The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of the Good Food Revolution

by Brent Preston

The inspiring and sometimes hilarious story of a family that quit the rat race and left the city to live out their ideals on an organic farm, and ended up building a model for a new kind of agriculture. When Brent Preston, his wife, Gillian, and their two young children left Toronto ten years ago, they arrived on an empty plot of land with no machinery, no money and not much of a clue. Through a decade of grinding toil, they built a real organic farm, one that is profitable, sustainable, and their family's sole source of income. Along the way they earned the respect and loyalty of some of the best chefs in North America, and created a farm that is a leading light in the good food movement.
Told with humour and heart in Preston's unflinchingly honest voice, The New Farm arrives at a time of unprecedented interest in food and farming, with readers keenly aware of the overwhelming environmental, social and moral costs of our industrial food system. The New Farm offers a vision for a hopeful future, a model of agriculture that brings people together around good food, promotes a healthier planet, and celebrates great food and good living."

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Memoir, Gardening, Audiobook, Agriculture, Nature

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who has dreamed of quitting their jobs and living off the land, from a very hard-working couple who did, and became central to the farm-to-table landscape of Ontario. I particularly appreciated the ruminations at the end about defining success, how much is enough, and what happiness means.

I received a copy of this book for review through my participation in the Abrams Dinner Party.

[Brandon Forsyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very skeptical of this book, but I ended up loving it! As a thirtysomething working in Toronto, I was probably predisposed to relate with Preston's story of ditching the rat race of the Big Smoke and making out for the country to save the world, but I ended up really appreciating how unsentimentally portrayed this naive odyssey was. It reminded me of A SHEPHERD'S LIFE in the way it delves into the global food system with a specific, focused, and personal narrative. Following this family's story of trying to make good, organic produce that could sustain a profit is a fascinating journey. Preston isn't afraid to delve into his own misadventures and some of his own personal shortcomings as well, which is refreshing, and the overall message is that farming is hard. I might have harboured some romantic illusions of doing the same thing in my mind, but this book has cured me of some of those. It has, however, inspired me to be more conscious of where I get my produce, and I'll definitely be making more trips to the farmer's market in my neighbourhood this summer (as well as doing my homework on who to buy from). The way we've transformed this planet to feed ourselves is truly awe-inspiring, and the problems with it can seem insurmountable, but this book offers hope.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to truly be an entrepreneur. I picked up this book with the vague notion of learning more about why I should step up my organically-when-cheap-and-easy status. And it did that. But it was such a pleasant surprise to realize there was way more to this book. It was inspiring in unexpected ways.

This is a personalized journey, filled with funny, often quite self-deprecating stories, of how sometimes paths are a bit non-linear and how it's ok to make some dumb mistakes to get to places and be the people that we strive to be. It is the story of two people recreating themselves. Scratch that. About creating themselves. For me it was really a book about how to be an entrepreneur without losing yourself. These people make their work serve their values.

Forgive the pun but I ate this book up. No preaching. just honest stories and experiences, charming, relatable, and emotional. Brent can tell a story. And without seeming to try to, he made me think. About choosing the right food for myself and my family, but beyond that, about what I do and how well it serves what I want and who I want to be.

I've got to admit I gently scoffed at those organics-only people, making vague attempts at staying local and natural when it suited me, picking and choosing what I sourced, based on price and convenience. This book had an impact.

Unexpectedly though, I was even more fascinated by the work ethic of Brent and Gillian, and I don't mean the intensive manual labour, though that was a bit mind opening, but their ability to constantly analyze and tweak their business model to make it work for them. It's so easy to lose sight of your vision when you get in the nitty gritty of building a business. Brent and Gillian never compromised that. It was what I wanted out of 'THE DIAMOND CUTTER but never quite attained, I found myself thinking about the ways they considered modified their business to better serve their values and the world beyond theirs, and how I could translate that into my more spreadsheet based world . It's a book about two people who are master adjusters/achievers. Who can grow a rock concert out of some cucumber seeds. Its the modern day entrepreneurs version of Jack and the magic beans.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book based on a friend's recommendation. I'm not a huge non-fiction reader but I liked that the book is set in my local(ish) area and I was intrigued by this big city couple trying to make their mark on the food industry.

