The system is broken. (A rant about real food)

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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[@nadiasmith9728]

Hi Jess. As a 23 year old black woman who is passionate about public health and people having access to real food and is also enraged by the injustice inflicted on us by people who care more about profit and power than human lives, thank you so much for this video and sharing this passion on your platform. I love your videos and you’ve inspired me to start a small garden in my suburban backyard. Thank you for being you

[@cherylannesley937]

As a 54 year old French Canadian white woman, more power to you. So glad to hear you are IN on this. We all make a difference. Jess is able to reach more people. The seeds are us. Love to you and yours.

[@nadiasmith9728]

@@cherylannesley937 thank you for your comment! You’re so right! We are the change!! Love to you and yours as well

[@shockingdocumentaries4255]

Ditto. Same demographics. Except a tad bit older. 🤥 Same values. It’s a breath of fresh air to find groups who don’t operate along the extremes of “positive” denial and “realistic” fatalism. It’s interesting, the fact that Jess keeps pointing out ways to garden for cheap in her videos was never mentioned. Despite the fact that gardening has been mischaracterized as expensive to make it seems inaccessible. Which could explain why some people think gardening is bougie. Subsidizing processed foods to make them cheap and leads the poor who have to eat it, to getting sick, is what’s offensive. Talking about what you like to do and teaching people who wants to learn how to grow lettuce in the winter for $20 or re-grow food is not offensive. Unless people making their own choices offend you. In which case I’d say you can’t live your life if you’re too busy telling others how to live theirs. 😮 The comments Jess alluded to remind me of this person who kept demanding that I tell them why I didn’t want the chocolate I was offered. Telling her I didn’t think it was important didn’t work. Apparently I didn’t have the right to not justify what I put in my body. Or not have a conversation. Well I told her I’ve never been crazy about the taste. I stopped eating it all together when I found out how it’s made. She was so offended. You’d have thought that I was trying to push my beliefs on HER. Instead of it being the other way around. Nothing I said about making our own choices, helped. The lesson I learned is not to share my thoughts with people who don’t respect my right to not explain myself and choices. Nothing I say will make sense to them. They may agree but…. Go right back to trying to pick a fight. Avoiding those conversations doesn’t work sometimes. And it’s easier to avoid those kinds of people when I can see they’re in a negative head space looking for an excuse to redirect their rage at everything except what’s bothering them. The irony is the same people who think talking about the problem is offensive are sometimes the same ones who are fatalistic and believe there’s no solution. Except depending on the people who are responsible for the broken food supply chain. What if the problem isn’t that we can’t depend on food supply? And it’s the fact that we are so co-dependent. Especially on things that could make us sick. Meanwhile I’m gardening fruits and vegetables in my studio apartment. People keep telling me I can’t do it. I also can’t grow cherry tomatoes upside down without a trellis. Because someone who never tried to do it didn’t believe it could be done and was angry when she said it. I’ve heard enough angry comments that I’ve started a project called. “The Lies they’ve told us about Gardening”. I’ve had the same experience with juicing and experimenting with veganism… Sometimes I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I’ve learned to not share with those people. Which leads to oversharing when I’m around similarly minded people. 🥴 Nevertheless I’ve been gardening for 4 years. Being sick, busy and stressed makes it hard sometimes. And I’ve noticed from observing myself the naysaying makes it harder. But I started to garden the day I suggested someone else with my problems find something they like, like gardening as a way to feel good. And something like writing when they felt bad so they don’t have to depend on stressed out family members. The fact that it just came out my mouth without thought when he asked for advice and the whole situation was serendipitous. I went from collecting seeds for 2 years to buying my first plant that day. I knew right away I was hooked when I cured the plant of its white spots with home remedies. I was told to throw the plant away. If I had I would have given up right there. Since then I’ve gotten better at growing and having selective hearing. I even manage to grow some flowers this year for the first time 🤗. Mainly good pollinators like calendula and Allysum. I think when people believe in limitations seeing someone else do the things we want to do can be upsetting for some. For others it’s proof that the “impossible” is the path of least resistance. I’ve noticed with the critical people I know well, that the same things they say I can’t do are the things they want to do themselves , but believe they can’t. Jill Scott’s song “Hate on Me” covered this nicely. She states in the song she has a right to not buy into the same lies the haters have. And how they’re being a hater has nothing to do with her. She could give a hater food from her garden or even cure all the problems of the world and it still wouldn’t be enough. It’s a VERY therapeutic with a nice dance beats. My neighbors enjoy watching me dance to it. Or at least try to. 🤨 Sorry for the long comment. For some reason it’s easier to get sucked into writing long comments than facing the blank pages of my journal sometimes. 🤨 P.S I’m poor. Live in a food dessert in a slum lord building in a neighborhood where the fire department doesn’t notify the tenants of fires. I be got lots of street cred when it comes to hardship. However I’ve never felt shamed from watching Jess’ videos. They validate my experience of ALWAYS being able to find things like gardening that brings me joy. The idea that I shouldn’t try as if doing so will cause the apocalypse IS offensive. So is making me feel uppity or like a control freak for trying to improve my standard of living without having to depend on anyone as a grown woman. I personally think trying to adhere more closely to the serenity prayer is a wise choice for me. Its weird how I’m responsible for my life, but have to “make a case” to justify not JUST the choices I make, it’s like I have to justify making ANY choices at all. It’s not healthy. It’s sabotage! I define myself. I’m more than just my circumstances. I am the way the CREATOR made me. Any complaints can be directed be directed to HIM. 😂 ✌🏽

[@carolinaelizabethart]

❤

[@nancyedgar8639]

Yes, Thank you Jess and Nadia!! Totally agree!

