At UUSDBA, we have committed as a congregation to be part of the UUA’s Congregational Study and Action Issue: Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice. Through out the year, you are invited to participate in monthly explorations of the issues through workshops, discussions, book readings, movies and guest speakers. We hope you join us as often as fits your schedule and peaks your interest. Click on the links below for more information about what we are doing and how you can be involved.
Ethical Eating - What Is It?
What is a Congregational Study Action Issue?
UUSDBA Food CO OP
Top Foods to Choose Organic
See the complete calendar schedule
January 28th, February 4th and February 11th
Continuing: As part of the Wednesday night Exploration Series:
Pastor Bud Murphy will lead us in a series of workshops on Effective Interpersonal Communication
February 1st: 12 noon – 1:15: Healthy Children/Healthy Planet
RE parents will meet to discuss Chapter 4 of the curriculum, Healthy Children/Healthy Planet created by the Northwest Institute. Kurtland Davies will facilitate the discussion. Chapter 4 is about Food and Health. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Debbie Johnson. All are welcome…..even if you don’t have RE kids.
February 5, 2009
Watch for notes on these upcoming events:
• Visit to an Organic Farm
• Vegetarian Pot Luck and Recipe Exchange
• Northwest Institute’s Discussion Book: Menu For the Future facilitated by Kurtland Davies. Date will be announced. Study guides are available.
February 12th, March 12th: 6:30 – 8:00, Room 1
Northwest Institute’s Discussion Book: Menu For the Future facilitated by Kurtland Davies and others. This is a multi-week discussion group exploring the connection between food and sustainability. We will explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems. We’ll discuss the agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being and will consider our role in creating or supporting sustainable food systems.
February 26th 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Room 1.
Meeting of Congregational Study Action Issue committee on Ethical Eating. All are welcome!
February 27th: Movie “Life and Debt" and Discussion. Free.
LIFE AND DEBT is a searing documentary from director Stephanie Black that examines the ways that policies of the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.). the World Bank, and other aid organizations have changed the Jamaican economy over the past 25 years. The films shows how Jamaica's agriculture, industry, government, and culture have been restructured by import-export systems, leaving the local people to struggle in poverty and work in sweat shops. Author Jamaica Kincaid, whose book A SMALL PLACE inspired the film, narrates with Belinda Becker. A reggae soundtrack that includes songs by Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Mutubaruka, and Peter Tosh engages viewers and calls them to action while reinforcing messages about the serious political issues that are the focus of the film
Bring a non-perishable food item to donate.
On the fourth Friday of each month join us as we watch and discuss a movie focusing on Food and Environmental Justice.
BOOK DISCUSSION
Next book discussion for the Ethical Eating group will be on Michael Pollan’s book The Omnivore’s Dilemna. Watch the website for start dates. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals was named one of the ten best books of 2006 by the New York Times and the Washington Post; Please email Sara Rivers to be included on the email list.
Ethical Eating - What is It?
Ethical Eating (from the UUA Commission on Social Witness)
Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice for 2008–2012
The Issue:
Religious organizations throughout the world have discussed the production, distribution, and use of food. Some people enjoy many
food choices while others remain hungry. The food industry produces
wealth, but small farmers and farm workers are often poor. Food
production and transportation contribute to many environmental
problems.
Background and Reasons for Study
Congregations can develop effective strategies to address two of the world's biggest problems:
social inequality and environmental destruction. Strategies also include addressing hunger and political advocacy in support of government programs that try to feed the hungry.
Possible Study Topics -abridged
• Why is food so important in religion?
• What moral guidelines, if any, should govern food production?
• How should congregations address issues like poverty and hunger, nutrition education, and health promotion?
• What guidelines, if any, govern the purchase and use of food and beverages in your congregation?
Possible Actions
• Support sustainable agriculture and farmers' markets. Encourage organic community gardening.
• Volunteer in support of community food pantries, Meals on Wheels programs, and similar projects that address the problem of hunger.
• Become an advocate for social and economic justice. Support labor unions, farmers' cooperatives, "fair trade" associations, and other organizations that help the farmers and other workers who produce
and distribute food in the global market.
Read a more complete description of the Congregational Study/ Action Issue
Top Foods to Choose Organic
Eating organically grown food is a healthier choice for our bodies and for the earth. Although it's getting easier to find organically grown food, the extra cost of eating organic is not always an option. The solution? Focus on those foods that come with the heaviest burden of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones.
The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce lists the 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables that are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides and those 12 fruits and vegetables that consistently have low levels of pesticides.
Get the list of the Dirty Dozen
and more information.
