We’ve been eating ‘fast food’ for many decades now. The global fast food chains have invaded every available place on this planet, developing and developed world alike. While the fast food has become staple food of many, it has its down side as well and quite a big down side. The incidence of obesity and heart diseases, among other things, are rapidly growing even in poorer countries (but limited to only the rich class)besides the western ones where it’s a big issue.

The resistance movement against global fast food chains is not new. One can find millions of people who are wary of the business practices of fast food giants like McDonald’s and KFC. Still there are others who don’t want the ‘Americanization’ of their culture by allowing these companies to open their outlets. Combining these two factors and not to forget the growing anti-fast food movement in the west itself, many new ideas are brimming.

Slow Food Movement

An organization by the name of Slow Food Nation is aiming a clean, green and fair eating style for all Americans. RPaul Herman of JustMeans visited the organization’s conference and has described the group’s activities in great detail.

Overall, the Slow Food movement has promoted the tenets of “good, clean and fair” for what you eat and how it’s grown.

* Good, healthy food from your garden or a sustainable farm.
* Clean cultivation and preparation – without chemicals or other harmful elements.
* Fair compensation and wealth-distribution for farmers, suppliers and employees.

According to Slow Food, 93% of food diversity in the United States has been lost since 1900. The organization certifies “good, clean and fair” products from around the world as “presidia” in order to better protect them from endangerment – and promote their continued evolution

Connotations for the developing countries

Developing countries, especially the Asian continent, provides the food for major chunk of the world population. We already are facing a major food crisis (a separate post on that will follow soon) and the inorganic means of food production have failed to ensure a sustainable growth. Although the concept of green farming is generally associated with low crops but that concept is a farce (as discussed in one of my earlier posts). If we promote organic farming on a national scale coupled with an awareness campaign about hazards of eating junk food (complete ban in this age of free market economy is impossible).

The concept of ’slow food’ is catchy but needs a thorough research with a focus on its impacts in the developing and poor countries. The scope of this movement needs to be expanded beyond the western world. Only then would these activists would be able to bring some changes.

To see what the Triple Bottom Line bloggers have to say on this issue, click here.

Share This