[@bobbielee9889]

Amen sister! I’m a stage 4 colon cancer patient and was told I’m not curable and to get my affairs in order. I decided to radically change my diet and start eating real food and detox my body. I am now NED (no evidence of disease). Our food system IS killing us.

[@debrakessler5141]

HalleluYAH!!!

[@sloshingjesus8159]

Praise Jesus!!!

[@teaghanaltamore6134]

Congratulations on your success!! Can I ask how you completely switched over? Did you have to spend a lot of money in health food stores?

[@kim94503]

Omgosh God is so good! Thank you Jesus

[@IDVDalot]

Wow impressive! Why dont you share what you did and maybe even start your own channel

[@everickel9055]

I have a lot of respect for this. I don’t see a woman who’s trying to marginalize or put people down, I see a woman who is trying to lift people up and help people to educate themselves. Great work!!

[@tracysmith7272]

I totally agree with you.

[@Ice_queen312]

My dearest Jess, I have been following for years. You are the reason I dove head first into gardening. I am a Latin American woman who grew up in a very poor community. As children, we ate what was given to us, but now as an adult I question everything. Whether it be food, beauty products, cleaning products, etc. I learned very quickly that our government and agricultural system is beyond repair. And now, having a child, I fear for her future. When I found you, I was living in a second floor apartment. I immediately became obsessed and ran out to purchase buckets in the hopes of growing my own food. That first year, I grew eggplant (which I thought I hated), cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs on a small 4×6 balcony! You changed my life, and I immediately knew I wanted more! Fast forward to the present, I now have 8 raised beds, a gutter garden, 40+ grow bags, kiddie pools, and tons of buckets. I have all of this because you educated me on what REAL FOOD should be. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you for changing my life. ❤❤❤

[@carolmiettinen324]

Well done, Jess! 40 some odd years ago, one of my sons was diagnosed with leukemia (at 5 yrs of age). The dietician at the hospital told us to give him cokes, candy and anything else to keep weight on him. That advice did not sit well with me and that began my "real food" journey! I was told my son might live a year. I believe he is alive today because of God's grace and because we changed all of our eating habits to "real food". You are doing a marvelous work - carry on!

[@boomchicka001]

I'm in Canada and this advice is still rampant. A 30-year-old father in my church just passed from cancer recently and he was given the same advice from his dietician/doctors. There was a picture of him sharing Skittles with his son in the hospital a few weeks before he died.

[@dlsdyer9071]

Our son was hyperactive, severe fine motor skills deficits and speech impaired at age five. He also experienced stomach migraines. We found that he had a salicylate sensitivity. Thank goodness we had a developmental pediatrician from South Africa who refused to diagnose him ADHD as his kindergarten teacher wanted. After ten days (and throwing out 75% of my pantry) a calm, easy to discipline child emerged who could hold a pencil and write his name! My husband and I felt real calm as well! He is now 30 and married. He graduated with an engineering degree. BTW: We ended up homeschooling because we could not get the school personnel on board with not giving him food incentives that violated his diet.

[@rhvondalaunsby35]

That was super bad advice sugar feeds cancer you are a hero saving your son.❤

[@jkq9717]

YES!!! Love this!!! We are what we eat!!

[@alishajohnson257]

Praise God! That is an amazing testimony of God, and the food He gave us to nourish our bodies with!

[@susanrogers952]

If anyone has been watching Jess and Jeramiah and Roots and Refuge for any length of time they should understand that this woman would never say anything that is meant to deliberately or accidentally make someone feel marginalized. Her whole purpose of this channel is to share with all of us the best (and the worst) of what she has experienced and share her wisdom and knowledge. It is hard sometimes to realize that there are people who are so offended by how people speak and share their thoughts. Jess, don't change and don't apologize or feel you need to explain yourself. You have so much love and knowledge to share that we love you for just being you. I'm a 79 year old country girl who has mostly lived in the fringes of towns and cities. I've gardened most of my life and thanks to my country raised father who taught me to love to garden and get my hands dirty, I always love the things you share. The truth is that with all I know and have learned from dad and beyond, you often surprise me with things I didn't know.

[@AB-ol5uz]

I associate that phrase with highly reactive people that lack context...

[@meemkaplan4315]

Right? I'm only 68 and raised by a gardener and am learning from Jess! I've had large gardens and small gardens and she grows me!

[@gailmcdonald1946]

So very true Susan,well said ❤

[@judyreynolds305]

I’m only 64, farm and ranch raised,but always garden and chickens all my life. I also have to eat what others consider “real food” and cannot wait to get home and eat my real food often prepared dishes waiting in my freezer. I only consider “my real food” often comes from my chickens processed by me, my veggies from the garden!

[@judyreynolds305]

I agree with you Jess 100 percent! Preach it young lady! I refuse to participate in this fake language! I have had it with these people who are getting hung up on “words”. Get real and live life! This is the way we speak, this is our language! Have some respect and stop pushing your “ fake words” on others!have some respect for your elders. Im 64 years old and this invented language is double speak, and holding you back! Thank you Jess for bringing this to light! Real food is not processed, eating whole food, and cooking from scratch is the way of our elders of previous generations is real food! I raised my kids on home cooked food!

