An Old Idea Is New Again – These States Are Giving Freedom Back To Consumers

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

 

Some of the greatest hurdles conservative families face in today’s culture are the erosion of traditional values and government encroachment in nearly every aspect of life.

Families with traditional, conservative values are often more likely to yearn for a world free from government interference in education, parental rights, and how we care for our family unit.

To this end, a handful of states are part of a growing movement to go back to our roots – and to freedoms we once enjoyed that provide opportunities for us all to choose healthier options for their families.

These days, most people purchase all of their food from the local grocery store or even have it delivered online.

Our nation is facing an obesity epidemic that shows no signs of slowing.  Our children are eating more sugar than ever, and nearly every available food item is processed with some sort of chemical to “improve” its appearance, taste, or preservation.

It’s no wonder diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are unfortunately becoming more common.

While many families have been increasingly buying organic or natural foods when they can, these can be far more expensive – and aren’t always as “natural” as they claim to be.

Most busy parents these days do not have time to do what families once did generations ago – grow their own produce, can and preserve their own vegetables and fruits, or even raise chickens and other animals for milk, eggs, and meat.

It’s a lost tradition, and a lost art.  But it’s one that’s making a comeback, and some states have finally made it accessible to families by passing Food Freedom laws.

Wyoming, Utah, and North Dakota are currently the only states with Food Freedom laws on the books, but it’s an idea that would be welcome in many more across the nation.

Although most states do have “cottage food” laws on the books, wherein people can produce and sell certain foods produced in their own homes, there are several limitations.

When selling online or at farmer’s markets and the like, the food seller must still obtain an inspection of kitchen facilities and equipment, complete paperwork, provide documentation, and pay fees – aka, jump through government hoops.

But with Food Freedom laws, families can do what families did for hundreds of years.  They can sell food they produce themselves to their friends, neighbors, and others in their communities without government interference.

This includes fresh milk from their cows, eggs from their hens, homemade jams, jellies, and canned produce, and even some kinds of meats and poultry.

No antibiotics, no chemical additives, no preservatives, extra sugars, or harmful additions that are included in nearly all the foods we purchase from retailers.

The premise behind these laws is that America is based on guaranteed freedoms, and people who are free should be allowed to buy and eat the foods they want free from government regulation.

And sellers should be able to sell their home-produced goods without the red tape of permits, inspections, or other government restrictions.

Customers understand that they are taking on responsibility for the fact that these foods are not inspected or regulated – and one fact may surprise the doubters.

There has not been a single case of food-borne illness reported in any of the states that have Food Freedom laws on the books, according to a report in Forbes.

In the states that enjoy the freedom of these laws, communities buy, sell, and trade their homemade foods at farmer’s markets, food co-ops, and roadside stands.

It sounds a little like a little glimpse into how America used to be – when neighbors supported and trusted one another to take care of everyone in their community.

While there are some restrictions to these laws, such as not being allowed to sell these homemade/homegrown items in other states or to restaurants or other retailers, communities are thrilled with the freedom, variety, and safety they see as benefits of these laws.

They also provide some much-needed economic support to farmers, bakers, and others who cannot afford the inspection and filing fees — and hassle — that would come from trying to start a regulated business to sell their food products.

It’s an idea whose time has come – come back, that is – and one that will hopefully take off in many other states in the future.