Expert: Tina Volpe - 10/24/2011

Question
Hi Ms. Volpe,
I am a eighth grader at Valley New School, a project based charter school in Appleton Wisconsin.  I am interested in finding out more about factory farming, food with integrity, and how the way that animals are raised effects consumers.
I specifically would like these questions answered:
How is factory farming affecting consumers?
What are some companies/producers that raise their food, and treat their workers, with integrity? (I have already looked into Chipotle restaurants)
How can us, as consumers, impact the food industry for the better?
Are there any sources that take the side of the major food producing companies, like Tyson and Kraft?  I have seen the movie Food Inc,and am interested in hearing the opinion from the other side of this topic.

I would love to hear your own opinion voiced, with reasons why you have this mindset.

If you would direct me to any other sources, I would really appreciate it.

I am eagerly looking forward to your response, as I am very passionate about this topic.

To learn more about my school (and to give proof that this is not a homework assignment) information about my school can be found at http://valleynewschool.com/projects/

Thank you SO much!
Sincerely,
Belle
Valley New School
Appleton, Wisconsin

Answer
Hi Belle -

I am so happy you wrote!  I will be happy to answer your questions, and will also direct you to some pretty interesting websites to further educate you on this important topic.

1.  Factory farming effects consumers in so many ways it is almost too difficult to cover them all, however, the main effects are pollution from the feces draining out of these places, the sickness that is rampant in them, because they are shot with growth hormones which cause them to grow faster than nature intended - and most cannot walk or move around, and lay in their own feces.  

These growth hormones and antibiotics they use to keep them alive to slaughter are seriously hurting our world.  Many people are seeing girls developing way too early due to the growth hormones in meat, dairy and milk.  And, the antiobiotics that are used in these products are keeping antibiotics from working when they are needed in sickness.  

2-3 Sadly 98% of food raised in the U.S. is from factory farms. Yes, there are small companies trying to make a difference, but they are so small, they are not really having much of an effect, yet.  Places like Chipotle are making a conscious effort, but it is so minor in the realm of things.  10 billion animals each year die horrific deaths after living horrific lives.  

The best consumer contribution to this insanity is to stop contributing!  Stop eating them, and go vegetarian.  There are over 7 million vegetarians in the U.S. alone and each time someone stops eating animals, they save over 100 animals per year, personally.  US Health is in crisis due to the over eating of fast food, animal products and meat.  We must make a conscious choice to eat closer to the plant and to nature to effect a change.  

The corporate greed of companies like Tyson and Kraft have no support other than governmental subsidies, and corporate support. Most people who learn of their cruelty to animals and mismanagement of our food chain would stop eating these products immediately - but they have so much money, their commercials and marketing stragegies don't allow others to become aware, unless they really do their research.  

Here are some links for further information:  The Texas grass fed beef is one of the places people like to think are humane.  Please see the video and you decide.

http://www.torturedbytyson.com/

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/resources/why_go_veg/

http://www.texasgrassfedbeef.com/chino_meat_plant_animal_abuse.htm

http://www.meat.org/video-2.asp

http://www.earthlings.com/

I hope I answered all of your questions - if not, please, feel free to follow up!

Tina Volpe