[@Jess-pg7ec]

Too many people are literally killing people with kindness. It’s really up to the ones who know the truth to TELL the truth, with grace, with kindness, but to tell it knowing full well there will be plenty of people angry and offended. I think what you’re doing is bold, authentic, and necessary. Much love to you Jess ❤

[@ericaraulston7923]

This 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@sarahferguson1793]

I’m embarrassed to admit that I am 36 and my eyes are newly being opened. BUT, we are trying to make changes. Realizing that not only physical, but our mental health is being affected. We are a family of 6 on a budget, but we are gradually making changes. I am in year 2 of raised bed gardening and love it! It is appalling what they are allowed to put in processed foods! Thank you for being so passionate and sharing your passion with all of us! The more eyes you open, the better off our world is for it! Keep saying REAL FOOD. There is truth in it! We don’t always know until we are taught!

[@ECole-le7we]

Jess - Like the commenter I see beneath me, I, too, and a black woman. I want to join the chorus of thanks for your call to all of us to be more intentional about what we are consuming. One of my three grandchildren - the youngest - is allergic to many foods, and my daughter - her mother - has had to read food labels in order to keep that dear, sweet child alive and well. I am happy to hear your passion about this topic, particularly as it relates to people of color and what many of us are forced to eat. My grandparents farmed in South GA many years ago. My mother was a child during the Great Depression. But I never heard her tell stories about about hunger and deprivation, because...they grew their own food. In fact, my grandparents bartered with the local college in order to fund Mama's tuition! I hope you will continue to use the phrase "real food". With hope, the message will eventually sink through.

[@christinegarza3052]

You’re teaching is the remedy to the broken system. Thank you, Jess, for your passion!

[@carlazinnrigger491]

trying to grow our own victory gardens AND help our communities their own too. But don't use GMO seeds or use poisons or you have lost it all.

[@angelaraum1545]

​@@carlazinnrigger491 Nobody has access to GMO.seeds except big farmers. That is a marketing ploy. I bel Jess did a video on this or has touched on the subject.

[@VirginiaHale]

​@@carlazinnrigger491 You can not buy GMO seeds. They are not sold to the public, so as a person just walking in off the street it is illegal for anyone. So any seeds you see in a store or garden center are not GMO seeds they can not sell those. Besides that they can't buy them either. Who ever started this Non-GMO crap needs someone to kick them in the butt!!!

[@bonitahunter8905]

Totally agree with you Jess 100%. And I'd love a shirt that said REAL FOOD COMES DIRTY.. 😂 🇨🇦

[@LulaMae21]

​@@carlazinnrigger491 GMO seeds aren't available to the public. They're sold to farmers with a contract. The only possible way to get them is if you buy corn seed that was contaminated, which is possible but unlikely.

[@cheryldavis6010]

Rarely do I take the time to comment on a video, but I cannot be silent on this. Not only are you speaking the truth, but you are an amazing resource to educate people about their choices. You do a great job of making the practice of gardening approachable. Don’t stop speaking the truth. May those who live in perceived food deserts wake up to realize the gold mine in their yards. Dirt.

[@64kimmyjo]

Yes. Agreed 👍

[@naturespathtowellness]

As a nutritionist and follower- I FULLY support all you’ve said here! Speak your truth Jess and NEVER apologize! You’ve nailed it❤️

[@emilywhittington2759]

Thank you for this! I’m a nurse of 9 years but I remember in nursing school the wheels started turning. I saw firsthand that food seemed to be the first domino to fall in the cascade of chronic disease. I’ve also had so many family members cure chronic disease (namely hypertension and type 2 diabetes) by changing their diet. Keep sharing. If it makes people uncomfortable but ultimately causes people to start asking more questions, it’s worth it. People need to know that feeling like crap isn’t a normal part of aging or being in and out of the hospital doesn’t have to be a normal part of being a senior.

[@louisewilliams3900]

Exactly!

[@ashleyhollman5959]

Yes! I’m currently in nursing school and things are clicking.

[@DriftlessReader]

Also a nurse, and noticed the exact same thing while in nursing school!!! Totally agree.

[@AnteaterRae]

I'm a surgical tech & I wish so much people could see the destruction of people's lives that happens due to diabetes and other afflictions facing my patients. Patients bouncing back and forth from podiatry to vascular cutting off toes, then feet, then legs. It's REAL and happens daily, people literally falling apart. Very sad

[@desireepritchard7763]

Nurse here too! Non nutritional food as q baseline diet leads to chronic disease which leads to pharmaceutical and medical intervention... which leads to more pharmaceuticals and more medical intervention because lord knows the docs do not know a damn thing about nutrition and why would you fix the underlying problem because healthy people are not profitable. Makes me sick!

[@LadysFarm]

You are one major reason I was able to leave my 9-5 job as a Nurse to Homestead full time ❤❤❤

[@loriliedel9111]

I want to do this!!

[@LulaMae21]

That sounds lovely as I prep to work the next two nights 7p to 7a lol. Although I do love my babies (NICU nurse).

