If you have a story about North Farm, Common Health or the Michigan Federation, please do your best to get it to me in the coming weeks and months. We will share these stories at our General Membership Meeting on May 19, 2001. We will write our history from these stories and keep it as part of our permanent record.

Thank you and we wish you a joyous and 
happy holiday season.

Plans are already under way for celebrating North Farm Cooperative’s 30th Anniversary at our General Membership Meeting to be held in Madison on May 19, 2001. We would like to invite all members, prospective members, customers, families and friends to attend the weekend festivities, including a picnic, business meeting, Natural Products Show and buying club workshops.

The General Membership Meeting, or GMM as it’s fondly called, will be held at the same conference center as it has in year’s past. The Dane County Expo Center, however, does have a new name: the Alliant Center.

Plan on arriving early to attend our Opening Reception Picnic on Friday evening, May 18 at Madison’s Olin Park, located less than a mile from the Alliant Center.

This will give you the opportunity to meet members of other buying clubs, interact with your Board of Directors, talk with vendors and meet North Farm employees. We will be serving a healthy dinner made up of North Farm products.

Saturday morning, May 19, will feature several buying club workshops, along with the annual business meeting and elections. Saturday afternoon will feature our popular Natural Products Show with many vendors in attendance handing out free product samples and answering your questions.

Also on tap for this year is the return of Show Deals, additional promotions exclusively from the vendors participating at North Farm’s GMM.

If you have any input or suggestions for North Farm’s GMM 2001, please e-mail us at nfcoop@northfarm.com or call us at 1-800-236-5800.

We will continue to update you via our Web site and publications as details are finalized for the event.

We’ll see you in May!

Since our Online Catalog prices default to the current month, in order to view promotions for the following month, you need to click on the next month’s sale prices.

For example, right now, since it’s November, our Online Catalog defaults to show you all November promotions. However, if you want to see December Promotions, you need to click on “Use December” to view what’s on sale in December.

Let me walk you through it.

Q: What kinds of plastic are safe to use around food? Is it better to buy food in glass rather than plastic or metal?

A: I don’t buy any kind of food in plastic. I worked in a factory which made plastic and I knew I would never have it near my food. Most plastic leaches off on your food. When I dehydrate apples, tomatoes or fruit of any kind and store it in plastic, the plastic disintegrates into little pieces. Tomatoes turn moldy and all your work has gone to waste.

A: Make sure to use food-grade plastic which is non-leaching; never use plastic trash bags to store food. Don’t let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving. When freezing poultry wrapped in porous store plastic for longer than two months, wrap again in heavier freezer wrap.

Plastic tends to absorb its contents so store only food in reusable food containers and clean them thoroughly between uses.

 Q: What are “ancient grains”? Are they healthier than grains commonly eaten today? Is spelt in this category?

A: Ancient grains are amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgar, flaxseed, kamut, millet, oats, rye, spelt, quinoa and wheat. All grains are healthy—full of protein.

A: Spelt has a mild, nutty flavor which makes it a favorite in whole grain breads. Many people with wheat allergies can eat it. North Farm sells spelt flours and berries from Bob’s Red Mill, Daily Grind and Vita Spelt. Also frozen spelt baked goods including French Meadow bagels, bread and pizza crust; Graindance pizza crust and Jerusalem pitas.

A: My husband was a diabetic and the only safe sweetener he could use was dried apple peelings which had been pulverized in a blender. In fact, I dry a lot of peelings and give some to the diabetics in my church.

A: In 1995 the FDA approved the importation of  Stevia as an herbal supplement only, which is why North Farm sells three stevia products from Now Foods in the Vitamins and Supplements section.

A. I’m not a diabetic but I do have low blood sugar. Occasionally I put some Stevia or some of the Sweet Cactus Farms cactus sweetener in tea and neither has made me tired.

 Q: What is Neem?

A: I lived in India for 6 years and right outside of the house where I lived was a neem tree. Neem is used as an antiseptic in many ways. Indians who cannot afford toothbrushes break off a twig of the Neem tree and use it to brush their teeth, which might explain why some toothpastes are made with neem. If one has a tummy ache, neem leaves put into a glass of water help clean the body of parasites. Indians also use it in different dishes as it helps keep one healthy. Often Indians will break off a few leaves and pop them in the mouth. They are bitter but good for digestion. Rarely is an Indian house without a neem tree.

