Sitting next to a dear friend at a recent sustainability conference waiting for the keynote to make his main points I could feel my stomach tying in knots.  The next day I would be sharing my story which included mention of exclusively breastfeeding my daughter-I'd cleared a room of grown men before by the mention so I just wasn't sure what to expect.  The keynote was Raj Patel, author of The Value of Nothing and former World Bank employee. He started with points about the Green revolution and related it to the current state of obesity and starvation in the world. He talked about the “free market” and then shared a story about a community in Malawi and the concern they faced when their babies began failing to thrive.  

He asked the audience to guess what the possible issue may have been and things like, “pesticides”, “lack of clean water”, “lack of medical care” were heard from the mostly college aged students in the room...he kept nodding his head no and saying, "guess again". I was thinking to myself, “surely he's not”, “he can't be”, and as time went on “I think he's going to say it”. "Lack of BREASTFEEDING", he said in a loud voice.  He went on to share that as the country had struggled to keep up with agriculture demands more women were being put out into the fields-even if they had babies to breastfeed. Without adequate substitutes their babies health was drastically declining. Desperate-the community came together looking for solutions. They started recipe days where women came together to cook healthy meals and through communication and collaboration they came up with solutions that allowed them to not only share work, but to find a strong voice to stand up to the men and authorities who were putting too many demands on them.  This didn't happen over night.  The women had to overcome years of being silenced and competitiveness among themselves.  But they looked around and saw what was happening in their community and they wanted change.  They wanted to find balance between their work and their motherhood.

I believe that women deserve the right to know the truth about breastfeeding and that if they choose to breastfeed they deserve the right to good birth experiences and support that help them to be successful.  If that is not happening women deserve the right to speak up.  We as a community need to listen.  The truth is-that even here in the United States-that doesn't always happen.  Breastfeeding may just be one of the most "hot topic" issues that I write about. 

“Since 1999, infant formula advertising increased from 7,000 print and television ads to 10,000 per year,” says Mishawn Purnell-O’Neal, founder of the Chicago-based Breastfeeding America and author of “Breastfeeding Facts Over Fiction: Health Implications on the African-American Community,” published in 2001. “With this aggressive marketing, it stands to reason that breastfeeding rates across all races, and particularly rates among African American women, do not meet government health objectives.”

African American women who receive kangaroo care and are not discharged with formula bags see a 600% increase in breastfeeding rates.

The CDC shared data showing that breastfeeding duration was longer among mothers who delivered in a hospital with more baby friendly practices. Moms who delivered in hospitals with no baby friendly practices were 30% more likely to stop breastfeeding by 6 weeks. With 7 or more practices, only 3% of moms stopped breastfeeding. This was among moms who had already made the choice to breastfeed and reported that they intended to breastfeed for at least 2 months.

Knowledge allows us to make educated decisions about the things that matter most.  When women are left feeling as if they are unable to share, ask questions or gain the resources they need then their health and rights begin to diminish.  The thing is-they usually have no idea this is happening until the suffering has begun.  After six years of telling my story and reaching out to my community I can tell you that we as a country and even locally we are still suffering.  And unless they are effected directly most people would rather just not talk about it.  Many times...I get to hear their stories.

-The refugee woman who viewed birth as a natural process, but was surprised by so many standard medical interventions she thought she must surely be about to die-she had only experienced normal, natural births in the past.  She asks the nurses to just keep the baby and laid in the bed ready to take her last breath.  The next day they bring her baby and she is surprised to see that she must be miraculously healed and they hand her newborn baby and a bottle of formula to her.  She returns home with no money or resources to buy formula and a baby that is failing to thrive.  I get a call in the middle of the night.

-The mom who does everything she can to prepare for breastfeeding.  She buys a boppy pillow, nursing cover, special bras and clothing.  She walks into the hospital ready to give birth and is surprised by the cascade of interventions that are set out before her.  It happens so quickly that in the moment she considers herself thankful to have the medical staff to take her pain away, raise her blood pressure, bring her oxygen and save her baby by surgery.  She misses the golden hour, was unaware that the swelling from IV fluids and epidurals could make nursing more difficult, is given nipple shields and sent home with a pretty bag full of formula.  On the second night-exhausted and on an opposite sleep schedule from her baby who spent his hospital nights in a room of bright lights and noise-she gives in and lets her mom "feed the baby" (that formula on the kitchen counter has been telling her to get some sleep since she got home).  The next morning she realizes that her breastfeeding goals are still important to her, but now the baby is gassy and upset because of the formula in his tummy and she's engorged.  Everyone around her reminds her that, "I didn't breastfeed you and you turned out okay", "not everyone can do it-it's okay", "you are going back to work in six weeks anyway".  She sends me a message on facebook sharing exactly how she feels, but expresses that no one in her family wants to hear her complain because, "she has a healthy baby".