[@Heidi-px4rg]

I’m down to per diem and homesteading is definitely where my heart is❤ Would love it if I could actually help my patients before they get to me at the hospital 😢

[@3HFarmstx]

Yes!!!! After losing my Grandma, Mom and Father in law to Cancer our eyes are open. Eating real food, no sugar, no carbs I have lost 22 pounds in 40 days and my inflammation and joint pain is gone. I feel better now (40 years old) than I did 10-20 years ago. I am telling strangers in the groceries store about my success. God bless!

[@m.mcmullen1950]

Hi Jess. As someone who grew up on the margins, in a level of poverty that few people even recognize exists in the US, I wanted to chime in. I grew up in a multigenerational household, so I was lucky enough to learn to cook from my grandma and mom. My grandad had a garden with Golden Bantam corn and lemon cucumbers and all kinds of tomatoes. We raised turkeys and had bottle calfs. At that time, having eaten "real food" my whole life, I wanted nothing more than to eat the convenience foods that all the middle class and rich mom's gave to their kids. At school, having a "real food" lunch was mocked. What I'm trying to express is that the culture of food changes as the larger culture changes. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with you referring to real food as real food. That's what it is! What I find very disheartening about our current conversations about food, is that they're centered around semantics, language, and not offending one another, when I feel that they should be centered around what changed culturally that the "real food" formerly common to all working class and poor people in this country is now the exclusive domain of rich, Whole Foods customers. If "real food" is now only for the elite, then why? And how do we get back to it being the norm? How do we recapture the wisdom of our elders? How do we normalize the preparation of food at home (which can be done cheaply)? I feel like that's the work you are trying to do, and as someone who grew up on the margins, that makes me smile. Keep on keeping on.

[@ColRubyDimplesManacha]

Some people would rather try to control other people's words about their fake food than fuss at the folks selling them the fake food. Thanks for everything you do, Jess!

[@AA-ys5hh]

Jess-I’m a therapist and social worker. I’ve definitely lived and seen my fair share of poverty. This does not mean that “real food” should ever be offensive. The amount of people who don’t understand what REAL FOOD actually is, is heartbreaking. Kiddos who don’t even realize where their food comes from. Keep on keeping on-feed your family and educate your family about REAL FOOD. ❤

[@tipgiles5432]

A person develops knowledge of what rea/ whole food is based on how they were raised. We ate very little from cans or store bought frozen food other than fruits out of season. The plethora of frozen meal type entrees etc. were almost non existent when I was growing up. Plus they were very expensive. If a person was raised by parents who grew up in the country or their parents did, I suspect that they were introduced to and ate mostly whole food and continue on that path.Monkey see, monkey do. We lived in a small town with no real garden, but there were large gardeners who often shared their oversupply or offered to allow folks to pick on the halves. Some of the small farmers who were on a government program to plant only to enrich the soil and not sell the produce allowed people to pick as much as they wanted until time to turn under the green manure crop. We ate only whole in season food as well as that my mom froze. Joy Giles

[@cavymomma]

two great memories come to mind from my work in social services & home visits: the elderly black lady cooking up some fresh collards and the hispanic single dad making tortillas by hand. Poverty doesn't exclude real food. Lack of knowledge/experience does for sure.

[@catherinebennet]

I grew up on a farm so I grew up in real food. If we didn’t grow it, we didn’t eat it. So different now. It was 20 minutes to the nearest grocery store. But I was blessed to grow up in that culture. For those who didn’t grow up knowing the difference they don’t realize that they are killing themselves with the food they think is good for them. I love your passion Jess

[@Taximom]

🔥🔥🔥🙌🏻PREACH!🙌🏻🔥🔥🔥 Girl! You had me in tears at one part. If only people knew what I’ve learned in the last 2-3 years and now I’m in the last third of my life and regret all the crap I thought was healthy. 😪 Thank you for what you do. Keep praying, and may God bless everyone here.

[@betsybaker4856]

I'm with you 100%, Jess. It is outrageous that our systems are so broken for the sole purpose of making money for a few! Praying that the corruption is exposed and we can see a genuine turnaround in our food and medical systems SOON! Keep sharing, sister! ❤

[@RawBeautyKristi]

BEAUTIFULLY said Jess 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@emilycole6453]

Amen!

[@ambermoore4942]

I am a woman who worked at a chemical manufacturing company for many years until I got very sick from a chemical spill at work. When I was too sick to work any longer and was fired for it. I found this channel. I have found hope in this content and started a garden. It is not only helping me with my nutrition and food security it is helping me to feel empowered. It makes me feel like I don’t have to rely on the broken system that made me sick that I can provide for myself and participate in healing my own body. Not only all of that but the only space I have to grow a garden is in my front yard. I now have the ability to talk to so many people that stop and comment on the beauty of my garden about the real reason I grow it. I have also been able to share plants and dirt and seeds with people in my community as they start to understand WHY!!

[@fairytale_after_dark6696]

That you grow in your front yard is beautiful as I also do the same because it has south facing sun all day. Its remarkable how many people stop by to have a chat when they see you working outside....but they mostly want to share the harvest and maybe barter with baked goods from their kitchens😅. Keep being wonderful and I hope you have a bountiful growing season. All the very best from the UK 🇬🇧 ❤

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

Love this. ❤

[@lauraewton9283]

Amber you are amazing! Keep growing real food! You found the secret to your health! You are going to inspire so many around you as well as those who read this! God bless!

