Wonky Vegetable Day

 

Yesterday was World Environment Day and I didn't get the memo. I was aware of the day as it unfolded but I had never heard of it before then. How did I miss out? I'm all over Earth Day! Of course, there is a day for every cause now, even weeks and months. Comedian Mary Walsh wrote a hilarious piece on International Women's Day in which she pointed out that women get a day, but root vegetables are given a month.

Speaking of veggies, a theme yesterday was awareness of our food sources and the call to support the sale of "wonky" or irregular produce in supermarkets. Why would this have any merit as a theme? It is because untold millions of tons of produce are discarded before getting to market because they don't meet our unrealistic demands for perfect fruits and vegetables. They aren't bad, they but they may be irregular or misshapen, so they are ploughed under. Some chains, including Walmart, have been criticized recently for poor management of produce which does make it to the shelves, which results in high wastage. It is argued that we don't have a food shortage in the world. The issues of cosmetics and distribution make it seem that way.

I will not be preaching on the blemished kumquat on Sunday, but perhaps I should. What could be more basic to this life than the food we eat. And God knows the bible is full of stories about eating, including the ultimate food distribution story, Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. Yesterday Pope Francis offered:

"We should all remember, however, that throwing food away is like stealing from the tables of the poor, the hungry! I encourage everyone to reflect on the problem of thrown away and wasted food to identify ways and means that, by seriously addressing this issue, are a vehicle of solidarity and sharing with the needy."

Do you give a fig about World Environment Day? Is the Feeding of the Seven Billion an important faith concern? What can we do as Christians to make sure there is enough on the table for everyone? Have you thought much about your own expectations for perfect fruit and vegetables?