-She is older, probably in her 60's and full of life.  She thanks me for being so bold in my support of breastfeeding women.  Even though we're alone she whispers, "I breastfeed my baby, but no one knew.  You just didn't do that back then.  I was never able to leave the house, but I'd never trade that time with your baby.  I just love what you all are doing to make it more common."
or
She is older, probably in her 60's and full of life, but when she shares her birth story her eyes show the signs of years of hurt.  She had no idea what was going to happen to her when she arrived at the hospital.  She was strapped down to the bed and given "twilight" pain medicine that shut her up, but didn't take away the pain.  Her baby was born and taken away for a couple of days, "they used to take the babies away and you were left to take care of yourself.  They showed me two bottles-one they said had breastmilk in it and it looked like water and the other was formula and it was thick and rich looking.  Of course I picked the formula.  There was another woman in the hospital who was from another country-she nursed her baby and we were all jealous of her snuggling on the bed all day and night with her baby."

-"I'm pregnant, but I'm not going to tell anyone about it." (I'm often the first to know when someone is pregnant-even people I barely know).  She is struggling with her decision to plan a pregnancy and even to breastfeed.  What will my friends say?  Will they remember my previous stance to never have a baby and call me out on it?  She tells me that deep down she wants to breastfeed and even keep the baby with her for at least the first 6 months, but the company she works for would never allow it and besides, "What would people think of me?  I've worked too hard to get where I am."

Each of these stories has repeated itself over and over again as I've listened to and read the stories of women around me.  These stories tell me that just like Malawi we have a society that is not valuing a woman's right and role as a mother-if she so chooses.  Just like in Malawi the coming together of women to share their stories, experiences, trials and losses are the best way to allow positive changes for the future.  Thankfully, we are seeing this coming together of women and my hope is that we continue to allow the hard work that needs to happen take place.  It won't happen overnight and we-just like the women in Malawi-we will have to overcome years of being silenced and competitiveness among ourselves.

These are the recommendations for infant feeding (in order) from the World Health Organization

• Milk from own mother by breastfeeding,
• Milk from own mother, expressed,
• Milk from a wet-nurse, or
• Milk from a milk bank, or
• Breastmilk substitute fed by cup,

In order to accomplish the work of building up milk supplies that can be shared with women who are unable to breastfeed we need to normalize breastfeeding.  Women who choose to and are able should be encouraged to breastfeed on demand and as often as possible.  The same recommendations suggest the following become normal for all babies in order for optimal health.

• Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life;
• Exclusive breastfeeding –that is, the infant only receives breastmilk (including milk expressed or from a wet nurse) without any additional food or drink or water;
• Breastfeeding on demand –that is, as often as the child wants, day and night;
• No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers.

Thankfully, we're seeing fewer hospitals offering discharge bags full of formula, we're seeing support groups such as BabyNet online and meet up groups that give women this chance to get together, share and work on possible solutions for our community.  Workplace pumping, donor milk, kangaroo care and active work by our local health departments, businesses that support breastfeeding mothers and state and national efforts are stronger than ever.

The biggest issue that I believe we face as a community is the desire to protect mothers who were unable to breastfeed (for true medical reasons or booby traps) by silencing mothers and even health care providers from publicly sharing the health benefits of breastfeeding, the health concerns for formula and the personal stories of woman after woman who want to see change.  If you were unable to breastfeed (but secretly had a desire) consider reaching out in support of breastfeeding moms.  I've heard so many women tell stories of finding healing and reconciliation with those around them by simply saying, "I didn't breastfeed, but you should-and I'll help you".  If you had a true medical condition that kept you from breastfeeding-I'm so sorry.  Please know that there are other women out there who have experienced this as well and that by reaching out you may not only find healing, but a possible solution for future women.  If you were not the support you wish you had been to a mother in your life-apologize, let her know you are truly sorry.  Silencing our women, isolating them from one another, hiding the truth about the benefits from breastfeeding and the health concerns caused by formula will not help anyone.  For this reason-I believe-breastfeeding is a social justice issue in need of love and attention. 

As we drove the streets of Honduras it became apparent that many women and most children were at a loss.  Many simply sitting on roadsides watching the world go by.  I met one hard working woman while in Honduras who inspired and motivated me to consider how her story may just make a difference here in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  This beautiful woman loved to cook and was still managing to do this for income, but recently an opportunity for success had been taken away from her.  Making her favorite prepared food items and selling them had been a dream come true that was taken away from her due to policies and power.