 Q: What is the difference between “brews” and regular sodas?

A: Regular sodas are made up of water, sugar or high fructose corn syrup, carbonation and flavoring. Brews usually include more natural flavorings such as herbs and spices and the final flavor is richer and more interesting. Like beer, they go through a brewing process.

Juice spritzers are made of water and carbonation, but use fruit juice for flavoring and sweetening.

Q: Does anyone have a recipe for cornbread that is sweet, moist and contains whole kernels of corn?

A: Here is a recipe for sweet corn muffins. I hope your readers will enjoy it as much as my family does. It came from the cookbook Mad About Muffins, published by Andrew McMeel Publishing of Kansas City, Missouri.

Sweet Corn Muffins
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup yellow cornmeal
½ rounded tsp salt
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1/2 - 1 cup whole kernel corn

Heat oven to 400°. Combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl. Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl. Add milk and oil to the egg and stir well. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture, add the corn and blend. Fill greased muffin tins. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Serve warm. Makes about 1 dozen muffins. These muffins go great with any Mexican dish or chili.

A: Here’s another recipe:

Cornbread
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup whole kernel corn
½ cup flour (may use barley, spelt or quinoa)
1 Tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
¾ tsp salt
¼ cup honey
1 large egg
1 cup milk
2 Tbsps cold-pressed oil

Mix the dry ingredients together; then the liquid ingredients together. Combine all, stirring only until moistened. Pour into oiled 9” x 9” square pan or muffin pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes (until done).

Warning About Gluten (from a member responding to our October Member Forum)

You have a serious error in your advice regarding gluten. People who must remove gluten from their diet cannot eat rye, oats, buckwheat or millet. They can eat corn. Please correct this error because people could become very ill. The Co-op sells some excellent rice pastas such as Mrs. Leeper’s and DeBoles.

For information on the basics of a gluten-free diet please write or contact: Celiac Sprue Association, P.O. Box 31700, Omaha, NE 68131-0700 402/558-0600

More Member Forum Questions:

1. What is the best way to store chocolate and dried fruit?
2. What is the difference between cold-pressed and expeller-pressed oils? How about virgin, extra virgin and regular olive oils?
3. Does North Farm sell a safe hair dye without ammonia, peroxide, lead or sulfate?
4. Should Vitamin E and other oil-based vitamins be refrigerated so they don’t turn rancid?
5. Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs? Do deep orange egg yolks have more nutrients than pale ones?
6. If you have answers for these questions or have questions of your own, please write to:
   

Member Forum
North Farm Cooperative
204 Regas Road
Madison, WI 53714
Or, send an e-mail to nfcoop@northfarm.com.  
We’ll report back in the next issue.

In early 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to publish a final rule implementing the national standards of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA).

The Organic Trade Association (OTA), of which North Farm is a member, has been an advocate of the national standards and was instrumental in shaping the language of the rule. According to the new standards, a significant change will be how Organic products are labeled.

The planned rule proposes four types of organic labeling, and it is important to know the difference.

1. 100% Organic—100% of the product’s ingredients are organic.
2. Organic—95% or more of the product’s ingredients are organic.
3. Made With Organic Ingredients —some of the product’s ingredients are organic.
4. Ingredient panel reference to organic—an organic ingredient is used and limited to the mention on the ingredient panel.

Once the rule is final, vendors will have 18 months to comply with the new labeling guidelines. North Farm will be incorporating the new organic labeling into its Price List product descriptions.

Additionally, North Farm serves on the OTA Marketing Committee and is working with other organic marketing executives to help promote organic products and educate consumers on their use.

North Farm Cooperative is seeking candidates to its Board of Directors. Positions opening in May 2001 include two at-large seats, both Wisconsin and Michigan chapter seats, and all four chapter alternate positions.

The Candidate Pool
At-large candidates may come from the entire voting membership base and are voted on by that same membership base. Chapter candidates may come from their respective chapters, although this is not a prerequisite, and are voted on by their respective chapters.

All at-large and chapter representative seats run for two-year terms.

