Food Inc. is a new film due out in the UK on February 12th and what it says about the spin used by US supermarkets to promote factory farming holds just as true here in the UK.  Have a look at the trailer:

The film will be shown around the country and The Soil Association  are looking for volunteers to hand out information and membership leaflets. You can find out the dates and book on the official Food Inc. site

The film is promoting 10 Things You Can Do to Change Our Food System but it’s very US orientated so I thought I’d do us a UK version:

10 Things You Can Do to Change Our Food System

1. Drink fewer sweetened fizzy drinks and cut down sugar in tea & coffee
   
2. Eating in is the new going out
3. Support moves to force fast food outlets to publish calorie and fat content information on menues
4. Get soft drinks machines removed from local schools
5. Meatless Mondays – go without meat for just 1 day a week
6. Buy organic where possible, when not possible go for sustainable local food
7. Protect family farms. Find your local Farmers Market and use it. Buy organic boxes direct from farms.
8. Make a point of knowing where your food comes from. READ THE LABELS!
9. Tell the government that food safety matters to you – join the Soil Association and support their campaigns.
10. Demand job protection for farm workers and food processors, including improved protection when using pesticides and other chemicals, and decent wages.
    

Supermarkets now sell more than 70 per cent of organic produce in the UK — but, having done well in the organic boom, they are now bearing the brunt of the decline. According to Soil Association surveys, it is “barcode” sales of organic that are falling. Farmers’ markets, farm shops and box schemes are still all doing OK.

Organic boxes can actually save you money as well as save the planet, according to the Manchester Evening News. A recent article suggests that many people are cutting back on buying organic in supermarkets and are looking round for cheaper solutions.

Organic Boxes – 5 ways they save you money

Organic boxes are one way of continuing to eat well whilst still saving a few pounds.

1. You still get healthy organic produce but don’t pay a hefty supermarket premium.
2. Produce is often locally sourced so uses few food miles. Who do you think pays for all those transportation costs?
3. It’s usually fresher than anything you find in the supermarkets and so it keeps better, meaning less waste at the end of the week.
4. Your box will be full of seasonal produce which will still have its maximum nutritional value – more vitamins for your money.
5. There are no nasty surprises at the checkout. Your bill is the same from week to week so it’s easier to plan your spending.

Abel and Cole – “hundreds of new customers every week”

Ella Heeks from Abel and Cole, one of the major delivery services for organic boxes says that although some people are feeling the pinch many are still making organic food a priority

“A lot of people are feeling the pinch financially and it’s definitely a challenge for businesses at the moment, but we’re still welcoming hundreds of new customers every week”

Ella thinks this is because people are returning to home cooking and re-learning the art of planning a week’s meals for the family rather than relying on expensive takeaways and cook chill meals.

So if you want an affordable treat that helps to keep your family healthy then organic boxes are a great idea.

** Check if Abel & Cole deliver organic boxes in your area **

(photo credit -Wordridden)