After I returned to my hometown I worked through balancing the life changing experience of a trip oversees with the defeat that comes over you when you realize that all you've got is never enough.  At the moment when I couldn't decide if I should just hide out on the couch a woman who I had met through BabyNet was getting ready to face the same thing I had witnessed back in Honduras.  I had tried Amanda's tamales in the past and they are delicious.  She had started selling them at Community Farmers Market and was seeing success beyond anyone's wildest imagination.  While that might seem like a dream come true-let me tell you-just watching Amanda pull all nighters, take a cab to the market and balance her work load with motherhood could leave anyone in need of a nap.  But she did all of this with thankfulness.  We all knew she was breaking the rules.  Single moms who are struggling don't just rise up and find success, or could they?  Those of us who knew Amanda were cheering her on (with a tamale in one hand) because she gave us hope-hope that we're not that important-because equality can happen.  So here I was feeling hopeful, but still wanted to hide on the couch when the policies and power that we face in our own country began to rise up and place obstacles in front of our dear tamale lady.

While each obstacle felt like defeat in the moment Amanda never lost sight of her desire not to compromise on the product she created.  Her desire and passion could be tasted in each bite as consumers we're hungry for what she was serving up.  And the farmers around her were benefiting from the positive energy and increased sales she brought to the market.  Together a group of caring peers, community leaders and government employees were able to rise up and create opportunities for those who need them most.  In many ways Amanda sacrificed her time and effort so that others could benefit from the investment into improved local food policy.  That is where my hope comes in.  Let me be honest-we faced opposition, bullying, negativity and a lot of fear.  But we never lost sight in what might be in the future-for the iced cream lady, the juice ladies, the bread maker, the coffee house and all of us farmers who are paddling in the same boat.  We were able to connect to those who cared about us-our stories.

The reality is that there are a lot of obstacles standing in small scale local food businesses way.  While we're traveling off the beaten path we have to pay careful attention to who we're traveling with and be prepared to clear the way from time to time.  We've been charting new territory here in Bowling Green, Kentucky and some of that work is done in meeting rooms, on the phone, through face to face conversations and filing more paperwork.  The rest is done in the field, or kitchen or at the farmers markets.  Rather than complaining we're finding the people who care and building up partnerships, being willing to collaborate and negotiating when necessary.  Things will not completely change over night, but they are changing.  For that I'm hopeful.

There was a quote in our local paper recently that said local food has been "in vogue" in the last couple of years. I'd agree that local food has become "new" to more folks over the last couple of years, but "vogue" I'm just not sure about. That statement means that local food has just been a fad, a blip, a fun thing to do for a bit. While you can't stay new forever there is too much hard work, determination and real relationships being formed to call this "vogue". Policy change, food access, food system development, grassroots marketing and most importantly relationships between consumers and local farmers have been happening in a big way. I notice the change...things aren't as new a they once were, but that's because it's the new "normal" for more local food buyers. Restaurants, schools, food pantries, child care centers, large institutions are committing more of their dollars locally than ever before (through local small scale farmers). We're talking about people cooking more meals at home or with chefs who buy local, making half their plate fruits and vegetables, supporting the local economy, caring about the hungry, increasing our food security, changing habits and becoming healthier...together as a community. 

Top Crops selling at Community Farmers Market

Students at the Boys & Girls Club shopping the mobile farmers market thanks to contributions from local organizations, businesses, individuals and churches.

A packed house at "empty bowls" to benefit HOTEL INC.

I spend a lot of my time talking about local food.  I get to hear success stories, hardships, how much we really need rain right now.  I know so many farmers and local food enthusiasts that it just comes naturally for me to think about food from the perspective of the farmers I personally know.  Because farmers do-you know-grow our food (that's my agriculture degree at work for you).  I think it's time that we ask ourselves why we stopped supporting the farmers who live next door to us.  The number one thing I hear about local food is, "I'd love to buy local, but it's too expensive."

Let me start with a confession.  Just a few years ago I was saying-or at least thinking-the same thing.  Nathan and I are both very, very frugal.  Let me give you an example-Nathan spent countless hours this past week taking nails out of old boards in order to reuse them for our chicken houses and I cut towels down into smaller rags so I didn't have to buy new wash cloths.  We're cheap.  Throughout the years we've wandered through times when we had to be frugal and other times it just felt like the right thing to do.  I've met many rural farmers who buy the cheapest-most often processed-food available for this very reason.  The first few years that Nathan sold at a local farmers market I would stop by for a few minutes and buy a couple of things.  Maybe a melon or peaches, a loaf of bread or block of cheese.  I could have stocked up on more, but I didn't.  Always a reason-I had already bought eggs and that 5 lb roll of ground beef on sale, I didn't have a list with me, I wasn't sure what to do with those vegetables.  Deep down it was because I believed it would be too expensive to purchase most of our food locally.  Or maybe it was the hope that I'd strike it rich thanks to unbeatable price cuts at the grocery store at my next visit.  The deals always ended up being packaged, convenience foods that were taking a toll on our bodies.

