Why Organic?

An editorial by Lori Karis, owner, Sweet Cheeks Baby Food

Wow, where to begin? I was asked to write an editorial about organics. I’m a big fan, so it seemed a logical request. I believe in eating food that is chemical free. The earth is my favorite place, and I’d like to think that I do my share to respect it and keep it clean and healthy. I also love the taste of most food, and organic food just tastes better. It really does.

I’ve spent the past twenty four (gulp) years hanging out with other people’s kids. As a professional nanny, I carpooled, controlled clutter, fostered development and encouraged good nutrition. Usually before 10 am. I believed in reading the books with the coolest art while Elizabeth Mitchell’s music played in the background. I made my own playdough and filled spray bottles with colored water to squirt on snow piles. And, I made my own baby food for every baby I met.

When I began my career, organic produce was not as readily available as it is today. The chemicals used today were not as readily available either however. Organic produce is grown without chemicals used to keep bugs away, without genetic modification. Scientists have an amazing ability to alter the state of a plant to produce more, or to attract or deter certain things. While I appreciate the science behind it, I do not want to eat it. I believe that these practices are likely affecting the general public’s health. More people are developing allergies to soy, wheat, nuts … and are facing incredible challenges with their general health. One might argue that pollutants could also cause these issues; our water supplies could be at fault. For me, food is an area I can control, and rule out as a cause. The other issues, daunting and real, seem too big to address.

Most organic farmers are passionate about growing food. They use methods that preserve the earth and sustain it for future generations. By choosing organic food, you are supporting these farmers, who are caring for our earth. You are enabling them to make a living growing and raising beautiful, organic food. We are so lucky to live an agriculturally rich region. We have access, here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, to seasonal, organic produce that was picked the same morning that we purchase it. We have the ability to meet our farmers and to purchase, can, put up, and store the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors. I love that. I really do. Because of them, and the way they farm, your great grandchildren will also have this opportunity to purchase and consume fresh, local and organic food.

One of the coolest things to me, regarding organics, is a simple taste issue. Organic produce is grown without benefit of chemicals to help it thrive. So, it truly becomes a situation of "survival of the fittest", and the best plant that survives, will taste better as a result. Feeding children fruits and vegetables that taste wonderful? My thought is, it can’t hurt… and maybe it would influence their palette to crave those types of foods.

"Growing" children. We are, in a way , like those organic farmers. We are striving for a healthy, next generation. As children grow, their brains are continuing to develop, as is their physical growth. We are feeding this growth, and since they consume four times the amounts of fruits and vegetables based on body weight as adults, it stands to reason that the food we are feeding them should really be as beneficial as possible. I strongly believe this food should be organic; local, fresh and organic. The thought of babies consuming chemicals … well, it just scares me. We are so careful about every other aspect of protecting our children, and rightly so. Food should be right up there with proper car seats and other safety issues.

There are so many scary things. Our food shouldn’t be one of them. Get to know your growers and producers. Seek out local options. Buy organic. Share. And, a nap every day can’t hurt either.