Alternate positions are elected annually. Each of the four chapters requires an alternate. Each respective chapter votes for their chapter alternate. Voting members from the Big West, Michigan, Midwest, Wisconsin and Warehouse chapters are urged to come forward to run for alternate positions.

Nominations
You may nominate a North Farm member for any of the open positions. Be sure to include their name, co-op name, and daytime phone number. Nominations must take place by March 23, 2001. I will contact each member nominated to gauge his or her interest in running for the North Farm Board.

To Sum Up
Please refer to the boxed details for the timeline of the North Farm Board elections.

Those members interested in running for the North Farm Board of Directors can either contact Dottie (800-236-5880 extension 2666) for more information, or complete the form found here and also on the North Farm Web site (www.northfarm.com/board.htm).

Dates to Remember in 2001

We consulted “old-timers” such as Bob Butterfield, Dottie Dykstra and Jenny Hanson to piece together this part of our history.

North Farm was founded by “crazy Madison hippies” who did a lot of things contrary to convention. Rather than number truck routes, they gave them “organic” names.

Routes north of Madison received names of trees and at least one forest: Ash, Balsam, Birch, Hickory, Cedar, Juniper, Oak, Poplar, Red Pine, Spruce, Tamarack, Walnut, White Pine, Nicolet (National Forest).

An exception is Maple which runs through Indiana and Michigan. The name came from the Michigan Federation of Food Cooperatives.

Routes south of Madison, were named after rivers and creeks: Chicago, Green River, Kishwaukee, Loon, Mississippi, Fox, White River, Beulah, Nippersink, Southlands, DesPlaines, Mill Creek.

The East Loop goes to Detroit and the West Loop goes to the Twin Cities. TCX is short for Twin Cities Express. Wednesday Cream goes to Milwaukee, the “Cream City”.

Later, route numbers were added to the names and for weekly routes there is also a /1, /2, /3 or /4. So now it’s Tamarack (22) (monthly) or Maple (13/1) (weekly).

When North Farm merged with the Michigan Federation of Food Cooperatives in 1992, MFOFC’s truck route naming system was incorporated into North Farm’s. Routes in the southern part of the state had been numbered, so now we have Michigan 1 (51) and Michigan 2 (52) which go out in Week 1, Michigan 3 (53) and Michigan 4 (56) which go out in Week 2, Michigan 5 (58) and Michigan 6 (59) which go out in Week 3, and Michigan 7 (62) and Michigan 8 (63) which go out in Week 4.

MFOFC gave local names to routes all around Lake Michigan. We now have Black Bear (65), Huron (55), Two Bays (65) and Great Lakes (61). A newly-added route near Grand Haven is named “West Shore (34)”.

The 1993 merger with Common Health Warehouse of Superior gave us North Prairie (100), South Prairie (101) and Big Sky (82).

Legend has it a former employee, Carrie Nelson, wanted a route named for her. So as a joke the route to Outpost in Milwaukee was renamed “the Half Nelson”.

Back in the 1980s, before the great white trailers with the sunburst logo and yellow tractors, North Farm delivered in three blue trucks. Each had a name:  Mooska, Dakota and Thunder. To this day the first three warehouse shipping dock doors sport signs with the name “Mooska”, “Dakota” or “Thunder” plus the routes it traveled.

I am amazed by how much there is to know about our truck routes. Thanks to our Transportation Team for keeping it all straight so your food is delivered on time with a minimum of errors.

My son Jacob’s summary of his last meeting was so beautiful: “Mom, when is the next North Farm meeting? I had a lot of  fun, I met some great new friends and the food was pretty good, too. By the way mom, are all those people related to me?”

I believe Jacob hit the nail on the head—We all are part of the North Farm family and that is why your attendance at a meeting near you is so important.

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The following article has been condensed and reprinted with the permission of General Manager Reggie Smith and Tucson Cooperative Warehouse. She writes and speaks extensively on GMOs and genetic engineering. TCW has been a leading organization in the fight against genetically engineered foods and for GMO labeling.

Opposition to genetically modified (GM) foods and seeds has grown steadily in the last two years. The major opposition is in Europe and Asia. Grocery chains in six European countries have committed to not carry GM products. The European Union has called for mandatory labeling of GM foods.

