You may have heard of the NOVA classification system. It is a simplistic categorization of foods based on their level of processing. We have referred to Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) regularly as problematic not only in terms of our health but the planet too. Rising evidence is mounting on the negative impact of consuming a diet that is made up of mostly UPF.  Although the Big Food companies are naturally keen to create these lucrative items, they are understandably not keen on supporting a classification system that shows them up in a negative light. That obvious point aside any new system or idea will not be necessarily embraced with gusto. I do like it though and find it an interesting and useful one. It has helped inform our choices here on foods to bring to the members.
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Now that we have the Irish average consumption of UPF at 46% we would like to collate our figures to compare. We emphasize real food but what percentage do we sell? Watch this space. 

Anne Maher

Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken

Whether we like it or not the world of UPF or Ultra Processed Food is all around us. Irelands diet is made up of 46% UPF on average which really is rather a lot considering we produce a lot of food too.
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This is not the first book on UPF that I have read but thought this one would be interesting, and it does not disappoint. Chris urges us at the beginning to not stop eating UPF which was a surprise. Instead, he brings us on a journey of discovery of science, economics, history and production of ultra-processed food. The choice to eat healthily is more than just a personal decision and sterling will power. Our food environments are taken over with these UPF products and it makes it almost impossible to make healthy choices. This book will make you understand why. At the end of the day our health has suffered extensively because of these foodstuffs and for many the realization of their toxicity is a catalyst to change.  Needless to say, he does the self-experiment of eating just this way after a “clean” diet and he reports on his progress and health outcomes….

By the end of the book, you can make up your own mind on what to eat. The Ultra Processed Food industry is complex and self-perpetuating. To increase their share of the market means real food has to be removed.

Surrounding ourselves and protecting real food is part of the recovery process. We are working on it!

Anne Maher

When we first began to sell organic chicken, it was a task to persuade people that the price was worth paying for the quality and the labour involved. At this moment in time, we cannot provide the supply to meet the demand for the nutrient dense fowl. For many families organic eggs and chicken are a lifeline of nourishment in the maze of food intolerances and sickly children. We hear stories from grateful parents who have found these foods provide the answer for regular nourishment. Freely roaming hens that scratch the ground and feed off the biodiverse insects and bugs to provide complete meals of nutrient rich eggs.
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From what I can gather the availability of poultry and eggs will be more curtailed in future as the squeeze is on farmers to change their practices under the guise of animal welfare. Lockdown for humans in recent years was in the guise of public health and we can argue how damaging that was for many other reasons but I digress. What is going on? We know the visionaries want us to eat bugs. It would seem they are reducing the middlemen (hen) so that we can do just that!

We fought to save the right to consume raw milk in Ireland not so long ago. Food is the new bioweapon. Chicken, Eggs, and Beef are in the spotlight. In an era when Ultra Processed Food is recognised for its toxicity, a point is made of demonizing these real foods through regulation and climate shame. Be wary though of those determined mothers who have found how real food has healed their families. Take those foods away at your peril. 

Anne Maher

This beautiful sunshine allows us to dry our clothes outside, it is much better for the environment and  our energy bill.  Plus there is no need to iron and the clothes smell beautiful.  If you don't have space for a clothesline, a fold-up clothes rack.


Please send me your upcycling or zero waste ideas.
[email protected]   Geraldine