“No, this isn’t necessarily a food quality issue. But it is a quality of human life issue. And that is just as – no, more – important.”

This is the quote that stood out most to me in Charlie Brown’s Medium article, We Don’t Need Bigger Supermarkets, We Need Better Quality Produce (click here to read it for yourself). It’s basically an opinion-piece on the state of supermarkets today (hint: the sacrifice of quality in the name of choice and convenience) and what that actually means for the quality of the human experience. Do we really need 30 different types of hummus?

My gut instinct is to that particular question is: no.

I loved the article because it beautifully highlighted my own sentiments regarding what we now call the industrialization of food – the very thing we use to fuel our existence… or biologically natural existence. The critical point here being: we are not machines, we do not require manufactured fuel to sustain ourselves. At least, not if you want to have the best quality experience in the vessel in which you live.

Living in a system where just 10 companies own nearly every grocery store brand in the world (yes, she delves into this issue – and its documented consequences – as well), has created a focus on the maximization of profit within the production and distribution of food system – and the inevitable result has been a reduction in quality.

Sounds dreary? Well, it is. Especially if you’re an individual like myself that loves to eat. The taste of food is directly related to the quality of the ingredients you use as much as it is the quality of the person preparing the meal.

However, there are ways around this issue – some I know you some of you would have heard of. Buying local is one of them. Visiting farmer’s markets and buying what’s in season is a great first step. Another way is to begin to prioritize the what you eat (and the way you eat) a little more. For me, my life centers around it. I find when I fuel myself with with the best, I perform at my best, and everything in my life benefits. No, seriously. I become more productive, have better ideas and – funnily enough – make more money.

I encourage you to go read the article. It’ll have you not only thinking, but debating amongst your loved ones about the quality you want to achieve in your lives.

Enjoy!