Respect and Compassion for All

I've been thinking today a bit about Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit group that rescues, rehabilitates, and houses or places farm animals after removing them from factory farms and CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations). Animal cruelty and how it relates to what I eat is probably the most emotional and visceral topic for me, and without a doubt the one issue I will always advocate for. Not only is respecting all creatures good for my health, it's the right thing to do.

Being a self-proclaimed "highly suspicious consumer" is no easy task. It requires research, commitment, and dedication. Shopping for groceries has become a mental battle over each item and how it came into existence: Where does it come from? How was it processed? What impact did its production have on the earth, on local residents, or on animals? How is it packaged and can I recycle any of its packaging when I use it up? Food is never simple in my world- everything comes at a cost, not necessarily monetary.

Educating myself on my food and especially on animal products was the first step I took to change the way that I eat, and I urge you to educate yourself. I urge you to refrain from being indifferent, as well. Why would anyone desire to support the needless suffering of any living thing?

To give you a place to start, I have included a list of contact information and links to places near Lansing that an educated consumer would find appropriate, both for their humanity and respect of the creatures destined to nourish our bodies.

Full Circle Ranch- Potterville, MI. Pasture-raised chickens, eggs, turkeys, occasionally beef. Deliver eggs to your door in Lansing area.

Windracer Farms- Charlotte, MI. Pastured pork, turkeys, ducks, eggs.

Local Harvest- a search engine dedicated to putting consumers in touch directly with the producer, be it a farmer's market or a flower farm. Search by your zip code and be amazed at what's available in your back yard.