TO THE EDITOR:
The Thanksgiving story has been ingrained in most of us from the time we colored our first turkey hands to last-minute cramming for a U.S. history class.
But, as we prepare for a much-needed break, it’s easy to forget the reason our families gather around the dinner table for this delicious holiday.
Although it may seem like an abundant meal is less of a concern than it was when the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated their fall harvest together, we are still dependent on the seasonal growing cycles that regulate the foods we eat. In North Carolina, sweet potatoes grow year-round, turkeys run wild and a pumpkin pie can be made with ingredients grown in our backyard (southern piece of heaven, anyone?).
We’re lucky enough to live in a state that can protect the health of its community and environment through fair, local and sustainable agriculture. As a “university of the people” that is partially funded by N.C. taxes, UNC holds a responsibility and unique opportunity to support its farmers and local economy. UNC has a quota of in-state students, so why not have a quota of in-state food?
We think making local food choices reflects our commitment to the land of the longleaf pine. So as we all take that bite of that turkey this Thursday, we should ask ourselves: “Where did this come from?”
Eat, drink and be merry.
Sarah Acuff
Marisa Berry
Suzanne Fleishman
FLO (Fair, Local, Organic) Food