I won't lie, I went into this book humming the theme song from Green Acres but The New Farm is so much more than a story about a couple leaving the big city to start a farm. Preston's writing is engaging and humourous and he isn't afraid to show his missteps or naive notions about what it would take - financially, time-wise or personally - to run a successful, organic farm.

He shares the hard truth about where much of our food comes from, how we can and need to do better for ourselves and our environment and how good quality food should be available for everyone, no matter their socioeconomic standing. Throughout the book he weaves in the social, economic and environmental aspects of the food we eat. He stresses that it's important to know where our food is coming from and how it has been treated from the very beginning and that we need to insist on better food for our health and the sustainability of our food industry and environment.

This book is well paced and you find yourself learning about sustainable farming, the good food movement, immigrant workers in Canada and so many other important issues all within the framework of a humourous and entertaining read. You don't have to have an interest in organic farming or know the difference between a rutabaga and a turnip to enjoy this book. This is a story about a family who wanted to do better and did. The Prestons challenged the food industry, small farming, who has access to organic food and much more.

I have a new understanding of our current food industry and a greater expectation for quality, safe food for my family. I now wander the food store and wonder where and how this head of lettuce or potato was grown. I want better food and plan to take better advantage of the huge farmer's market near me and even inquire about a local Farm Share.

I'm so happy that I picked up this book. It is inspiring, educational, funny, honest, important and has helped to remove the blinders I've had about the food that I buy. Even though the issue of successful, sustainable organic farming feels like a huge challenge Preston shows that it is possible.

Highly recommended.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well that was terrible. What an entitled author. Could he have been any more pretentious and self aggrandizing? “Why won’t my unpaid interns work like experienced workers” “I’m paying my Mexican workers so I can treat them like shit” “we have no money for interns, let’s travel the world”

[Jen]

My thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Note the part that bothered me may not be in the finished copy. This is from a review copy.

I did not get past the prologue with this book. Hard DNF. Now, what bothered me about it may not bother you, this is my personal opinion. I am sure the rest of the book is interesting. The topic is one that I am drawn to, but I just couldn't read more. The following is why.

CAUTION: TRIGGER WARNING-ANIMAL ABUSE/CRUELTY and SPOILER for the prologue only.

Now, maybe the title of the prologue/forward with the word "euthanasia" should have been a warning for me. But that word doesn't conjure up the image of what was later described.

The writer talks about five of his chickens, young ones, still in the cute stage, having a wing removed by a feral cat. He tells his wife, who contacts her mother (who has a farm also) and asks her what they should do. She gives advice on how to treat the damage. He contacts his local supply/feed/farm store. The guy there says something along the lines that a bullet would fix it.

So the writer, ignoring the perfectly good advice of his mother-in-law, that could save some to all of the injured chicks, who are acting like the un-injured chicks, that he has to kill the chicks to put them out of their misery. What misery? He said they were acting fine? I'm sure chickens can live without a wing. What would he do if one of his three kids lost an arm, decide to forgo treatment and take the child out back with a shotgun?!?

So first he decides to drown them in a bucket. The chick he sticks in just holds its breath and is alive when he uncovers the bucket. So obviously the chick wants to live, as I presume the other four do as well. He doesn't take the hint and goes slightly unhinged, as he states. Strangulation and a 2X4 were involved in the killing of the five chicks.

That turned my stomach. Seriously?!? He couldn't try the mom-in-law's idea of treating them to see if they would survive? He had to KILL them? I say kill and not slaughter, because slaughter implies killing an animal for food. He didn't not do that. He decided they weren't good enough with only one wing and that they would suffer without one wing.

There are many documented cases of animals and humans surviving and thriving without a limb. Why are chickens different?

This was done one YEAR after they had started the farm. This isn't a newbie decision. This is a decision to make the end of the lives of the chicks terrifying and I am sure they suffered worse at his hands (and 2X4) then if they had been allowed to try to live with one wing.

