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  • Readers Respond
  • Heather Williams, David Zuckerman, Noam Schimmel, and Doris Rausch

AMERICAN FOOD

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article by John Brueggemann, “Two Stories about American Food.” It was a thoughtful engagement of the decisions I make on a daily basis, encouraging me to be more mindful of my participation in perpetuating a consumption culture of abuse and neglect. Soon after reading this article I was having a conversation with a colleague from Hawaii and another from Ottawa. They were discussing the foods that are not available to them given their geographic locations. It was in that moment that I connected my position of privilege and how dependent I am on an unjust food system that spoils the few while neglecting the masses who truly hunger. ‘The Beautiful Story’ is that we are indeed becoming more aware of our decisions and how they impact, sustain, or challenge the systems of food consumption. The alternative narrative in this beautiful story consists of moral aspirations, explained by John. I feel compelled to connect my religious values and faith as it relates to creation and humanity. This alternative narrative offers a more holistic view of decisionmaking and change building.

—Rev. Heather Williams
(Heather Williams is the lead pastor of Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church in Saratoga Springs, NY.)

YOUNG PEOPLE IN VEMONT

Alexis Lathem’s article “Food as Medicine: Vermont Youth Grow Food for the Hungry” in the Spring 2016 issue of Tikkun is a thoughtful description of the challenges our current food system faces. Because we do not pay farmers well and because our economic system does not pay people a living wage, too many people are hungry and do not have access to sustainably raised food. This model is a real benefit to those families and offers young people the opportunity to learn farming skills and sustainable agricultural practices. When we can address three problems with one program, we are being efficient with our resources and multiplying their effect. We need to support this kind of system, but we also need to transform our food system so that farmers are paid what they deserve and workers are paid what they deserve and healthy food is available to everyone.

As an organic farmer and a Vermont State Senator, I see the connections between social and environmental problems and solutions every day. Alexis Lathem has captured this principle when she says “the future of food lies not in industrial, chemically intensive agriculture but in ecologically based practices, like those taught at the VYCC and practiced by many of Vermont’s diversified farms.”

I also enjoyed “Mustard Seeds and Mountains” by Teresa Marbut, where she describes indigenous activists and their struggle with the corporate biotech industry. Grassroots activism, such as that practiced by Demanda Colectiva Maiz in Mexico is the only power that people have to counter the wealth and political power that Corporate Giants like Monsanto wield.

I was the lead Senate sponsor of the GMO Labeling bill that became Vermont law a year ago. We have recently seen many of the largest food companies across the country announce their decision to label all their products in all 50 states to comply with Vermont’s law. It took a dozen years of grassroots activism by Vermonters to convince my colleagues in the Vermont Legislature to find the courage to pass this law. We can take back control of our food and our environment if we work together and engage in the political process.

Thank you for your thoughtful and comprehensive exploration of these important issues.

—David Zuckerman
(Senator David Zuckerman has served seven terms in the Vermont House and two terms in the Vermont Senate. He is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. Zuckerman and his wife, Rachel Nevitt, own and manage Full Moon Farm, an organic farm in Hinesburg, VT.)

DESPONDENCY DOES NO SERVICE TO JEWS OR ISRAEL

David Gordis (“Major American Jewish Leader Changes His Mind About Israel,” Tikkun website Feb. 22, 2016) has the right to his own despondency but he does no service to Jews, Israel, and those who seek to strengthen Israeli democracy, social justice, and human rights by conflating his personal hopelessness about Israeli society, politics...

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