There is always more you can do.

I chose to respond to Aaron Baker’s post “Is your Hunger Natural or Affluent?” (link: https://sites.uw.edu/pols385/2020/05/04/is-your-hunger-natural-or-affluent/). The question posed in his title is something I have been grappling with since I shifted to a plant-based diet due to unethical practices in the meat and dairy industry. I thought his response was very insightful, and I especially appreciated his statement “Just as hunger may be ubiquitous in the state of nature, it is equally possible for it to be absent entirely in a relatively affluent state in which the parameters of self-preservation have been redefined.” His thoughts made me consider how I drastically redefined my diet by only considering plant-based options as permissible for my self-preservation, despite there being ample other food options surrounding me. Thus, it seems as if I have redefined my “self” that I wish to preserve. My goal is not to simply keep myself alive, rather it is to maintain optimal nutrition, ethical consumption, and great taste.

Veganism News and Political Cartoons

From this, I drew a connection to “The Color of Food” (https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1372505/files/63044076/download?wrap=1) article we read in class, which described the “good food movement” amongst privileged middle-class individuals who prefer to consume organic food. The article goes on to describe those economically excluded from this movement, who rely on food supplied through the enormous food production chain that exploits people of color and “often forces workers to live in conditions that are close to poverty.” So, when I search for vegan meals, my hunger isn’t natural, it is affluent. Recognizing how much of the world struggles with food sovereignty allows me to stave off complacency as in my fight for change in the food system. I recognize a vegan diet isn’t enough, and that holistic change that provides everyone equal access to good food as I do today is my ultimate goal.

Food Sovereignty - SourceWatch

214 thoughts on “There is always more you can do.

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  4. This post raises important questions about the ethics of food consumption and the disparities in access to fresh vegetables and fruits. While a plant-based diet is a commendable step towards sustainability, it also underscores the privilege inherent in making such choices. Many marginalized communities are excluded from the “good food movement,” highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to address these inequalities. Building a fair and inclusive food system requires advocating for policies that prioritize food sovereignty and equal access to nutritious, sustainable produce.

  5. The post beautifully captures the intersection of personal ethics and systemic challenges in the food system. Transitioning to a plant-based diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, reflects a commitment to ethical consumption, but it also highlights the privilege of making such a choice. Many communities lack access to fresh produce due to systemic barriers, reinforcing the need for broader structural changes. To create a truly equitable food system, we must address these disparities and ensure that nutritious, sustainable food options are available to all.

  6. This reflection on plant-based diets and food sovereignty is a powerful reminder of the ethical implications of our food choices. While fresh vegetables and fruits are integral to a vegan diet, they are also symbols of privilege in a world where many lack access to basic nutrition. The systemic exploitation in food production chains reinforces the need for holistic change to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of fresh produce. Advocating for food justice means addressing these inequalities and working towards a system that values both human and environmental well-being.

  7. The contemplation of affluent hunger versus natural hunger is a thought-provoking lens to analyze food choices. The ability to opt for a diet rich in vegetables and fruits highlights the privilege of living in a state of relative abundance. However, this privilege also comes with a responsibility to advocate for systemic changes that ensure equitable access to nutritious foods. The exploitation within the global food production chain, as described in “The Color of Food,” perpetuates inequalities that deny many the ability to enjoy fresh produce. Addressing these disparities is crucial to building a food system that prioritizes sustainability, fairness, and inclusivity.

  8. This post shines a light on the ethical dimensions of hunger and the privilege associated with dietary choices. It’s fascinating to consider how redefining “self-preservation” through a plant-based diet intersects with broader issues of food sovereignty. While the ability to prioritize fresh vegetables and fruits
    reflects affluence, it also underscores the inequities within the global food system. Many communities are excluded from the “good food movement” due to systemic barriers, reinforcing the need for collective action to make healthy, ethical food options accessible to everyone. The pursuit of food justice should aim to ensure that fresh produce is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

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