This is not a problem that manifests easy answers. The multi-billion dollar giants have put a different spin on the technology. They contend their plans are to feed the world. This position sits well with investors and those with an interest in the technology, but the concerns are escalating and organizations and governments worldwide are asking serious questions about the technology.

There is little way of knowing what genetic manipulation will reap; the only thing certain however, is that the technology is a global gamble. Rolling the dice, Monsanto and others hope to garner returns of more than 50% for the corporations and their investors. But these multi-national giants may be gambling the future away.

Playing God With The Gene Pool
Twenty years ago, Monsanto was a chemical company that sold Roundup and Nutrasweet. Today Monsanto is the world’s largest pesticide company, second largest seed company and seventh largest pharmaceutical company. Their primary interest is with international patenting of bioengineered products.

The corporation has developed bovine growth hormones for cattle, engineered Roundup Ready Soybeans—a genetically altered seed—to produce plants that can be sprayed with Monsanto’s best selling herbicide, Roundup. Monsanto markets Bt corn-genetically altered to kill the corn borer, and Bt cotton—developed to be resistant to bollworms. More than 70% of the acreage in Arizona’s cotton fields is now planted in Bt cotton; more than 200,000 acres in bioengineered seed first introduced in 1996.

Monsanto’s Naturemark Potatoes feature a number of bioengineered seeds including NewLeaf Potatoes and Roundup Ready Potatoes. The new genetically modified potatoes are marketed as  “Grown the Better Way”.

The track record of genetically modified plants and seeds has been problematic at best. Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Cotton showed poor results in Mississippi this year. The Mississippi Seed Arbitration Council ruled against Monsanto and found in favor of three farmers who suffered crop failure due to the high-tech cotton.

In New Mexico, plants grown from bioengineered cottonseed developed Verticulum wilt. Traditional cottonseeds are resistant to the virus. Farmers and scientists have criticized Monsanto for rushing seed to market before adequate testing.

In May, a new study was released that tested the effect of Bt corn on caterpillars. The research shows the pollen from bioengineered corn can kill Monarch butterflies. The corn seed was genetically engineered to create pollen to kill corn borers. However, the pollen also destroys the larvae of the butterfly. Representatives in the biotech industry have downplayed the research as “not important”. Several environmental organizations have called for a government ban in Mexico on imports and the use of genetically engineered corn. Bt corn is manufactured by Novartis AG, Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred. Bans are being called for throughout the world.

Facing the Consequences
Playing roulette with the gene pool certainly may have consequences unimaginable until now. Will the genetic alteration migrate to other plants? Will neighboring crops adopt the toxin gene? If this happens, farmers will not know they have planted the suicide seeds until their crop simply doesn’t grow. By that time it may be too late to plant again. The USDA claims the sterility trait is unlikely to spread since the plant is sterile. But several environmental organizations have questioned these assumptions.

Genetic engineering may have the following consequences if it continues to proliferate:

• Reduction in genetic diversity and loss of seed genotypes
• Domination of world markets by a handful of corporations
• Loss of seed diversity
• Long-term negative affects on seed production and food  supplies
• Devastation of indigenous plants
• New resistant gene mutations
• Crop failures brought on by genetic uniformity
• Worldwide food shortages and famine
• Long-term health consequences from GMOs
• Untold changes to the ecosystem of regions planted in genetically modified seeds
• Escalation in costs of seeds and chemicals to support those modified seeds
• Elimination of small farms and small farmlands as costs increase and seed availability decreases

Is It What We Want?
Large questions loom as the genetic material of plant life is manipulated and injected with genes from insects, toxins and other unrelated genetic material. What will the consequences be? How much genetic material has been lost?

If the last thirty years are any example, more seed varieties have been lost commercially than at any time in our history. What are the ecological consequences of manipulating natural selection?

Genetic manipulation is also being done to weaken seed resistance to disease and pests, allowing the same company that created the seeds to sell farmers the pesticide needed to keep that seed alive.

It is not coincidence that the same corporations buying up the genetic material of seeds and creating suicide technology are the same corporations selling herbicides and pesticides.

Many scientists and environmental organizations believe the advent of bioengineered seeds, terminator technology and the ownership of genetic material dramatically threatens biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide.

