Reclaiming Our Food: How the Grassroots Food Movement is Changing the Way We Eat [Paperback]

Tanya Denckla Cobb has a gift for artfully documenting stories that desperately need to be told. Her latest book, "Reclaiming Our Food," is a collection of stories, insights, lessons in a food system gone awry and the inspirational groups and individuals who are developing creative solutions.

Cobb feels that there is something inherently democratic about the food movement. "It's democracy in action," she says, "people vote with their dollars, create control over an important part of their life, and take ownership in their community." Simply put: "Democracy is happening in our food system."

But Cobb's book is far from a rosy-tinted adulation of food projects. Rather, she describes it as "inspirational and practical." Inspirational, from the incredible stories of success and ingenuity. Practical, however, from Cobb's insistence on asking tough questions and distilling her interviews down to true "lessons learned."

In surveying the food system literature prior to writing the book, Cobb was surprised by the lack of a consolidated "lessons learned" text for food projects. In research, interviews, and site visits, Cobb's research team went below the surface, hearing about hardships and advice that food project veterans would give to future generations.

The features in the book have been meticulously documented, and Cobb is quick to reference the contributions of many book supporters, including seven students, U.Va. faculty, including Urban & Environmental Planning professor Tim Beatley, and numerous food experts from around the nation. Though the text is detailed, Cobb's storytelling weaves tales that are readable and illuminating, drawing upon research, as well as first-hand interviews and meetings with food projects from around the country.

"Reclaiming Our Food" is not a book to sit on the shelf, according to Cobb. Readers will want to come back, revisit their favorite stories, and take away ideas to apply in their own lives. As much as it is an inspiring story of hope, the book is meant as a handbook for food system innovators. Ways to get involved, like "crop mobs," are offered as unique ideas that can be applied in almost any community.

If you're depressed by what you've heard about the state of the food system, this book is your dose of optimism. If you're already inspired about food but just don't know where to go next, this book can get you thinking constructively. Practical, inspirational, and usable, "Reclaiming Our Food" is a significant contribution to food system literature. It tells the stories that need telling in a way that will create lasting impact beyond its pages.

A Woman Without A Man

A outstanding and timely book with great photos.

Farming used to happen only in the country. Things have changed. Every day on the local news in Chicago, a new empty city lot is being turned into a garden. They are benefiting neighbors and food pantries to feed the poor everywhere. Farming is going viral.

I grew up spoiled. My mother tended a large garden. Everything not consumed or shared was canned. We had good nutrition year round. We even had a dozen chickens for fresh eggs.

There are many good reasons for fresh food. For me, it is the taste. Tomatoes that are picked green cannot compare to a juicy bright red one from the garden. Eggs, fresh - no contest. Corn? Fresh picked melts in your mouth.

This book is a must read for new gardeners. I am happy with my three spectacular tomato plants just outside my urban townhouse. With my southern exposure, and little care, I supply all my neighbors too. now, if I could learn to can)

Good luck with your timely and inspiring book, Tanya. You have caught the wave.

Despite our growing dependence on technology, most people are still motivated to eat freshly picked fruits, vegetables, livestock, milk and other non-processed foods.

Author Tanya Denckla Cobb's book, "Reclaiming Our Food: How the grassroots food movement is changing the way we eat" offers a great resource of information on how to rebuild our local food system in a most practical and affordable way. The grassroots movement provides a helping hand to those who are naturally passionate and committed in finding new way how to grow, process and distribute food that may somehow improve their way of life.

As your reading progress, you'll learn so much from the people and from each of the featured projects. If you are passionate about changing the way you eat and hoping to reclaim your food...this book is for you.
As one who is just now learning to grow my own vegetables, I'm excited to learn from others doing the same.
Great job on this Tanya

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 13 reviews  4.9 out of 5 stars