Gratitude for Coffee Conversations and Mark Bittman’s Hope

Many times I arrive at work to find my fellow employees discussing a particular food related article, an issue they read in the news, or a commentary picked up on the radio over the weekend. Early Monday, I’ll saunter up to the coffee pot to hear enthusiasm for a new voice that has spoken out in the fight against GMOs, or I’ll witness a friendly debate shouted between desks over the best way to cook eggplant. Often, I find community frustration for the growing reports of health damage from our industrialized food system reverberating around the offices.

The conversations are always something I enjoy; something that makes me know I’m in the right place.

On Monday, I was particularly moved by the coffee talk. My whole pod seemed lit up with real joy, chatting about gratitude for the way we view food. They had been inspired by Mark Bittman’s weekend New York Times Opinionator piece called “No Turkeys Here”, and I admit, I was too.

Normally Bittman is a writer we join in getting fired up against food crimes but this time, his words were different. This time, his words were of hope for the changes to our food system that so many are making. His striking piece Sunday shared 25 things he was thankful for: signs of hope in the form of “people and organizations who’ve been prodding American food back on a natural, sustainable, beautiful track.”

The whole list was stirring but there were three I especially loved:

3. There are more than half as many farmers’ markets as there are McDonald’s. The markets are gaining ground, and fantastic groups like Wholesome Wave are making them more affordable. (We’re proud to support Wholesome Wave this holiday season and you can join us – visit CelebrateWithOrganic.com to learn more.)

11. Speaking of fighting, Just Label It and others are involved in the much-needed struggle for better food labeling.

22. Let’s acknowledge all real farmers, stewards of the earth, as well as those fishers and ranchers who get it: there are plenty, and their numbers are increasing.

(Trust me, it’s worth it to read through to his big finish at 25 too.)

After reading the piece and hopping into my coworkers’ conversation, I thought:

What could be better than joining in his gratitude celebration this Thanksgiving?

For my part, I am thankful to work for a company that believes to the core that there is better way for us all to eat and that it’s our mission to help everyone find it. I’m grateful we’re led in the charge by an inspiring CE-Yo.

I am thankful to be surrounded by organic food-loving employees who come to work dedicated every day to making a difference in someone’s fridge.

I am so grateful for the amazing organic farmers we support here at Stonyfield – and the many I have been fortunate to meet personally. From Guy Choiniere to Kelly Mahaffy to Regina Beidler – to so many more inspiring Organic Valley farmers – I learn something new all the time and am reminded why my work sharing their stories matters.

Most of all, I am grateful that every day I get to interact with all of you – our Stonyfield fans and consumers. Your comments, Organic Moments, wall posts, tweets, and stories about how both organic and our products are a positive part of your life keep me going. You keep me talking around the coffee pot.

I’m proud to be a part of your social community.

I hope you’ll all take a moment read “No Turkey’s Here” and share with us below what moved you to gratitude.

Thanks to you all for being our loyal consumers and for caring about your health, your families’ health, and the food we eat as much as we do.

Happy Thanksgiving…
Amy