Touted as a panacea for world hunger, biotech firms argue that only genetically engineered foods can feed the world in the next century. Others argue that by sterilizing seeds, the world’s food supplies are threatened. Farmers may be forced to buy seeds every year—seeds requiring herbicides and pesticide to grow because they cannot adapt to regions and environmental stressors. Critics argue rather than feed the world, the technology itself is threatening agriculture and biodiversity.

Christian Aid, an organization dedicated to ending world hunger, printed a scathing review of biotechnology and terminator seeds. In their report they characterize the technology as unpredictable, unnecessary and ineffective. They call for a five-year freeze on genetic engineering in food and farming to “protect choice and promote responsibility”.

The United States is the largest, most powerful promoter of this technology, and President Bill Clinton awarded four Monsanto scientists a National Medal of Technology earlier this year. The four scientists were honored for their contributions to agricultural biotechnology. The political ties surrounding biotechnology are pervasive and international. Not all agree that the Monsanto scientists “laid the foundation to help agriculture meet the pressing food and environmental challenges of the next century” as Monsanto CEO Robert Shapiro noted. A core issue is whether corporations have the right to patent an animal or plant’s genetic makeup, its unique life code.

What Can Be Done?
The opposition is so intense the biotech corporations are responding to the bad press. UK Monsanto has a response to the Christian Aid report on its Web site. Monsanto has also countered that the organic farming lobbies have unnecessarily created fears about the new technology. Novartis has a Web site clip service called “EnviroClips” for customer communication. One clip titled, “Fight Misconceptions with Effective Communication” notes, “Headline grabbing reports from special interest groups can sway public opinion”. The same article encourages local farmers to “combat misinformation” by serving on boards and committees and to speak to students about agriculture.

Opponents are optimistic that as more people understand the risks involved in this worldwide experiment, opposition will increase. A brief listing follows, for those wanting to take a more active role in this issue:

• Support a moratorium on the sale of all GM foods and seeds.
• Insist that GM foods be labeled.
• Call for an end to patents on life forms—whether plant or animal.
• Support sustainable agriculture.
• Buy organic.
• Tell your congress representative you do not support biotechnology or GM foods.
• Buy open-pollinated seeds for gardening.

The risks of genetically modified foods and seeds are many, the benefits minimal. The consequences of this technology could be catastrophic. It is not too late to stop the patenting of life forms, biopiracy and the use of genetically modified seeds and food.

Authors: Ronnie Cummins is the national director of OCA, the Organic Consumers Association (www.purefood.org) and the editor of  BioDemocracy News, a monthly online newsletter devoted to genetic engineering, factory farming and organics. Ben Lilliston is a writer on health and the environment and is the communications coordinator for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis.

This book is definitely “biased”, even “alarmist”. It frequently refers to genetically altered foods as “Frankenfoods”, an allusion to Frankenstein. The authors have stated two primary objectives in writing the book: “to help you to clearly understand why you should be concerned about purchasing or consuming genetically engineered foods” and to “alert you to the risks genetically engineered crops are posing to the environment.”

I think the book is an excellent overview of the real and potential dangers of genetically engineered food and other products of bio-technology which we are consuming with increasing frequency. It is chock-full of facts and presents a coherent statement against the propaganda of the biotech industry.

For the uninformed, genetic engineers “cut” the DNA of one organism and “paste” it into the DNA of another species using one of several imprecise processes. This has included splicing daffodil genes into rice, bacillus thuringiensis bacteria (Bt) genes into corn and Brazil nut genes into soybeans. (No wonder they’re called “Frankenfoods”.)

But what scares me the most is the plan to put human genes into pigs in order to harvest organs for use in humans. Pigs are close to humans in physiology and there is great potential for pig viruses to be transplanted into a humans along with the new organs. And wasn’t there mention of AIDS possibly having come from monkeys—also closely related to humans?

As explained in the book, advocates of genetic engineering claim the resulting new plants and animals will increase the world’s food supply, produce more nutritious food and reduce the use of pesticides. This sounds good, but so far it has mainly allowed pesticide producers to kill less of the planted crop because it is now more resistant to being killed off by the pesticide.

