Farm Bill and What to Eat (broadcast Friday, August 10th, 2007)

A tasty selection of vegetables. Scott Bauer, USDA.

In this hour, Ira talks with a journalist who covers food and nutrition, and a nutritionist who's also an expert on food politics about the 2007 Farm Bill. The bill passed the House at the end of July, and will be up before the Senate in October. The Farm Bill isn't just the business of farming states; it affects what everyone eats, both in the United States and overseas. We'll also talk about nutrition and how we can be sure that we're eating what's best for us. The freshest, most nutritious food is that which is grown locally, but locally-grown foods can be very hard to find. We'll also talk to an author and food activist who is practicing what he preaches, living off the grid in rural Tennessee. He has advice for anyone who wants to improve nutrition and eating habits. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.