What can WE do?

So... There is going to be, or is a food shortage. Millions and millions of people may suffer, including you! For the last year or so, food prices at the grocery stores has skyrocketed. This is due to many factors, but the result is the same. People are paying more and more for food, and more and more people are going hungry. What can the general public do? A lot.

• Buy local produce at farmers markets and CSAs. It minimizes transportation costs and supports local farmers and businesses.
• Don't waste food. I was appalled by the story of an associate's spouse who will buy food for one or two days, and if it isn't eaten, it is thrown out. Whole loaves of bread, bottles of peanut butter, fresh meat and vegetables all tossed in the garbage.
• Grow your own. Even if you grow a single tomato plant, or one of those sub-miniature fruit trees, it helps.
• Plan your meals and shopping lists.
• Watch for coupons and special sales.
• Learn to can or otherwise store or preserve food. When vegetables or fruit is on sale, buy in bulk and preserve it for later.
• Eat more raw food. Not as much energy is used to prepare raw food items, and their nutrients are not lost due to the cooking process. (Beware - some food items cannot safely be eaten raw!)
  
• Recycle. It is generally less expensive for food processing companies to purchase recycled Aluminum, steel and/or plastic for packaging.
• Buy in bulk. It is typically less expensive and reduces packaging.
• Compost your food wastes. Less waste in landfills is a good thing.
• Conserve energy and simplify your life.

Every little bit you can do, helps. Of course, the more you do, the better.