Well, this one certainly was a bit of a change of pace from Book 1 and Book 2. I loved it.
Don’t get me wrong, Cooked and Folks, This Ain’t Normal were FANTASTIC. And I do think everyone should read them (especially Folks, This Ain’t Normal). But my list of things to do and changes to change and how-to-make-the-world-a-better-place-in-my-lifetime was getting rather long. I needed an uplifting story, and I needed to hear from some people (a whole TOWN of people, in fact) who had made some changes and were rapidly progressing towards something phenomenally important.
And that was The Town That Food Saved. In this book, Ben Hewitt takes us on a journey through the town of Hardwick, Vermont. Hewitt introduces us to the people and the history of the town, the uniqueness and wonder of the town, and how exactly they are changing the way food works. Hewitt is learning himself, throughout this book. I could really relate to that. He wasn’t just telling us what to think or what to do; he was telling us what he learnt, and how it made him see and understand what was going on in Hardwick.
I found it fascinating. At first, I loved the Agricultural movement happening in Hardwick. But then I got very easily swayed by the views of the real local food enthusiasts in Hardwick (the ones keeping all of the local food in that local area) and thought the agricultural movement was too big, and not really very local. But then I was talked around again, to the view that the agricultural movement is a damn good thing in combination with true local food. I spent hours pondering what Hewitt ponders; scale, and how big is too big? Before realising (probably exactly what Hewitt wants his readers to realise) that actually any change is good if it has the interests of the local community at heart – no matter how big or small, and even if it is based on the very same model that we are trying (and need to!) move away from. Because when a society is so stuck in such a terrible food system, you can’t beat it by simply doing the opposite. You have to work with the system until the system can work with you.
That was my biggest take-home message from The Town That Food Saved. But I have to say, I am left wondering (back to the question of scale in another light) if it is actually possible to do something (anything!) like this in a place as big as Sydney. Hardwick is a small town. The agricultural movement was essentially a grass-roots movement. Can we have a grassroots movement in a city of skyscrapers and concrete?
We can only try.
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Thanks for the review! I’m still reading (and enjoying) the second book! I live in Colorado Springs, a city with about 500,000. What has happened here is that there are now about 10 farmers markets selling local produce on various days and in several different locations. The local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF.org) has put together a 60-page online resource of local farmers/ranchers and what they offer for sale. There is now interest in a local Public Market that would be open year-round. The money needs to be raised first, but it’s generating a following. An old elementary school has been renovated and turned into several businesses: an artisanal bakery, brewery, butcher shop, restaurant, organic local produce shop, etc. This gives you several ideas on how to start small. I’m sure there’s a WAPF in Sydney you can contact for local resources. Many of their food practices I have embraced and am healthier and happier for doing it!
The changes in Colorado Springs sounds amazing, Pam!! Thanks for sharing what has been done there. 🙂
I’m all about Weston Price-inspired eating too! How cool that your local chapter has such an amazing resource in that document of farmers/ranchers. All of it is very inspiring!