Play With Your Food

How many times did your parents tell you to stop playing with your food? There is now an entire group of adults that make a living out of playing with their food…..the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. The group is in the United States for the first time, and their specialty is fashioning musical instruments out of…….yes, vegetables. The group performed for over an hour and delighted the audience with hollowed out carrots connected to bell peppers that resembled horns, pumpkin drums and dried bean shakers. As long time symphony patrons, we wondered if we would be delighted or violated.


The verdict is delighted. We were also pleased to see that all vegetables were ultimately put to a productive purposes either as food or compost. Watch a performance on YouTube today, and then call your parents to let them know you might have missed your calling!

Food and Democracy

This weekend we had the opportunity to chauffeur Frances Moore Lappe, prolific author and change agent. Frances became widely known for her book, “Diet for a Small Planet,” originally published in 1972. Think of her as the predecessor to Michael Pollan (author of the “Omnivore’s Dilemma,” and other books). We were surprised to discover Frances has Hoosier roots as an alum of Earlham College.

She was in town as part of the Spirit and Place Festival. This year’s theme was “Food for Thought.” Numerous events over the past two weeks celebrated this theme, including exhibits, tours and speakers. Saturday evening concluded the festival with a panel discussion featuring an artist, an urban farmer and an author.

We were incredibly struck with Frances’ conviction that true democracy is at the root of food issues. And, that democracy must include seats at the table for citizens, big agriculture, government officials, etc. Without that structure, there will never truly be an end to poverty and hunger. Take advantage of the opportunity to read one of her many books (including one that will be coming out in September) or watch her presentations on YouTube. It will truly provide you with food for thought.

I believe the biggest statement that she makes is that change starts with one person. All it takes is one person in a democracy speak up. Democracy is not a government; it is the people.