I am not going to read more of this book, as the beginning has turned my stomach. I don't think I can read more from someone who did something like this and admitted it. I trust he's telling the truth, I just don't want to read more of his truth.

No stars, since I didn't read more than about 19 pages. I am sure the rest of the book is interesting. I just can't make myself get to it. I wouldn't recommend it, but tastes differ and I am sure there are those out there who won't mind the beginning and will enjoy and get something out of this book. I am not one of those people.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I've read a lot of food security books, and wasn't sure if this would simply tread familiar material: "gee farming is tough!" "boy, is the natural world inspiring, though!" But it didn't. This was a funny, engaging read that leaves you feeling inspired about the potential to re-create a food system that centres farmers, quality food, low-income folks, and the environment.

It was great to read the ways in which they challenged the small-farm orthodoxy and prevailed. As someone who has read a lot about the negative impacts of migrant workers, it was illuminating to read how Brent and Gil have employed Mexican labourers in a way that they feel is respectful and which builds capacity of their communities back home.

Instructive for anyone interested in food security, small-scale farming, or just someone wondering where we go next in a world with so many problems: economic inequality, climate change, poor health, social isolation. Brent has some ideas for you. Food is a small thing, but it's at the centre of all of these issues in a way that makes them understandable and accessible to people from all walks of life. There are so many ways to take advantage of this opportunity, and Brent's funny and accessible story of The New Farm helps the reader feel that a better future is within reach.

[Mark Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, very insightful.

Read it.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am an avid reader of the city-person-leaves-their-job-to-start-a-farm genre. This book falls right in line with the others. However, I think the author is arrogant. It starts off with him acknowledging that this is a very full genre, but he's different because he didn't quit after two years.

Ok - whatever dude. Kristin Kimball, Jenna Wogenrich, and Tim Young are "real" farmers too, and they got in the farm memoir game long before you. While I have great respect for his contribution to the Good Food Movement and local food banks, his general attitude was a bit of a turn off for me. It's not cool to treat your unpaid interns like crap, and then write about them with disdain. He writes about not being proud of acting like a total asshole to his migrant workers, but it comes off as disingenuous. Acknowledging poor behavior doesn't absolve it, and I don't believe for a second that he's grown into a decent boss.

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very inspiring read about what it takes to run a small, sustainable farm. It has inspired me to think more about the produce I purchase for myself and my household. Looking forward to meeting Brent at the author talk at my library in the fall!

[Alex Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The rich get organic and the poor get diabetes. As the gap between rich and poor widens, the gap between what the rich and poor eat also gets bigger… Food is at the center of all of the biggest, most important, most pressing challenges we face.”

[Petra E]

Such a great read! Highly recommend for my fellow wanna-be farmers. It really provided insight into the business side of small-scale sustainable agriculture, as opposed the more ecologically focused farming memoirs I gravitate towards.

[Pietavandyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well told story about a couple of Toronto professionals who decide to make a living by operating an organic farm in southern Ontario. They work hard at it and only manage the first few years from the wife's consulting work in the city, and by "hiring" unpaid interns. The latter have mostly never done physical labour, are whiny and refuse to work without one of the owners working alongside them. Eventually they gain success by specializing in a narrow range of crops and wholesaling to restaurants. They also took on Mexican farmworkers through Canada's Foreign Worker Program. All their decisions are made through a lens of sustainability/profitability and ethics. We learn a lot about the use of herbicides and pesticides. I'm left with admiration for all their hard work, but personally I can't approve of using workers who are not paid, even if they are there voluntarily.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring and well written memoir that chronicles a success story throughout all of it's meandering failures and changes in plan. It shows that evolving is the most important part of the process of realizing a dream, and that hard, hard work is what is most necessary. Refreshing to see here, too, is that although money definitely plays a role here as it does in any venture, Brent Preston realizes that financial reward is not at the top of the list for what it takes to make a meaningful life. Congratulations to him for the book and for helping to inform us and for his part in changing the way food is put on our tables.