As Cummins and Lilliston, point out, the whole process is largely untested and the earth’s ecosystem and human health are forced to serve as guinea pigs. The authors cite case after case of biotechnology gone bad: The soybeans with Brazil nut genes caused severe reactions in those allergic to Brazil nuts; fortunately they were never sold on the open market. Then there’s the famous case of the Monarch butterflies who died after eating pollen from corn containing bacillus thuringiensis genes, the rats who died from eating potatoes with snowdrop genes—and on and on.

Having been an organic farmer myself, I’m especially concerned with the authors’ claim that because of genetic drift and cross pollination, genetically tampered material is spreading to crops not genetically modified and to wild species— thereby harming biodiversity and upsetting ecological balance.

The authors state there is one basic reason gene-foods are being grown, sold and served in the U.S.: “because the corporations that have invested billions of dollars in this new technology have successfully lobbied U.S. government agencies to allow genetically engineered foods to enter our food chain and the environment virtually undetected.” As the Kansas City Star stated in 1994, “If you put a label on a genetically engineered food you might as well put a skull and crossbones on it.”

So in the absence of labeling, what is a consumer to do?

The authors truly empower us with tips on avoiding GMOs and how to fight against their proliferation.

1. Avoid certain brand names known to contain genetically engineered ingredients.
2. Choose organic foods from organic sections of supermarkets or from health food stores.
3. Join a food buying club such as North Farm. (Ronnie Cummins is a member.)
4. Order organic food online.
5. Get involved with Community-Supported Agriculture.
6. Grow your own food.

As Jim Hightower said, “Being a consumer is not a passive act. It means taking charge. This book tells you how.”

Until a complete moratorium is in effect, North Farm will encourage a labeling requirement for all genetically modified foods/products and random testing for the presence of GMOs in foods/products not labeled as such. We will educate our members about the risks of this technology and support vendors who will not purchase or sell any food, food ingredient or product known to be genetically altered.

We are confident our organic products are GMO-free as defined in the new National Organic Standards due out in early 2001. We will soon include a non-GMO descriptor in our Price Lists for all products proven not to be genetically modified.

If we learn that any of our products contain genetically modified organisms, we will look for alternative GMO-free products.

Most people think as they’ve been brought up to believe: eating meat is okay. History shows only recently have people living in temperate climates made meat the focal point of their diet. Humans are omnivores but we do not need meat to live or to grow strong and healthy. It would be more accurate to state the converse considering current food production processes.

Research shows eating more organic fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes while eating less overall is far healthier than any meat-based diet. The strongest of all primates is the low-land gorilla. Gorillas are super strong and are 100% vegetarian—so dismiss the notion vegetarians are skinny weaklings. I believe it takes strong will power, lots of research, a little creativity in the kitchen and a big heart to go vegetarian. Let me elaborate on some fundamental reasons why many people are converting to a fast-growing eating trend: organic vegetarianism.

Environmental: The fact is current practices of meat production ravage the environment and deplete our resources. We are ruining beautiful national park lands by open grazing, which you and I pay for through tax dollars. Rain forests are being destroyed in South America to provide grazing land for cattle which will be processed into beef for McDonald’s hamburgers. Waterways are being destroyed by too much fresh water being diverted to thirsty livestock.

Economical: Ten pounds of steak represent the loss of 80 pounds of grain humans could consume, the amount of water a family of four uses in an entire year, the loss of good top soil and considerable air pollution. This is not sustainable and simply cannot continue.

Other expenses include farm-related injuries, factory farm subsidizes and the higher costs of health care due to heart disease, obesity, etc. The tremendous cost, in financial terms, will be shared by all while a few reap enormous profits.

Health: Despite an avalanche of information about the negative impact of eating meat, people in western nations fatten themselves on processed, high calorie, fat-filled, meat-based diets. Studies indicate our diet leads to many illnesses yet many wonder why they are so unhealthy—both mentally and physically. Could it possibly be true that  “you are what you eat”? Longevity and health are unarguably linked to both genetics and what you consume. Is there any one, single thing more important than what you put into your body? Your health is up to you and no one else. So, if you are sickly, out of shape, can’t seem to buck colds, have respiratory problems, etc., maybe it’s time to learn about exercising, thinking positive and eating right.

Political: Your government will not address these important issues for you; it is beholden to the big money interests. The media derives much of their income from the fast food industry.

