In a world where corn masquerades as a beverage and “cheese” is no longer reserved for the dairy section, it can be challenging to teach children the difference between real and industrialized foods. This is one of the main reasons that my brother left his budding law career to raise his family on an organic farm in rural Pennsylvania. On his 7-acre plot, he grows an assortment of vegetables for his local CSA and raises free-range chickens to sell at the farmers’ market in downtown Pittsburgh.
He didn’t choose an easy career path, but being a farmer does have its perks. He’s his own boss. There’s always fresh produce on the table. He works at home most days. And it’s always “bring your kids to work day,” if so desired. My four-year-old niece loves to go with daddy to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, despite the 6am wake-up and the two-hour drive each way. They sing songs or listen to the radio in the car ride on the way there. At the market, she buzzes back and forth between different stands, the smell of homemade soaps mingling with fresh strawberries and dirt.
Sometimes, an Amish farmhand accompanies them on the trip. As a Pennsylvania farmer, my brother does a lot of work with the Amish. In the off season, he’ll occasionally chauffeur Amish customers for extra cash, an offer they readily accept since their horse and buggies aren’t comfortable on longer trips. As you can imagine, sometimes the cultural differences lead to some amusing stories. I’ve told him he should write a book about his adventures with the Amish (he could call it “Driving Miss Yoder”).
On this particular occasion, he was driving with Daniel, a young Amish boy who helps out on the farm a couple days a week. On the way to Pittsburgh, they happened to pass by a set of those infamous Golden Arches. “Ahhh, there’s good ol’ McDonald’s,” Daniel remarked. My brother noticed that familiar look of puzzlement on his little girl’s face. And that’s when she asked him. “Daddy, what’s McDonald’s?”
Kids ask a lot of questions, but that’s not one you hear much these days. Even the Amish boy was familiar with McDonalds! My brother was so proud. He doesn’t intentionally shelter his kids; he just tries to give them their fill of nutrient-dense foods at every opportunity. I would say he’s doing an impressive job. Do you have a proud Real Food moment to share?
*This post is a part of Real Food Wednesday hosted by Cheeseslave and Works for Me Wednesday hosted at We are THAT Family.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
that is fantastic!
How fantastic! May all our children, someday, have to ask "What's McDonalds?"
Even the Roman Empire came and went. But who knows, maybe McDonalds will someday serve grass-fed burgers on sprouted buns with organic french fries cooked in pastured beef tallow…. (sigh).
I love the Julia Child clip where she is talking about McDonalds' french fries. (This link takes you to a post on Kelly the Kitchen Kop's blog where you can view the video. It's great!)
I love it! Sometimes I worry about how different my children are from the general population, but really, I should be worrying about the children who eat at the golden arches regularly.
Came over from We ARE THAT Family…this is a great story. Unforunately my son yells from his car seat "French Fries" anytime he sees the golden arches. He's two. Maybe I should do something about that.
That's funny, Jen! I've always been a french fry fan, too! I have fond memories of my mom taking me for an order of fries at Micky D's. But now that I know how bad the vegetable oil they use there is for your health, I just can't enjoy them anymore
I get my french fry fix the old fashioned way now. I slice up potatoes into french fry-ish forms, drizzle them with coconut oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and put them in the oven at 450 for 30 minutes or so. Even my honey likes them better than the fast food version!!
Ah…my youngest daughter was born with food allergies, so cooking took on a whole new way with us. After making home made pancakes from scratch for quite a while, a friend gave me some name brand flour. I used it to make pancakes instead of the usual spelt flour. My kids refused to eat them stating that they were gummy. Then, my young son cried out, "Great mom, now you made us only like healthy food!"
That's hilarious –every mother's dream! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story.
What a great story! I'm originally from Ohio and my dad used to take us up north were there was a large Amish population. I have a huge respect for how they live. It's an incredible way of life. I applaud your brother for choosing to follow his heart. Doing what's right is not usually easy.
Thanks for your comment, Amy! I will be sure to pass your applause along to him.