There are anecdotal stories around about severe food inflation as well as a bevy of statistical interpretations that either fuel our fear or our state of denial. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the cost of our groceries going up, but I would encourage you not to fixate on food inflation as a motivation to grow your own vegetables. I've attached some current info from FACTCHECK.ORG on cost of living changes between 2010 and 2011. Also check out food inflation articles that report only about a 2-3% increase anticipated for 2012.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/ All data can be manipulated to argue both sides of the food inflation position.
The bottom line, for me, is about
access and
control. I don't like the idea of being dependent on "fill in the blank" (the grocery store, the trucking industry, the farmers, the distribution channels, the government, my neighbor, the infrastructure, others) for my family's vital survival needs such as food, water and shelter. At the end of the day, you will have cheaper, healthier, tastier, more reliable food for you and your family. It puts control in
your hands, not others.
My goal is to garden to ensure that I am
learning how to grow. I'm supplementing vegis for my family now, but not exclusively living off my garden. Once I figure out how to easily and reliably grow, I can expand my garden to comprise a bigger percentage of our household vegis. The last thing I want to happen is to find myself unable to afford or to get my hands on vegis and
then try to figure out how to grow! I've already been tossed around by circumstances and I hated it. My family hated it. It hurt all of our relationships and broke us apart. Why would I ever let that happen again? My family needs me to plan ahead so that we can weather outside circumstances adeptly, bolstered by preparation. It's just common sense.
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