Many insects and key pollinators are disappearing at high rates around the world, at the very same time that global hunger is growing. If the creatures we need to pollinate our food die, than what will we do? Well unfortunately, so far, I think it has led us further down the path of genetically modified organisms, artificial pollination, giant mono-crops, and overall food corruption. Many of these systems kill the very insects, animals, and ecologies that humans depend on for survival! It is time for us to think creatively about food alternatives, so why not start with bugs!
I recently had a moving conversation with a high school student from Korea who had differing views about American food, farms, and portion sizes. He was shocked that we did not have bug farms, and that insects were not eaten more often because not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they are good for the environment too! This is not the first time I have heard that insects are the food of the future. My first instinct is ewwww. But then again, look at what is in our food today! Perhaps insects are truly the food of our past, present, and future, and I need to get on board.
I recently had a moving conversation with a high school student from Korea who had differing views about American food, farms, and portion sizes. He was shocked that we did not have bug farms, and that insects were not eaten more often because not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they are good for the environment too! This is not the first time I have heard that insects are the food of the future. My first instinct is ewwww. But then again, look at what is in our food today! Perhaps insects are truly the food of our past, present, and future, and I need to get on board.
Please, spend about 16 minutes of your life and watch this TED Talk!! If anything, I bet it will at least make you laugh, if not think skeptically about our food system.
http://www.ted.com/talks/marcel_dicke_why_not_eat_insects.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/marcel_dicke_why_not_eat_insects.html
In our modern world, where the human population is growing exponentially, many cultures already practice bug farming and often eat insects as delicacies! I think we can learn a lot from these cultures as well as take a risk in our own lives to begin to consciously consume more healthful foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole foods, and yes, insects! The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggests that insects are a viable alternative food source because of their high concentration of essential vitamins, amino acids, protein, and other nutrients. Today, insect-based food ingredients are actually used quite often in processed foods, and I think this trend will continue to grow as hunger does. Just as Community Supported Agriculture is booming in our nation, perhaps Community Supported Bug Farming will too! It all starts with us and our willingness to bite into something new :)
P.S. I love caterpillars, have a great day, and thank you for reading! Don’t forget to buy your Food For Thought Film Festival tickets for this thursday March 6 at 7pm @ http://www.thegrowingproject.org/events.html
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