Get involved in using local food

To the editor:

Food is not a current topic on many Americans' minds -- be careful on the drive with that burger! -- but it's one of the most fundamental characteristics we all share. Taking the time to eat builds community, family, and personal health. Getting to know the kitchen is an act of self-care, and so becoming connected with the essential work of preparing food. I hope you all will continue to eat vegetables and meat that are grown locally for it's better for the plants, the environment, and Oberlin's economy.

Oberlin has a nice local food supply -- the Oberlin Market, George Jones Farm, and a regular farmer's market, to name a few, soon to be augmented with the Common Goods grocery store south of town. With a dynamic college project and a new food economy, it is time to consider getting involved in local food, or sending your son or daughter to.

In these next few months I'll be finishing Boston University. Studying about food and social change can bring about true sustainability, and I hope to implement some of these changes around Oberlin (You can read more on my website at eddiemill.wordpress.com/). Growing food is a genuine profession in that it creates something out of nothing, useful to people. And most of the projects are low funded and even happen in a backyard. For students, people, or anyone with a yard I encourage you to consider ag.

I will be hosting a meeting on Saturday, March 6, at the Oberlin Public Library, and I hope you can come over to talk about the local food this summer and the green belt. I will bring back a few examples of what other communities are doing, as well as look forward to hearing your own experiences. Thank you, and enjoy your food.

Edward Miller

Boston University '10

eddiemill@gmail.com