[Michael Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved The New Farm. Two downtown Toronto professionals totally change their lives by moving to a small farm near Creemore, Ontario and along the way find themselves and become part of the new food revolution.

[Becca Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative, honest, funny, and highly enjoyable account of one couples journey from suburban deskjob to sustainable organic farm. Inspiring read, would recommend to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture.
Warning- may make you want to drop everything and get your hands in the dirt!

[Laura OBrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and worthwhile read. As a new farmer, I particularly enjoyed the detail and specificity in which the author describes how his farm followed, adapted, and challenged the dominant small organic farm orthodoxy over the years for their specific situation and operation. A lot of the challenges they faced in vegetable wash-pack efficiencies, pest management strategies, variety selection, etc., definitely made me appreciate and more deeply consider the development of current processes and systems used on the farm where I work.

I do wish the books was a bit longer, with more time spent on discussing farm labor rights and local food accessibility / security — these topics are touched on, but the author doesn’t really delve into them in any meaningful way, or really grapple with the broader questions they bring up about society, poverty, and exploitation of the working class more broadly. The author speaks very highly of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program that his farm participated in. There’s a very brief recognition that ~some~ farms abuse this system and exploit the workers it brings to Canada, but no broader critique or exploration of the inherent issues with this program and it’s troubled history. I highly recommend that anyone who has read this book or is interested in this topic read Harvesting freedom: The life of a migrant worker in Canada by Gabriel Allahdua, which is an amazing memoir that really digs into this.

Although the end takeaway of the book is “we chose social capital expansion over endless financial expansion and unnecessary exponential growth in production scale,” this book does still convey a very capitalism-centric perspective on the food system. While infiltrating and utilizing the existing food system as a local organic vegetable producer was certainly innovative in the 2010s, I would love to learn more about the more innovative food production and distribution systems that might have more equitable and just outcomes, which the author seems to scoff at throughout.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and found it very engaging, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with every opinion of the author. It was a fun read as a farmer already involved with the small organic farming world, but I also think this would be a great introduction to some of the realities and nuances of this world for folks previously unfamiliar.

[Heather]

A lot of the time when you read memoirs about people moving away from the city and starting a farm they stop the story after a few years.  This book chronicles ten years of the ups and downs of a small organic farm.  

What I found most interesting was the multiple times that they found that they needed to stray from small organic farm "orthodoxy" in order to have a viable and profitable business. 

They tried growing a large number of crops but realized that most people don't want the exotic stuff so now they grow mostly greens and cucumbers.
They abandoned farmers' markets and CSAs to sell directly to restaurants
They tried using wannabe farmers as interns for farm labor but they were such bad workers that they ended up hiring Mexican workers instead.  

I was interested in the difference between the experience of Mexican migrant farm workers on this farm in Canada versus what I was familiar with in the United States.  In Canada there are worker programs so they are in the country legally and have workers' rights.  The guidelines seem reasonable and we should have programs like that too.  

I also liked that this book did not shy away from the cruelty involved in animal agriculture.  I found the section about their pigs and chickens hard to read.  They have moved away from raising pigs in part because they had issues with it too.  

There is a truism in farming that you have to go big to survive.  They discuss the conflicts that they have had about this.  At what point do you stop trying to grow so you don't destroy yourself or your marriage?  They are very honest about the toll that the last ten years have had on their relationships.  

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I think that this is a good book for anyone interested in what it really takes to have a small farm. 

 This review was originally posted on Based On A True Story

[George Goodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The recommendation for this book about a farm in Southern Ontario (and that I frequently drive past) came from an unlikely source: an old Australian friend who isn't much of a reader. Heck, if he enjoyed it how could I not!

The book tells the story of a professional couple from Toronto who leave the city rat race to live in the country and then decide to start farming (even though they initially know very little about it). In the process, they learn a lot about farming and the emerging food movement. The book itself is mostly a chronological recounting of their travails but it's filled with fascinating insights about the food movement, their little Creemore community, and the importance of community. Ultimately, they end up with rock and roll stars sitting around their kitchen table eating a meal cooked by a famous Canadian chef. It's how they got there that is so entertaining.

