If there was ever an argument for growing your own produce, just count the number of vegetables and fruits recalled over the past year.  It isn’t a month into spring and already romaine lettuce has been contaminated by E coli – lettuce that has been shipped to Connecticut and put on the shelves of this state’s supermarkets.

If there was ever an argument for growing your own produce, just count the number of vegetables and fruits recalled over the past year.  It isn’t a month into spring and already romaine lettuce has been contaminated by E coli – lettuce that has been shipped to Connecticut and put on the shelves of this state’s supermarkets.

The feds seem to be more interested in bailing out the banks than hiring enough inspectors to examine the American food supply.  Every time there is a recall of produce, meat or chickens, the FDA or the USDA complain that the  agency doesn’t have enough manpower to do the job. – Why isn’t Congress listening?

Until this problem gets fixed, Americans will have to get proactive. Growing one’s own food is one way to fix this problem.  In this month’s issue, the Westport Green Village Initiative is featured.  The organization is restoring the Wakeman Homestead and creating a Town Farm.  They are going to have a series of classes for adults and students to learn how to grow fruits and vegetables organically.

Not inclined to grow produce?  Then visit the local farmers’ markets or purchase a share in a CSA. They’re not difficult to find.  And, organic meats and chickens can also be purchased  from many local farms – from farmers who don’t use hormones or fillers in their feed.

Americans don’t have to put up with tainted food.  If the large markets stop getting business, they will give the business to those who sit on the Hill. And those people in the power seats – they will start listening…