Privilege

Over 12 years ago, I was laid off from my job and money was tight. I continued to buy meat and a few other items at Whole Foods, even though it was expensive. It made me very aware of my privilege, in a way that I hadn't been before. Prior to this, I regarded the decision to shop there as one made for ethical or health reasons - a reason to feel good about yourself. Though that financially difficult time was unpleasant, I'm glad for the way it reframed my mindset on this. It is good fortune to be able to purchase organic, ethical, healthier food. It needs not be looked at in any other way (no judgment of others). Anyway, a cultural split between "health nuts/crunchy folk" and "normal people" doesn't do much to alleviate wider environmental or health concerns. That split is worsened by smug attitudes, or the sense that eating healthy food is something only a "more enlightened" person does (or one who perceives themselves that way).

I'd prefer for people to recognize their food privilege and then do what they can to share their good fortune. Some of this is already being done. A good example is the food forest in Seattle, Washington. I'm grateful for the people who are behind this kind of effort, their creativity and their hard work!