The media also thrives on sensationalism so their health reporting consists largely of the latest food scare or fads. There is a move by big business to buy up the now profitable organic companies; this may have a great impact on the way natural and organic foods are marketed.

Spiritual: If we dare to explore the deeper meaning of life we might reassess what we were taught as children about eating other creatures who share our planet. Some refer to Biblical passages such as mankind having dominion over all the creatures of this earth. Maybe this has more to do with most humans having a capacity for higher thinking. Dominion may mean we should act as stewards and protectors of the earth and her creatures. Should our species-centered mentality turn all non-human creatures into meat slabs for consumption? What does it say about us as being “higher thinkers”?

Additional Reading:
Mad Cowboy by Howard Lymann
Beyond Beef by Jeremy Rifkin
If You Love This Planet by Helen Coldicott

Yucatan Spicy Guacamole (#8477) “If you only eat mild guacamole you’re just a wuss—the spicy guacamole is not for the faint-hearted.”

Soy Delicious Mint Marble Fudge Frozen Dessert (#15159)

“You may have noticed I’m big on snacks. These days you can eat snacks and still eat healthy.”

Cami Anundson—Sales and Promotions Coordinator
Ethnic Gourmet Frozen Entrées—“My husband and I take them in our lunches and the whole family likes them for dinner.”

Stonyfield Yogurts—“My kids take the small Yobaby yogurts in their lunches.”(#17117, #17119)

North Farm Fruit Spreads (esp. Strawberry # 6558)—“This is the only fruit spread my kids will eat on their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

Lindt Chocolates, especially Milk Chocolate Truffle Changemakers (the round balls) (#1523)

Forest Pure’s Rain Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner (#19756 and #19757) “These are the only products I use to shampoo and condition my long hair.”

Bob Wildenburg—Driver
Shelton’s Turkey Burger (#2814)
Valley’s Xtra Lean Ground Beef (was Welsch’s) (#7145) and Whole Turkey (#7170)

“Here are great snacks to take on the road:
Barbara’s Cheese Puffs (#4004) and Jalapeño Cheese Puffs (#4005)
Kettle Chips (most varieties)
Nature’s Choice Granola Bars (most varieties)
Little Bear/Bearitos Chips: I used to deliver to the manufacturer and got a lot of free samples. I’ve tried ‘em all and like ‘em all.”

Jeff Barnhart—Purchasing
“Stripples (#19160) made by Worthington are the best bacon substitutes around. Their taste, look and texture are awesome. You can put them in BLTs; plus they crumble like the real thing so they are great over salads.”

“Vegi Deli Gourmayo (#5393) is a thick, non-dairy mayonnaise substitute that tastes great.”

“Westsoy Plus Vanilla Fresh Soy Milk (#1240) is the best-tasting fresh soymilk there is. It has less fat and cholesterol plus more protein and calcium than cow’s milk plus all the benefits of soy. I give it to my 3-year-old daughter who never drinks cows’ milk.”

“The whole family loves North Farm fruit spreads—Blueberry especially (#6552). It has big chunks of fruit and the quality is excellent.”

Neva Masche—Transportation Office
“I love Newman’s Own Peppermint With Dark Chocolate Cups (#10717).”

Melissa Jones—Transportation Office
“My favorites are Celestial Seasoning’s Echinacea Cold
Season Herbal Tea (#14483) and Genisoy Chocolate Mint Soy Bars (#7767).”

Ray Blenker—Accounting
Ian’s Natural Foods Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast (broc/cheddar) (#2196)
Nature’s Bakery Spinach Cheese Calzone (#2574)

Pete Raymond—Driver
Barbara’s Shredded Multi-Grain Spoonfuls (#3586)
Alvarado Street Sprouted Wheat Multi-Grain Bread (#3317)

Leslie Hoberg—Outlet Store
Cedar Lane Bean, Rice & Cheese Burritos (#15635)
Uncle Matt’s Orange Juice (#4224)
Honey Bars—“I especially like the Trail Mix flavor (#9257) but I haven’t tried them all.”

“I like all the North Farm products (well almost all) but my very favorite is Blue Farm Corn Chips (#6345)—I buy about a case a month. They taste great and are economical, too!”