This one wasn't my typical read and I think I enjoyed it just that much more! Recommended if you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path.

[Ashley Kohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that was difficult to put down! A young family of four lives in the city and is dealing with the new norm of the “rat race” life. Brent and his wife, Gillian, decide this is not how they want to raise their children. So, they quit their day jobs and move two hours out into the country. It is here they build their organic farm to not only provide food for themselves, but also their local community. It is difficult at first and they want to quit. Luckily, they have support and push through the hard times and finally become successful; not necessarily in the terms of making a million dollars, but happy with their life.

Hearing their funny, sad, and inspiring story makes one wonder if anyone could run an organic farm!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like almost all parts of this book except how the author comes across from time to time. While he admits to sometimes being an asshole to the people around him, he admonishes his younger (unpaid) interns for daring to have feelings and has his masculinity threatened by practicing yoga on the front lawn with his wife (which he describes as making him feel “fruity”).

While I very much appreciate his outlook on and contribution toward sustainable, organic food culture ... I can’t shake the feeling that he’d be the dude mansplaining or fat-shaming someone in real life, which is why I knocked a star off.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Brent Preston is realistic about the challenges - physical and emotional - of starting a small organic farm and points out that it isn't all the idealistic running-through-fields-of-daisies life. He talks about marketing and the business end of it too. The only thing I think he could have touched on and didn't is how new wanna-be young farmers can financially get started if they don't have the advantage of having Toronto real estate to sell, like Preston had. I enjoyed reading about names and places familiar to me, and I applaud his vision and effort to promote good food.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I completely support the good food movement and would not eat anything that was not organic. I commend the author and his family for starting an organic farm. At times he was a little bit annoying and judge mental commenting on the fact it only rich people eat organic food and then she sells his food to very rich high-end restaurants. He also doesn’t like hippies to match. They were the ones who started the organic food movement.

[Kip Gire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice break from fiction with this book about a couple from Toronto who break from city life, and over the next ten years, build a sustainable thriving farm. It was interesting to see their successes and setbacks. The end got a bit preachy but it was a good read and a nice fiction palate cleanser.

[Paulina Przyborowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cringed, I was impressed. Very well written with a very honest image of what starting a farm was like for them.

[Kaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an ARC of this book and wasn't sure what to expect but I *really* loved it! Finished it in one day and have been thinking about it every since. Honest and inspiring, yes, but it was also just a generally well written and fascinating story. I especially appreciated the fact that the author shared actual facts and figures regarding their operation because I'm a facts and figures kind of gal. Definitely recommending this book to everyone I know.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!! This book should be compulsory reading - and if you don't have time ... just read the Epilogue. Good food ... real food ... it's really the only option going forward.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was grabbed on a whim while at the library (we all know that staff pick or recommendations section that screams PICK ME PICK ME), and it did NOT disappoint. I have so many feelings about this one. But let's just start with this, if you want a deeper connection for your book and want to feel like you're talking to someone over a cup of coffee this is the book for you! Written a a beautifully simple and fluid way, this book delves into the lives of a family as they embark on a mission to farm organically in a way that is sustainable not only to the environment but to their financial freedom as well. This books delves into the hardships of entrepreneurship and the challenges, setbacks and victories of owning a small business and small farm, the importance of building a tribe and community and what happens when you succeed. This book is one I recommend often, it's easy going nature one that will suck you in and crave more.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about this book when I saw Brent and Gillian being interviewed on The Social, a Canadian talk show. We live relatively close to Creemore. My husband and son are both involved in the agriculture industry in very different ways from each other and in different ways again from Brent and Gillian so the book peaked my interest. The fun part of the book was that I recognized and know some of the people in the book, although I don't know Brent or Gillian.

This is a must read book. I liked Brent's honesty, the fact that he wasn't afraid to admit when he made mistakes and that he was brutally honest about the way farming has gone, both conventionally and organically. He exposes the good, the bad and the ugly. It's an easy read, told with humour and honesty.

