To be interested in food but not in food production is clearly

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host

The room was still, the sound of distant traffic barely reaching Jack’s ears as he sat at his desk, reflecting on a quote that had sparked a deeper thought. It was from Wendell Berry, a writer and environmental activist known for his thoughts on sustainability and the connection between people and the land. His words—“To be interested in food but not in food production is clearly absurd”—struck Jack as a reminder of how disconnected society has become from the origins of what we consume. It was a call to reconsider how we think about food, not just as a commodity, but as something that is intricately tied to the earth, to labor, and to the choices we make.

Jeeny entered the room, noticing Jack’s focused expression. She sat across from him, sensing that he was reflecting on something significant.

Jeeny: “You look deep in thought. What’s got your attention?”

Jack looked up, still mulling over the quote, and shared it with her.

Jack: “I was thinking about something Wendell Berry said: ‘To be interested in food but not in food production is clearly absurd.’ It made me reflect on how we often enjoy the end result—food—without considering where it comes from, how it’s produced, or the processes behind it. It’s a powerful statement about the disconnect we’ve created between consumption and the act of producing the food we rely on every day.”

Jeeny nodded, absorbing the meaning of the quote.

Jeeny: “That’s such an important point. We often take food for granted, without thinking about the environmental, ethical, and social implications of how it’s produced. We’re so used to buying it from the store that we forget the labor and resources that go into growing, raising, and harvesting it. It’s like we’ve become disconnected from the entire cycle of food production, and in doing so, we lose sight of how our choices affect the world around us.”

Jack: “Exactly. Berry’s words remind us that food isn’t just something we consume for sustenance or pleasure—it’s part of a much larger system. When we choose to ignore the production side, we’re ignoring the impact our food choices have on the environment, on workers, and on the land itself. If we truly care about food, we need to understand the processes that bring it to our tables. It’s about acknowledging the complexity and responsibility of food production, not just the pleasure of eating.”

Host: Their conversation deepened as Jack and Jeeny explored the deeper implications of Berry’s words. The quote wasn’t just about food—it was about the relationship we have with the land, the labor, and the systems that produce the food we consume. True appreciation for food, Berry suggests, involves understanding its origins and how our actions affect its production.

Jeeny: “It also makes me think about how disconnected many people are from where their food actually comes from. For most of us, food just appears in the grocery store, neatly packaged, and ready to eat. But we don’t see the workers in the fields, the challenges of farming, or the environmental cost of industrial agriculture. We’re so removed from the reality of food production that we forget how deeply it’s intertwined with everything around us.”

Jack: “Exactly. And this disconnect doesn’t just affect how we perceive food—it affects how we make decisions. If we understood more about how our food is produced, we might make different choices. We might be more conscious of where our food comes from, how it’s grown, and the sustainability of the methods used. We might think more about supporting local farmers, sustainable practices, and food systems that prioritize the health of the land and the people working it.”

Jeeny: “That’s the thing, isn’t it? We can’t just be passive consumers. If we care about food, we need to be more active in understanding the systems behind it. The way we engage with food has a ripple effect, and the more informed we are, the more responsible we can be in our choices.”

Host: Jack smiled, feeling the clarity of their conversation settling in. Berry’s words weren’t just a critique—they were a call to action. True appreciation of food requires us to acknowledge and understand the broader systems that produce it. It’s not enough to simply consume—it’s about reconnecting with the sources of our food and considering the impacts of our choices on the environment, workers, and future generations.

Jack: “So, maybe the lesson here is that if we truly care about food, we need to care about how it’s produced. We can’t just enjoy the end result without considering the journey it took to get there. The more we understand the processes of food production, the more responsible and conscious our choices will be.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about making the connection between what’s on our plate and the systems that support it. When we understand and appreciate the production side of things, we become more mindful consumers, and we contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food system.”

Climax and Reconciliation

The room felt quieter now, as Jack and Jeeny reflected on the deeper meaning behind Berry’s words. Outside, the world continued its steady rhythm, but inside, they had uncovered something significant: true appreciation for food requires us to acknowledge its origins and understand the complex systems that bring it to our tables. By reconnecting with food production, we can make more informed, responsible choices that support sustainability, ethics, and the health of the planet.

Jack: “So, maybe the key is to bridge the gap between consumption and production. If we truly care about food, we need to be involved in understanding where it comes from and how it’s produced.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about taking responsibility for the food we eat and making choices that align with our values, not just our appetites.”

Host: The conversation settled into a quiet understanding. Food is not just something we consume—it’s part of a larger, interconnected system. By recognizing the importance of food production and understanding the impact of our choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and informed food culture.