Fruits, Vegetables, and Democracy
CBR, 2025
There’s something I absolutely adore about watching people shop for fruits and vegetables. You see it in their eyes – that careful consideration, the gentle squeeze of an avocado, the way they lift a bunch of kale and examine it like they’re reading poetry.
To the girls who wake up early on Saturday mornings, canvas bags in tow, navigating the colorful aisles of farmers markets – I see you.
To the gentlemen who know exactly which day the fresh shipment arrives at their local grocery store and plan accordingly – I appreciate you.
Because here’s the truth: healthy eating isn’t what they’ve made it out to be. It’s not exclusive. It’s not elitist. And it certainly isn’t defined by the price tag.
I watched a young woman last week carefully count out coins for a handful of bruised apples. “They’re for applesauce,” she told the vendor with a smile. That’s wisdom. That’s knowing that nutrition doesn’t have to come in perfect, Instagram-worthy packages.
Then there was the older gentleman who taught me that the slightly wilted outer leaves of cabbage make the most flavorful soup base. “My grandmother’s trick,” he winked. “Why waste what’s still good?”
We need to stop perpetuating this myth that eating well is only for those who can afford organic everything and shop exclusively at high-end specialty stores. Healthy eating comes in many forms:
It’s the community garden plot tended after long work shifts
It’s the frozen vegetables stocked in a small apartment freezer
It’s the wisdom of stretching produce across multiple meals
It’s knowing which fruits can ripen on your windowsill
Let’s celebrate the ingenuity and determination of everyone making choices toward better nutrition, regardless of their budget or background. Because that woman selecting the perfect pepper isn’t just shopping – she’s participating in an act of self-care that deserves recognition.
The next time you see someone thoughtfully selecting produce, remember that healthy eating isn’t a luxury – it’s a right we all deserve access to, in whatever form works for our lives and budgets.
So here’s to all the produce shoppers out there – you’re doing something important, and it matters.
-M.R