Sufficient Production

Guyana is a country found on the Northern coast of South America. The entire country has a population of nearly 800,000, which is a similar population to Winnipeg. Guyana is also known as the only country in the world that is self-sufficient in providing all seven of the food groups. The food groups include fruits, vegetables, plant-based protein, dairy, fish, meat and starchy carbohydrates. China and Vietnam can sufficiently produce six out of seven, followed by Brazil at five out of seven. Afghanistan, United Arab of Emirates, Iraq, Macau, Quatar and Yemen are not self-sufficient in any of the food group. 

About 40% of Canada's total food supply is imported. Vegetables are 50% of our imported food and 15% is for fruit. The cost is $65 Billion annually. This includes fruits, vegetables, seafood and processed food. The reliance on imports is directly associated with seasonal availability and consumer preference. I had very little knowledge as to what and how much imported food we used in Canada. I am a little surprised that vegetables are at the top of the list. I would have thought it would have been fruit, since bananas are tough to grow in Canada. Foods grown in Canada are now clearly marked as "Canadian Made", meat particularly. 

For those of us that grew up on a farm in the 50s and 60s we did not realize we were eating off of clean land or "organic" as it is called now. We butchered our own meat which included wild meat. Mom raised chickens, with the goal of 52 surviving for a chicken meal every Sunday. One of our chores was to collect eggs. Gardens were a source of winter food and the produce from them was either froze or canned. Every home had dozens of sealers lined up full of canned fruit, pickles, beets and tomatoes. I have a vague memory of Dad milking cows and drinking that milk. Mom bought groceries once a week at T. Roy Youngs and it was just essentials. Fruit selection was oranges, apples and bananas only. It seemed every woman did her own baking, made bread and buns. In our house, processed food was bologna and a hunk of brick cheese. 

When I lived on the farm and was raising a family, I also froze vegetables, canned tomatoes, beets and pickles. I made my own bread, buns and baking. I was even so Martha Stewart that when the pumpkins and apples were in season, I would make them into pies and desserts before I froze them.  

Processed food is also imported to Canada. Let's face it processed food is convenient, either to quickly throw in the oven or to pick up at a drive thru. I think you acquire a taste for processed food, and I am realizing I have outgrown my taste. Not that I don't enjoy a McDonald's breakfast sandwich from time to time or a filet of fish, but that is very rare.  

I have no idea how people manage to feed their families and pay their bills. It is evident there are families that are financially sound and are able to buy what they want. I have heard that some families go through the flyers, cut out coupons and bargain shop from several stores. I am not a Costco member, but it has to be the #1 store for family shopping. Lastly, are the families that live off of the land. They have huge gardens; they raise chickens for eggs and are experts in preserving food.  

I would be the last person to ever talk about the benefits of eating healthy. At this point in my life, I eat what I want. My wants are simple, and I find that I don't focus much on food. I like to cook, and I love a meal prepared for me. My favorite meals end in a dessert. I do have and always have had a sweet tooth. I enjoy any type of baking, especially cookies. I am noticing when I get a craving for junk food, I just want a taste, as opposed to the entire bag. 

The bottom line is "you have to eat" and you have to "provide for your family". It saddens me to think of how expensive food is, and the financial struggles it creates. Eating is a pleasurable experience; it is also one of the most expensive things you do in a day. Make sure you "savor every bite".