Welcome President Obama

The last week was considered "a changing of the guard", "out with the old and in with the new", it was the inauguration, we welcomed a new president into office with the hope of change.  And yes, I hope things change.  In his first week of office, he was busy reversing and halting many of former President Bush's policies.  That was just the beginning, I'm guessing. 

I recently read an article entitled "Top Chefs push Obama to Improve Food Policy".  You see, our new President is a very much into sustainability, the environment and nutrition.  These are all issues that we should all be concerned about.  I believe in utilizing local farms. Not only do they use more natural ways of farming, but we use less energy in the packaging and transporting of their produce.  Buying local keeps money in your community, which in turn helps your local schools, businesses and government keep up with construction and maintenance of everyday wear and tear.  Essentially it is the most effective way to bring healthy choices to the table, as well as to be kind to the environment.  Today large farms and corporations are squeezing out the small farms with the help of government subsidies.  Resulting in the large farms to have enough money to thrive on over-farmed land with excess watering and genetically modified seeds and ultimately, produce.  Small farms do not have a chance to compete with a more costly, organic, environmental product that they produce.  

My concern is President Obama's choice for the Secretary of Agriculture, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack.  Vilsack has sided with large industrial farms and the genetic modification of corn for pharmaceutical purposes in the state of Iowa.  He was also named "Governor of the Year" by lobbyist group, Biotechnology Industry Organization.  For the small, local, organic farmer this may raise some concerns.  The run-off and contamination of such crops can and will destroy neighboring farmland and their crops.  For me, I hope our president sees much more.  Because if we are going to change the way people eat; we will have to change their options of what they can eat.  For now, we can all make a difference; make a change.  Please help!  Keep it local, organic and sustainable.  That is the policy I can stand for.

vegan chef period.

We need help please! We are over 30 percent funded on our Kickstarter Campaign for Sanctuary, a new plant-based bistro to open this Fall in East Bay. Please check it out and consider backing and sharing with your friends. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/473325024/sanctuary-bistro-a-plant-based-bistro-in-the-eastThank you!