While reading a friend of mine's blog who runs a few farmers' markets in Virginia, I came across a really interesting article from the NPR website about Kale. What does kale have to do with cranberries, you might ask? Well, other than occasionally finding them in a winter salad together, they represent something bigger than produce, they tell the story of small business. This article, titled Chicken vs. Kale, is about a small t-shirt company owned and operated by a couple in Vermont who is facing big charges from the fast-food corporation, Chik-fil-A.
"Eat More Kale" is the slogan that is up for debate. Chik-fil-A believes it is a trademark infringement when Bo of EMK says it's how he's made his living for 10 years, "promoting local sustainable agriculture through food messages."
His small, eco-friendly t-shirt business upholds values that make Vermont a great place to live, work and raise a family and the new campaign is about supporting small business, business that actually cares and hasn't been swallowed up by the profit-hungry, corporate mentality.
His website states, "I am a one man show, so my shirts are distinctive, offbeat, one-of-a-kind works of art. I have no giant call-centers to hide behind and I don't need them. I am one man with one squeegee and that's how I like it. When you see someone wearing one of my t-shirts you will instantly recognize its personal style, character and the care I took to craft it."
As a small, hoping to be independent farm, this type of news is scary. No where in our farm goals or thoughts is trying to take down others' operations, rather we are aspiring to make money doing what we love and think is right.
If you want to support Bo and his family's campaign you can check it out here: http://eatmorekale.com/donate.html
The food fight continues...
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