Vote for well-being with your fork
Another election season is upon us, and while I hope your preferred candidates made it through the primaries, did you know that there is another important way you can vote? It’s a vote that has the power to impact your everyday life now and in the future. In fact, this vote takes place three times a day, every single day.
I’m talking about what’s on your plate. I believe that you have control over key components of your health and your community’s well-being by voting with your fork.
My encouragement to you is to vote with your fork by making conscious choices about the food you consume. We have the privilege of living in a place where the grocery store down the street stocks truckloads of choices. The brands we support and the companies we do business with compete for our dollar. Why not take some time to examine how your fork will impact these stakeholders?
Here are five suggestions to practically vote with your fork.
■ Prioritize locally recognized brands. It may cost a little more but remember that every purchase represents support for the hard work of communities, families and employees just like you.
■ Many national companies are no longer politically neutral. Consider supporting brands and establishments that hold values similar to your own. We all know a certain beverage company that was impacted by this recently.
■ Kern County grows an amazing repertoire of fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products, meat and much more. Carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes and pomegranates have made it to the top 20 commodity list for Kern County, all of which have well-studied health benefits. Consider consuming a few extras of these local rock stars on your plate.
■ Get to know your local farmers market or CSA. There are several great options in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. Local vendors are friendly, and some let you reserve popular items ahead of time if you ask. Other vendors deliver to your home!
■ Get creative and try a new healthy ingredient. Set some small, practical goals to improve what’s on your plate. I often remind myself of a quote by Jordan Peterson: “Don’t compare yourself to someone else. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday.” Make one good choice and celebrate that win.
Much like carefully selecting political candidates, making conscious choices about what’s on your plate has the potential to send a strong message. Your next menu could provide for your family and impact your community in a positive way. Be encouraged that every bite has more power than you realize.
The Kern County Young Farmers & Ranchers is a local group of young professionals who are passionate about agriculture! We host monthly events, tours, educational opportunities and fundraisers, and are open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35! For more information, reach out to us via Instagram (@Kern_YFR) or Facebook (KernCountyYoungFarmersAndRanchers), or email us at KernYFR@KernCFB.com.