[@charlesbrooks5003]

Go Amber! It is so heartbreaking this happened to you. Continue to share your story you are changing the world!

[@mimibatman2787]

Wow, that's so inspiring! You are not only healing yourself, but all those you influence. Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!

[@vertereliving]

Well said! "If you can't call a spade a spade, how can you play the hand you've been dealt"? You are doing such good work!! I'm heading out to my garden to tend to my real food.... thank you for making a difference through compassion and education. ❤

[@zibratesmom-giftsforlife8751]

I can’t say enough how proud I am of you clarifying your vision, dream, beliefs, and why you use the terminology you use. I use the term “real food” with my family and they know what I mean. It’s not demean or make people feel bad but to educate and wake people up to what’s going on in our world. Preach, girl. You did good and I think you handled that really well and spoke really well.

[@vonniemerriam974]

Empowering people by challenging them to take control over their lives is the antithesis of marginalization! You go, girl! Real talk about real food!

[@edenridgefarms]

PREACH!!!

[@ThePosyCo]

I love “real talk about real food”! ❤ 👏

[@Coden11]

Yes!

[@surviving8316]

It's easier to fool people than it is to convince them they've been fooled. Good on you Jess ...rant on ...people need to hear it 💕

[@susichristianson3395]

Right on, Girl! Love it when the inner Jess is released! Do not ever let anyone silence you. What you have to say is indeed valid, valuable and needs to be said. All positive and powerful comments and information posted on here by others are also valid, valuable and need to be said. People can take responsibility for what they consume or not. One can choose to learn or not. That is their choice. Food obviously means different things to different folks. IMHO just because one consumes something into their body does not make it food. To me “real food” simply means it is nutritious and healthy and not fake. It’s feeding your body what it needs and it reacts accordingly. Man-made products from chemicals, artificial colorings, toxic waste products, artificial flavorings, addictive additives, just to name a very, very few, that can make you sick, are not real food. It is fake. The body doesn’t know what to do with it and also reacts accordingly. THERE! I said it. Seriously though, many folks would be truly horrified if they knew all that is in what they consume. As a real cheese lover your description of fake “cheese” almost made me wanna 🤮. Our food has been hijacked! Folks, reading labels is exhausting at times and they purposely change the names of ingredients and mislead by the description of items, so beware. But read them anyway. Listen to Jess, learn, grow, raise and produce as much of your own food as you can right now. Trade for what you can’t grow, start a little community garden, plant something to eat in a pot on your patio. Do what you can, just do something! Jess, you and Miah are doing amazing things and are creating something very special. Never stop teaching and inspiring us to be bold, to experiment, to learn, to pray and to dream. I, for one, am so glad it was a very windy day. 😉 God bless you and you family.🙏May you all be healthy. As always from CA🏖️take care.

[@susichristianson3395]

So true. Was that quote by Mark Twain? I’ve always thought it was wise.

[@surviving8316]

@@susichristianson3395 i think it's Mark Twain but don't quote me on it lol

[@butterflybounty]

It's because of you that I started gardening 4 years ago. It's because of you I have cut back on sugar, fast food, I try to cook at home, I can, and my son is able to go out to the garden for a REAL snack. Lastly it's because of you and your voice that my family is becoming healthier and more aware of what we eat. Thank you ❤

[@katebettesworth2638]

Listening to this as I walk my dog, early April 2023 in UK. Yes yes yes! Jesse you need a medal. Spot on Sister ✊✊✊💚

[@kathrynrodlun8514]

As a 64 year old grandmother of 7, thank you for educating all those who choose to listen to you. I have been watching you for several years. I love Real people. I live in NW Washington. You are spot on and this kind of video is necessary. Thank you so very much. I live off grid and grow and forage. I need no pills and you are so correct. God bless you

[@trapofonidrillore185]

I was suggested here while listening to the song “Dupe - Folin Kot” 🔥🔥

[@crisscome5376]

Can I just say thank you. As one who grew up in a suburb in the desert, but who now raises chickens and rabbits and pigs and cows and vegetables and medicinal plants in the south, I can relate to your journey and have enjoyed watching you and learning from you as we grow and learn new skills. Keep up the beautiful work and don’t be afraid to rant when you feel it is needed.❤

[@teriturner3608]

Hi Jess! I have been watching you for the last 5 years on and off. I am a 70 year old. I was doing alot of gardening when I first started watching you. Then I changed jobs and quit gardening. I recently changed my diet because I was feeling so sick and inflamed. I was breaking out and sick to my stomach. Now I have gone down the rabbit hole of carnivore. The information out there is unbelievable. Stick to your guns girl. People like you are is really amazing to me and you convictions mean alot to those of us who follow you! Thank you for being real!!!

[@juliagrowsinportland]

When Jess says “broken food system” I raise a glass. Much love and support from the PNW. Let’s build something better!❤️

[@lesleyrutz50]

Jess is the reason I jumped into gardening and sharing my abundance. Also PNW. WE live in a glorious land!

[@home_edventure]

This is 100% a "get off your couch" video! I have to drive 25 miles for fruit and veg. Currently saving for a polytunnel so we can grow our own. We have rain, rain, rain here, and cold (Scotland) but my eyes are open. Thank you Jess 🙏

[@vanessarheadart9708]

Sitting here on the welsh boarder waiting for last frost to plant out. Love scotland immensely (west coast particularly) but glad i only have English/Welsh down falling rain and not your horizontal stuff to contend with 😁

[@sunnydayssandytoes4337]

Stand firm. It's definitely a process. Beautiful friend. Grace upon grace. I bless you.

