Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat by Jeff Benedict

When six-year-old Lauren Rudolph was rushed to the hospital with severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever, doctors were mystified as to the cause of her sudden and terrifying symptoms. Just five days later Lauren would become the first victim of a mysterious bacterial pathogen. Hundreds of sick children began to show up at hospitals across the Western states, three more children died. After frantic research, health officials managed to trace the deadly outbreak to a single source: undercooked hamburgers eaten at the popular fast-food chain Jack in the Box.

Voices From the Farm: We Survive Our First Winter

In her last installment, our Minnesotan shepherdess, Lea McEvilly, with no idea how to build a fence and shorter than most of the posts, simply did it! This time we learn what winters in Minnesota mean for farmers; a good root cellar makes all the difference!

WARNING: Sitting is hazardous to your health!

Here we are, the most affluent nation in the world, with the best time saving conveniences at our fingertips, and ironically, we’ve become the most unhealthy, obese, sedentary modern nation on the planet. The truth is – American society sits too darned much.

NOP, NOSB, NOC – Organic Meetings in Seattle

For the first time, the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) and the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) are holding their semi-annual meetings in Seattle. These meetings are held in moving locations to allow as much public access as possible, and are open to the public for an insider’s view of the organic rule-making process.

It’s Spring! It’s Salmon Season!!

While one of the true signs of spring is fresh LOCAL asparagus; here in Puget Sound we have a second measure – salmon! Jon and Paula, from Wild Salmon Seafood Market, have put together this great chart of wild salmon “openers” to help you choose the kind of salmon and the source.

U.S. Organic Industry Nearly $29 Billion in 2010

The organic industry grew at a rate of nearly eight percent in 2010, bucking the current trend whereby “flat is the new growth” for many other segments of the economy. Further, some sectors of the organic market enjoyed annual growth of well over 30%, according to findings from the 2011 Organic Industry Survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association.

Decision Map – How to Choose the Right Sweetener

Since we’ve just come off Easter and the sugar high that follows, it’s time to remember that “Sugar Is Toxic” and choose our sweeteners carefully. This handy-dandy decision map will help you choose the right sweetener for your food – assuming that you really need it sweeter!