A couple years later we jumped head first into buying local food.  My main motivation was becoming more intentional about eating fresh, healthy foods.  I'm an all in kind of gal so when I had the notion to feed my family better it occurred to me that I could invest in a bunch of contraptions, gimmicks and diet plans or I could invest in the people I knew by name at the market.  It was the motivation I needed to make some hard and fast changes and it seemed like the right thing to do. 

Truths I learned from eating a mostly local diet
-Limiting trips to the grocery store cuts down on the amount of sugary, processed foods I bring into the house.
-Eating whole foods fills us up faster and for longer periods of time-so we eat less.
-Eating seasonally has additional benefits such as good digestive health, variety of nutrients, increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
-The connection we've made to good people keeps us connected to good food.
-Time is money.  I spent less time couponing and more time cooking which was in fact what really made my family healthier.

To be honest, I wasn't completely sure that local food was cheaper or even comparable to what's available in the grocery store, but I had a hunch that it was.  Every time I go into the grocery store I cannot believe how fast the prices are rising.  Transportation costs, recalls, marketing (no telling what the chain stores are spending on "local food" advertising) are all contributing to rising costs-especially on fresh food.  I know more about local farm prices and I can tell you that we aren't rising our prices quite as fast.  Farmers need to make a living and we are passionate about pricing well, but farmers want to be reasonable-and for the most part they are.

In order to get a cost comparison I asked my friend Sonja to do some research for us at three of our local grocery chains.  She compared the prices of each item in a weekly share from our farm.  A few things to consider.  Our Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) has a $65 price point, but the value varies from week to week depending on what protein is included and what's in season.  On average, our customers receive a box that has a market value of $67-71 (the benefit of being in a CSA).  This share has a slightly lower protein value, but included additional vegetables.  When searching for certain products such as heirloom tomatoes and gourmet peppers Sonja had to find something comparable.  I was surprised to see Walmart with the highest price and Kroger with the lowest since most people consider Kroger to be a more expensive store.  What Sonja found is that local food is only slightly more expensive and when joining a CSA or getting to know your farmers (to buy in bulk) it's about the same.
               

Getting accurate data comparing local food to grocery stores would be fairly difficult.  Just as there are variables between different stores the same is true for farmers selling at the same market.  A grocery store may be offering special incentives or coupons* and one farmer may have a bumper crop of tomatoes so they are selling them cheaper by the box.  While we could work through possible scenarios all day long I think that these figures Sonja provided show that when we talk about local food being more expensive we're really just talking about a few dollars.  So I have to ask-could a few dollars be keeping you from eating fresh, locally grown food?  I've got a few assumptions about how we came to believe that local food was more expensive and I'll share those in a future writing.
*please note:  I've found that very few coupons are for fresh food (and this comes from a former coupon queen).

Tips to make local food easier
-Stock up on good extra virgin olive oil, real salt, and hard cheeses.  You can do just about anything with those three things.
-Spend less time learning recipes and more time learning basic cooking skills.  With a few good skills you can learn to prepare and enjoy all of the fruits and vegetables at the market.
-Ask your farmer how to prepare the food they grow.  When in doubt, use google.
-Simplify:  A very common meal in our home includes browned, crumbled beef or pork, vegetables cooked in olive oil and salted, sliced bread, sliced cheese and sliced cantaloupe for dessert.  Simple.
-Eat what you buy.  That sounds over simplified, but it is one of the biggest challenges as you transition to fresh food. 

For those on a really tight budget
-Many farmers markets including our own CFM not only accept SNAP, WIC Farmers Market vouchers, Senior Nutrition vouchers, but also DOUBLE them for increased value.
-Buy at the peak of season and in bulk.
-Join a CSA for best value.
-Pick up your CSA or shop the market first, then shop for deals at the grocery.  Make sure you aren't spending the same amount at the grocery store while purchasing additional food at the market.
-Grow a garden or barter (most farmers love to barter).

Current CSA offerings at Community Farmers Market in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Farms
Sunny Point Gardens (Saturday)
Rough Draft Farmstead (Tuesday)
Think Little CSA (Tuesday)
Need More Acres CSA Farm (Saturday)

Bread
Esters Farm Baked Goods (Tuesday, Saturday)

Prepared Food
Farm Fresh But Already Fixed (Tuesday)
Zest- Juice for life. (Tuesday, Saturday)
Summer Garden Memories (Tuesday, Saturday)
Hillbilly Grillers (Saturday)

Art/Craft
Sly Dyes (Saturday)

Email Ordering/Herd Shares
Stoney Creek Farm (Saturday)

Dog Treats
Bark Twain Bakery (Saturday)