[@amandaadams1559]

I agree with you. You are speaking truth. More people need to speak up !!!

[@kellybesse7116]

This video was absolutely amazing! Wonderfully said. I’m only just waking up to the brokenness in our food and medical systems. Like many folks, we started growing food in 2020. Had a very proud wife moment the other night. One of our little guys was coughing (they are prone to seasonal allergies). I said (in frustration), “I guess it’s time for Claritin again.” My husband’s response was, “We have local honey.” YES!!! Baby steps away from Big AG, baby steps away from Big pharma.

[@flowerpixel]

RANT AWAY! I had a similar experience seeing bugs on organic kale when I was younger and I was so grossed out that I couldn't eat it 😂. Then after I started gardening, I experienced a HUGE epiphany when you said in a video something like "if bugs don't want it, you shouldn't either" ... And now I love bugs!

[@hopehall-sanchez1913]

I am so glad you are talking about this. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and it’s not hereditary, it’s from my environment and what I fed my body. I am in the process of changing my whole diet. It’s not easy but worth it. 💖

[@tabp8448]

🙏🏼🌱🌱💪🏼

[@kerryhamilton7404]

Cancer grows in sugar. Cut out all sugar and that will speed up healing. High dose vitamin C kills cancer. Some even choose IV Vitamin C . I'm not a DR ! A fast ( water only ) speeds up healing ( also cleans out bad stuff . . . including toxins left from cancer. ) I have fasted 44 days. . . 40 . . .30 . .etc 150 days total last year. Just offering you what I know.

[@jamie3593]

AMEN Jess! Keep planting and watering those seeds of truth. You are making a difference in many lives...

[@dottiesworld979]

The problem is not with your terminology but with people's ability to receive your message ❤

[@dulcyreck4436]

This! 💯

[@marisevilla662]

This is absolutely the best comment!!!❤

[@alisonhaddock8997]

So True! You're spot!

[@TiffanyalmazanLifeOfJoie]

💜👊🏼

[@marlaherrington5320]

Farm raised food is real food and I would absolutely love to grow more of our food. My husband is fighting cancer for the 8th time and I truly blame our food industry, all the pesticide, steroids and all the other un natural things they put on or in our food for the sake of money. YOU GO GIRL !!!!

[@leahness3588]

💜🙏💙🙏

[@lyndarebustillo9114]

I am praying for you and your husband. I agree with you 100%. My great aunts lived into their 90’s. They ate bacon, eggs, and toast pretty much every morning and would have meat for dinner. I was born in 1967 and I remember eating real food in the 70’s-80’s and it wasn’t full of the crap it has now and it tasted better, too. ❤

[@melissasekely5107]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜

[@rg-mi5hh]

🙏

[@elisabetk2595]

Wishing you both the best. I had cancer in my early twenties and salty food became extremely painful to swallow. After awhile, my taste for it sort of reset and pretty much any processed food was too salty to eat. I think that saved me from a lot of temptations in my life because for instance fast food was impossible. Luckily I'd grown up eating "cheap" food cooked from scratch so making my own to my own tastes was always preferred already. Even so, I worry about some of the stuff I consumed in the college cafeteria, yikes.

[@mrsobrian6032]

Love that - "it's not calling something what it is that is the problem, it's the system that is what is the problem."

[@chrisashley7834]

Hi Jess! I so appreciate your heart. I will never have a homestead, but I live vicariously through you! I have three raised beds for veggies plus numerous pots. And those I grow real food in organic soil. I do this for my toddler grandson. He is now two and comes out to the garden with me every time he visits, helps me water and then we pick what’s available to eat, which is very little right now. He eats strawberries off the vine! It makes my heart so very happy. And his, too, I believe! When people have asked me what do I mean by real food, I answer something that is grown and eaten without additives. And it is nutritious. You are so inspirational to us. May God bless you and keep you!

[@maggiejohnson4056]

Real food is real food. I can't imagine anyone having the mindset to pick at you for how you classify food - a more generous soul I can't imagine & I have learned so much from your videos! Yes, our food system is broken & it sometimes seems intentional, but I won't go there. Keep going, Jess - there will always be those who pick at tiny things & miss the bigger picture. You are doing such a service in helping those of us who struggle & try to make our little world a little greener. 😊❤

[@heatherlaaman3593]

Probably because it comes off as elitist to those who can’t afford “real food”

[@stodgy1234]

Thank you Jess! You are absolutely right about the "system ". I left a 34 yr career as a RN, because it is no longer Healthcare. It is death care. I am growing a majority of our food now, whole foods are medicine to our bodies. Thank you for all you and Mia do. There are far more people that agree with you, than those that don't.

[@DonnaBeaudin]

Dee, thank you for your honesty. I agree today's "healthcare" is designed to create lifelong patients to keep the system and big pharma rich. There is nothing taught or practiced that actually creates a person who doesn't need the "system" to be well. Fake food is a HUGE piece of that puzzle. I admire your choice to exit the circus and enter real life. Bless you and keep on the path sister.

