only ones who can enact change with their food purchases. What are some of the food choices you make that have an impact on societal change?
Local
Local food costs less to transport because it isn't going anywhere. That means less pollution, therefore, cleaner air. It also keeps local merchants in business. Your local food vote helps keep large corporations from monopolizing the food industry. When you support local growers, you keep money in the community and a roof over small grower's heads.
Organic
Some organic produce is quite expensive. Instead of asking yourself why it's so expensive, you should ask yourself why the other stuff is so cheap. It's cheap because it's grown the cheapest way with harsh chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can cause your health to deteriorate. The worst of these, by far are genetically manipulated crops.
GMO free
What's so bad about GMO's? When we hear that something is genetically modified, they're not just talking about hybrids. These days, many genetically modified foods, such as soy beans and corn have pesticides imprinted into their DNA. That means, when you eat them, you are eating pesticides. They can't be washed off. They stay in your system for the long term, causing untold damage. You are what you eat. It's just that simple.
Other foods are genetically modified so that they can be heavily sprayed with pesticides without killing them. Unfortunately, those pesticides are seeping into our ground water and air. By refusing to purchase genetically modified foods, you not only insure your own family's good health, but the health of generations to come.
Other political considerations
Who is your grocer in league with? Who is your manufacturer in league with? What other products does your food company produce? Is your food packaging environmentally sound? When you do business with food producers and sellers with questionable politics, you are indirectly approving of those politics. Cast a vote for ethical business practices by buying from ethical businesses.
There really is no limit.
There really is no limit to the things your food vote can impact. The more you educate yourself about the way your food is produced, the more you will see just how important your personal food choices are to this generation and future ones. Food is essential to all life on this planet. What statement do your food choices make about the kind of planet you want to leave your children?