You don't have to be interested in agriculture to read this book. If you eat food, you need to read this.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brent and Gillian Preston had lived and worked all over the world, but eventually moved home to Toronto, Canada to get married and start their family. They loved living in downtown Toronto until they had 2 small children. They realized that they wanted their children to grow up closer to the land. On somewhat of a whim they bought 100 acres with a rundown farmhouse and decided to actually start a farm. It took almost 7 years before they made a profit and could pay off all their debt, they almost lost their marriage and their minds, but were able to turn things around on all fronts and build a sustainable, organic farm that actually supported their family financially, as well as raising money and donating produce to local food banks and shelters. In this book Preston is honest about how hard starting and running the farm was - physically, mentally, and emotionally, but how it was all worth it once they finally rounded the financial corner and were profitable. He does a great job of showing the realities of running a small farm start-up, but also gives enough hope that the whole book isn't doom and gloom horror stories. There are also quite a few laugh out loud stories and moments in the book. Any business has ups and downs and you make mistakes, but when you're doing something worthwhile it's worth it. A wonderful book that will make you appreciate your local lunatic farmers even more.

Some quotes I liked:

"Our farm is proof that small-scale, sustainable farming is a viable alternative. It's a place of community, where chefs, activists and foodies gather to plot the overthrow of all things evil: industrial agriculture, the rat race, high-fructose corn syrup. Our farm is the centre of gravity around which we have built a happy, meaningful and productive life for ourselves. And most importantly, our farm is a testament to the power of the good food movement to radically change our food system from the ground up." (p. 11)

[A conversation with a chef about their prices] "His rant ended with a blunt demand. 'I'm paying over fifty bucks for a box of your salad. I can get the same organic mix from California for less than half that. You have to reduce your price.' That was too much. 'The California mix is not the same as our salad,' I snapped. 'Ours looks and tastes better, it's fresher, it lasts way longer, and it has all kinds of varieties that they can't put in the California mix because they can't be harvested with their mechanical cutters.' I was getting really fired up. 'Has anyone ever come into your restaurant and said, 'Why should I pay fourteen bucks for a burger when I can get the same thing at McDonald's for three?' Of course they haven't, because you burger is better.' Fuck it, I thought. There's no way I'll ever be able to sell at a price that will make everyone happy, so I may as well double down. 'If you really think our salad is the same as the cheaper stuff, then you should buy the cheaper stuff, because even if we cut our price by 30 percent, ours would still be more expensive and we would be out of business. We love working with you, and we really want to keep you as a client, but we aren't going to lower our price.'" (p. 174)

[On dealing with interns on the farm] "There's a common tendency to attribute character flaws to generational deficiencies; it's easy to say that our interns felt entitled and were soft and averse to hardship because they were millennials, but that's probably bullshit. I think twenty-somethings have been entitled, soft and adverse to hardship for quite a few generations. Almost all our interns were incredibly conscientious and hardworking. But they were all in their twenties. They had a lot of feelings. They had many whims. They did a lot of stupid things." (p. 201-2)

"Creating a pesticide that works by making the whole plant toxic, including the part we eat, struck both Gillian and me as a profoundly bad idea. But industrial agriculture seems to double down on bad ideas." (p. 207)

"Globalized commodity markets and razor-thin margins meant fewer and fewer farmers and bigger and bigger farms. 'You're part of a tiny little segment of agriculture that is moving in the right direction,' Gerald told me. 'The rest is hurtling in the opposite direction, as fast as it can.'" (p. 214)

"Our industrial food system is destroying our environment, hijacking our climate, making us fat and sick and unhappy. It's a huge, overwhelming, complex, multi-faceted problem, but the good news is that there is a huge, complex, multi-faceted movement underway to fix things. Right now, all over the world, farmers and activists and chefs and ordinary people are harnessing the power of food to confront the big, intractable problems we face. Idealistic young people are growing food in poor urban neighborhoods. Organizations like The Stop are fighting inequality and loneliness one meal at a time. Farmers are producing beautiful, nutritious food in a way that enhances rather than destroys their environment. Eaters are making a new system possible simply by choosing to buy good food. All of these people are actively and deliberately building an alternative food system, each and every day." (p. 275)