The Silver City's Silver Lining

It is impossible to love food and not feel at least some margin of concern for where it comes from and how it is processed and harvested. Some people may look further and think about the society that produces food and the society that demands it. Who is food catered to and who, in this day and age, caters it? I think that one must-see film that discusses the problems and solutions that face us food enthusiasts and our families is Food, Inc. In fact, the problems discussed in this movie affect everyone to one degree or another whether they know it or not. Food, Inc. captures the food industry of our day and age and "lifts the veil" on some of the atrocities that go on beyond the quaint rows of supermarket produce. While unsettling, it is an important view and it does give a bright side and discuss various options to help and advocate healthy and sustainable living. While having some graphic scenes, it can hardly be compared to the gore that splashes about in almost every Block-Buster. Simply put: Watch it.

Now being in Aberdeen as a student it may seem difficult to budget and prioritize as well eat healthy, especially with those discount McDonald's meals which come very convenient at 3:00 AM after a night of clubbing and as a day-after-hangover-cure. Looking around you would think that finding cheap AND healthy food seems as likely as a week of sunshine (you know, the kind that makes "the city sparkle"). However, looking around carefully you do find opportunities to make the right decisions, that don't necessarily give your wallet and bank account a bad case of the runs.

Aberdeen University:
The VegBag Society at Aberdeen University offers a great deal at £6 for a bag of seasonal organic and locally produced vegetables from the Lembas farm near Stonehaven. You may wonder how much £6 will get you and whether it is enough but those doubts soon disperse as the walk home grows longer with every footstep burdened by a bag of hulking vegetables. With a membership at the society you receive a co-operative jute bag which you trade each Tuesday at the University's Butchart Center in return for a bag filled with produce. Of course this can be done once a week, or on alternate weeks or at whichever weekly intervals you want.

More information can be found at: http://www.ausa.org.uk/vegbag
Or by e-mailing: vegbagscheme (at) hotmail.com

Robert Gordon University:
Slow Food at RGU is a society that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living while also helping students out with their cooking skills. The society is active in the local farmer's market and is involved in upholding local culinary heritage.

More information at: http://groupspaces.com/SlowFoodRGU/
Or by e-mailing: slowfoodrgu (at) rguunion.co.uk

Aberdeen has a farmer's market (I know it surprised me too) that is held on the last Saturday of every month on Belmont Street. Which features local and organic products ranging from vegetables to artisanal cheeses, fish, and meats.

More on the markets in the area by this link: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/support/agriculture/markets/index.asp#aberdeen

Finally, for those that don't shop (or binge) at one-month intervals there are a few stores that can uphold your food standards between food markets.

1. Holland and Barrett offer a large variety of organic food and are located at 49 Netherkirkgate. Stop by the store or visit their website.
2. Nature's Larder at 60 Holburn Street
   
3. A bit further out is the Newton Dee Camphill Community which is a collection of conscious individuals that unify to make good and nutritious food available. Their store is a little drive out on the A93 and then off to Old Ferry Road just by Bieldside. More information can be found on their website: www.netwondee.co.uk
4. Driving up north from Aberdeen you can find Bridgefoot Organic Vegetables in Bridgefoot, Newmachar. Bridgefoot sells organic meats and other produce on top of their vegetables. Contact details can be found at www.bridgefootorganics.co.uk

So that concludes the unveiling of a few precious spots in Aberdeen where you can find the kind of food you will be craving after watching Food, Inc. As for me, I'm off to make some lunch.

Enjoy your meals!

Umamimamu