Mon., Apr. 23, 2018

Psalm 104:14 – You let the earth produce grass for cattle, plants for our food.

At least three times a day, most people open a fridge, a lunch bag or a menu and eat. As we fill our bodies with life-giving food, are we aware of where this food came from? The necessary steps for it to be available for you to eat?

Yesterday, my friend Janice invited me to attend a movie with her called, “Farmers for America.” This documentary explores how food is produced in America. It shared some interesting facts:

• The average American farmer is 60-years-old.
• In the next 10-20 years, about two-thirds of the American land where food is grown will change ownership.
• Because of the high costs associated with entering production agriculture, it is increasingly difficult for many younger people who want to be farmers to follow their dreams of being a farmer.
• Rural American is changing dramatically.

The movie explores what this means for future food production in the United States. It shared examples of people creativity growing food. Growing vegetables on vacant lots in Detroit. Specialized hoop structures which allow food to be grown year around in cold climates. Farmers offering internships to assist younger people.

At the end of the day, we have very few basic needs. Food is one of them. While this basic need does not change, this documentary shows how food production is changing in the U.S.

Here in the U.S. and even world-wide, we do not have a food shortage problem. We have a food distribution challenge. When people become more aware of sourcing food locally, this supports a local economy.

Today, I am grateful for the many people who dedicate their lives to the production of food. I am grateful for the people who work for businesses and organizations who support production agriculture. I am grateful for our universities, extension and other branches who encourage research and act as resource branches to production agriculture. These are the folks who guarantee us a safe, affordable and reliable food source.

On my way home last night, I bought groceries. In one quick stop, I could load up a cart with fresh fruits and vegetables. I could buy quality protein. I bought a box of Rick’s favorite cereal and my preferred loaf of bread. Often, we do this with little thought of the thousands of people who were involved in growing the food.

Outside of buying groceries, what is one little thing you can do this week which would encourage the people who work long hours to grow the food you eat? How might you support local farmers who are involved in production agriculture because this is their passion?

God allows for beautiful land on which crops are grown for our consumption as well as animals which we may eat. It’s a very complicated system that doesn’t just happen.

For this, I am grateful.

Lord God – thank you for the spring rains which encourage new growth. Thank you for the people who have dedicated their lives to producing food for us to eat. May we appreciate your role as well as their roles in providing our basic need of food. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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