[@tiffles699]

Yes! I have EDS, which is manageable and rarely the source of issues but the comorbidities are the killers... I was a single point away from being diagnosed with Lupus... I felt tired all the time and I started growing and eating food at it's more basic form. I'm allergic to bleached flour, or the enrichment needed after bleaching... I was "gluten intolerant" and went to the middle East and eat everything.... Breads and all, back on military base, dealing with severe gut issues when eating things that had flour. People lose weight gorging on sweets and breads in france(plust the walking helps) our food is toxic.

[@charlottesedita3136]

Thank you girl 100% right Amen

[@skival]

You stole my term for "Healthcare"! I feel the same.

[@wooby9898]

I too left a career as an RN of 25+ years and feel the same way . I avoid the medical community now like it’s a plague. We grow and locally source our food as much as we can. I’ve even thought about moving to another country that doesn’t allow all the poison in their food. Started learning about herbal medicine and trying to learn how to live in this crazy upside down world.

[@Christina00nline]

3 years ago, you were the first person I heard the word homestead from. You were the person who gave me the courage to pursue that secret dream of mine of growing food. I am still struggling to find and get to that piece that is mine to build, but thank you for sharing the first small stone three years ago and now that set me on the journey.❤

[@Homestead-ish]

PREACH!!! I don’t think you have ever said anything that should make people feel shameful. thank you so much for sharing your heart about the injustice that is our system

[@alethacook1145]

Keep using your words. Many are trying to redefine our language and I hope that you keep saying what’s true!

[@anjelicap5412]

Thank you for sharing this message. Your voice matters. You inspired me to purchase 2 Greenstalks , 3 small raised beds and some shishito pepper seeds to feed my small family of 2. I recently left a food desert, and you're right- the system is working as it is intended to. How can you change the world when you don't have access to healthful food. You can't. You can't dream, you can barely function, and your life is built around survival. This is SO important and so overlooked.

[@nicolephillips9991]

Yes this! The system in place keeps people stressed out, one paycheck away from losing everything and incapable of creating change. It is made to keep people down. I was so glad she talked about this today.

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

YESS!❤

[@kparkes3438]

Preach!!! The system is so broken, food deserts are real and the location of the nearest one is closer to each of us than we realize.

[@roses9223]

I have been listening to your garden blogs for years and have loved them but this one is my all time favorite. Thank you for speaking the truth with passion. Change will come from inspired action and inspired action will come from calling things what they truly are, instead of trying to make them palatable. Real food is right. Watching this today has got me thinking about what my actions need to be. I’m blessed to have access to real food. I now need to decide what to do to change the balance so that everyone shares in my blessings. Thanks for all that you do. ❤

[@rablatour]

YES - everything you say! Call it what it is!

[@chrissy8417]

I usually don't leave comments on videos but I have to say well said Jess keep on talking about "REAL FOOD" this my friend is a conversation that needs to be spoken Dont allow yourself to be intimidated or step aside in fear just to allow individuals to remain comfortable in their set ways. It's good how you have challenged your viewers to evaluate what we eat how we eat. You are a blessing in such a broken food system. Hats off to you keep on doing what you're doing 👏👏

[@sarahholt1740]

Yes! 🙌🏻 Preach it sister!! I come at this from a different point of view than most. I have struggled my whole life with being overweight. It’s taken me a few years to pull away from diet culture (the biggest money making scam out there) and just focus on real food! This will be my 3rd year attempting to grow my own food and I have never felt more encouraged than I do right now after watching your video. Thank you! Thank you!!

[@fields-n-feathers]

Sarah, I could have written this comment! Everything you said describes my life! Here, here for year three!👋🏼

[@christaparham]

This is amazing!!

[@holly6231]

I can relate! Diet culture can be all consuming - I've lived in that for many years. I too am now focusing on real food and doing what I call, eating as close to the ground as possible. I've been gardening for many years but taking it very seriously now over the last several years. 🥰

[@melissaw592]

100% feel you!

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

Way to go Sarah!! Just keep on keeping on!!

[@tracysmith7272]

I am so thankful for you sharing this conversation. I only wish that I could back up to my thirties and start over. I was always going to have a homestead but never did for so many ridiculous reasons. I want to cry. But I'm not. What I am doing is starting a very small garden of summer vegetables and pumpkins for the fall. It's a start and I am so very excited. Thank you a thousand times for sharing your homestead living. May God continue to bless you and your family.

[@moreamyb]

Thank you for being passionate about this. Our country needs it. ❤

[@kerrierichards2894]

Saying that the opposite of "Real Food" is "Fake Food" is like saying that the opposite of love is hate - it isn't. The antithesis of love is indifference. The opposite of "Real Food" is artificially produced, non-nutritional, overly-processed food. Keeping it real, Jess - Real Food, Real Opinions, Real Language. I respect how you - thoughtfully and carefully - stand your ground.

[@lydia67119]

Well said!

[@kristasahlin]

Perfectly put!! This is a great synopsis of what Jess is saying. 100% agree!!

[@juanitalandry117]

Very proud of you...well said

[@thesickhorseranch1930]

Artificially produced, non-nutritional, overly-processed food is fake food. If you set out to define fake food you could not have chosen a better description.

