I gave two presentations in Washington, DC - one at George Washington University Law School and one at Busboys and Poets bookstore.  At each, people were engaged, and it was great to hear from so many who are working on policies in our nation’s capitol aimed at improving our food production system and preventing animal cruelty.  While industrial agribusiness is entrenched in Washington politics and fighting hard to maintain the status quo, I believe that with patience, persistence and ongoing resolve change is inevitable.

I had a chance to walk around a neighborhood just northeast of Capitol Hill where I had lived for a short time in the early 1980s.  Back then, it was very difficult to find fresh produce anywhere in this area, but processed sugary ‘foods’ as well as liquor were everywhere.  Junk food and alcohol are still prevalent, but there appears to be some better alternatives elbowing their way in.  I was able to find fresh fruit at neighborhood grocery stores, and even soymilk was available.

Before getting on a train at Union Station bound for New York City, I stopped by the food court on the lower level where I saw various ethnic foods and vegan options. I grabbed a falafel, which consisted of several food groups – legumes, seeds, grains, vegetables, and fruit (if you consider tomato fruit).  That’s a lot of good stuff in one sandwich!