Ch 12 & 13 Omnivore's Dilemma and Ch. 4 & 5 They Say/ I Say

In Chapter 12 Pollan talks about the slaughter house. He discovers that farmers are able to slaughter a few hundred birds every year, but for bigger animals they can have nothing to do with the process because the government won't allow it. The government insists upon slaughter being done in government inspected facilities. In North Idaho, we have both farm land, and a meat processing plant. It's not uncommon to see cows grazing along side the high way, cattle guards across the road, or cattle crossing signs the road. They look like they are living at least somewhat happy lives. Fresh air, green grass, and a beautiful view of gray cement. There isn't much more a cow could want. Along with pasture land, Sandpoint, Idaho also has Wood's Meat Processing Plant. Perhaps the best place in the area to purchase fresh mean, Wood's offers a variety of different cuts from different animals. This is the only place my mom will buy meat from because it is very fresh and a clean environment.

In Chapter 13 Pollan mentions the use of farmers markets. Some farmers don't like to use these outlets to sell their food because they don't make as much as they would selling food to other companies. We have a farmers market in Sandpoint that is adorable and always sells fresh delicious looking fruits, vegetables, and other baked goods. It's a shame more farmers don't use these places to sell their products. Not only are they fun for consumers to shop at, but they offer a healthy alternative to supermarkets.