Reference no: EM133519907
Case Study: Ananya is a single mother with two sons, aged eight and 10, living in Toronto. Since her spouse passed away, the family was living on a modest income from Ananya's job and a small payment from her spouse's estate. She was managing to cope but she had to be very careful with money. She had avoided taking any social assistance and did not visit food banks.
Ananya was aware of many food issues, particularly the desirability of consuming locally produced organic food. But she was confronted with the reality that this type of food was more expensive and not easily accessible. The prices at the farmers' market were often higher than at the local supermarket. She appreciated that food may be fresher and grown in a sustainable environment. The farmers' market where locally grown food could be purchased, especially in the summer, was a long distance away. Travelling to it would involve a bus trip which would limit how much she could carry back home.
In her research about organic and locally grown food, she learnt some disturbing information. Besides locally grown food often more expensive, there was no assurance that it was organic, as there was no reliable certification system. Although it was claimed that local and organic food was better for her family's health, the health benefits were questionable, according to some articles she had read. Some health professionals suggested that, nutritionally, it might just be as well to buy frozen vegetables.
This left Ananya with a dilemma. Despite the criticism, she felt organic food was better for her family; on the other hand, she doubted that she could afford it. It appeared that ethical food was for the wealthy, who could afford it.
Questions:
- What are the ethical issues involved?
- How could reasonably priced and local organic food be made available to lower income consumers?
- How can Ananya resolve her dilemma.
- What should the government or a community organization do to help persons in this situation?
- Is organic and locally grown food actually better for consumers?
- Kindly support answers with references.