[@lidiyaagne8381]

try reading the ingredients lol we are a science experiment

[@vivianyerton7937]

We live in a time that people are easily offended, I'm sorry people think they need to remove a splinter out of another's eye when they ignore the plank in their own eye. I value your stream and your point of view. Sending you my love and admiration

[@trinahume773]

A whole generation of people who are self entitled brats that think the whole world should cater to them!

[@amy-qq9og]

I love that Bible verse. I read it often to remind myself to be open minded

[@jennifertenney6961]

YES!

[@jadakerek6880]

Jess! THANK YOU. Enjoy following, and learning, LOTS.

[@e.g9478]

I am a black woman who was raised in a food desert, and was grossly sick! I could not work or go to school. I then learned how REAL food heals and was healed from a small garden. I am now in my early 40s, and work as an ICU nurse, due to the healing from REAL foods. I have raised my children on a 14-acre homestead with non of the medical issues I had in my earlier years, nor do my children. REAL food is real! And inferior foods are real too. It has to be SAID to show that communities are being slowly poisoned. This poisoning and lack of access to real food are allowed with no second thoughts or concerns to those in these areas. Please don't change What you are saying, for those who know firsthand, who have lived that life and know that REAL food is real and we need it! Please continue with your language, and thank you!

[@katierobbins7962]

This gave me literal CHILLS Jess!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 God bless you and your message.

[@InaStanley83]

Jess, I'm with you completely. I'm from what would be considered a marginalized group. I have had to live in areas that are food deserts. I have gone through the experience of having to purchase mainly highly-palatable, highly-processed foods because that's what I could afford. And I have gone through the experience of being so overwhelmed and depressed that I didn't have the energy to go grocery shopping and cook at home. Coupled with the fact that I was on the road a LOT, for hours at a time, in that period every single meal of every day was fast food. Even so, I am not at all offended by anyone's use of the phrase "real food" because there truly is a difference and that distinction NEEDS to be made. I don't ever want to intentionally shame someone for what they're able to afford. I know that for a lot of people, gaining access to real food is incredibly difficult to impossible without outside help and additional resources. But those things, even though we absolutely need to be conscious of them, do not change the fact that fast food isn't real food, or that margarine isn't real food. Communities cannot start to come together to effect change for themselves UNTIL we recognize that there is a distinction and that highly-palatable, highly-processed foods are often purposefully pushed on marginalized groups and communities. We HAVE to be able to recognize and talk about this in order to create a plan to change things. Sparing people's feelings should not be a bigger goal than actually healing them through creating access to healthier, more nutrient-dense food. I am in the process of developing a commercial farm that will soon *hopefully* help to feed communities in the Atlanta, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Birmingham, AL and Montgomery, AL metro areas. In the Atlanta metro alone there are more than 30 areas that are considered to be food deserts. I'm sure there are similar areas in the other metros I listed. I want this farm to be able to support people in these areas. To do that, though, these folks need to understand that all food is not created equal. After all, how can they decide to create a plan for bringing the healthier foods into their lives if they don't even realize there's a difference? How can we start to encourage the development of good habits such as visiting local farmers' markets or planting gardens if people don't know or think that there's a difference between convenience foods and whole, minimally-processed foods? Perhaps if people hear the phrase "real food" and feel offended, those feelings might awaken a desire to create change or vote differently in order to bring about that change. But staying in a comfort zone won't do anything to bring about that change. We NEED to be offended, not by your words but by the lack of access for certain groups and communities and by the way smaller, local farms are constantly hindered in their efforts to provide real food for their communities. We need to get uncomfortable so we can start making plans to do something about it.

[@amyB1977]

Very well said! I pray your commercial farm is a huge success!

[@InaStanley83]

@@Handlehandlehandle320 there will be soon. I'm building out the website now, and once it's up the farm's KZbin channel & other social media will be launching. Both of those will be the best ways to learn what we're doing and how to support us. I've been a subscriber of this channel for a few years now on my personal account, but will soon be following Jess and all of the other homesteading KZbinrs that inspired me from our farm's channel as well!

[@joycee5493]

Well said❤

[@kanek0yuki]

That's awesome, I love what you're doing! I was a small-scale commercial vegetable farmer for about 10 years, and know a LOT of resources for people just getting started. Feel free to reach out if you're interested!

[@InaStanley83]

@@kanek0yuki thank you so much, I most definitely will!

[@jonniegrittner2135]

Well I must say, that this is the best "rant" I have ever heard. Good work in explaining what "real food" really means.

[@holleyosteen6521]

The "system" how it set up is so frustrating. We have to take responsibility for our own health. I started my first garden this spring & Im loving it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings! Its good to know Im not alone!

[@cheakychic1]

Well i didn't think it was possible to be anymore inspired by you Jess, BOY WAS I WRONG!! I have been growing expanding and sharing my garden for 6 years now, And most of it is because of how you inspire me, I am canning a dehydrating fruits veggies and meat all Real Food And i will never look back My garden is a place to relax and reflect. And thank the lord for all my blessings

[@tammycarr9637]

YES!!!!

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

Amen ❤

[@maryannodell7856]

Yes! Agreed!

[@tabithacoleman3849]

I love this so much!! I’m a 90s kid who was raised on all the vegetable oil and processed junk. All the low fat, low calorie, chemicals. As a result I was diagnosed with my first auto immune disease at 20 and 11 years later I’m still trying to shift my mindset and learn to do better. I’m so thankful that I no longer live in a suburb but have 3 acres of my very own that I am now able to use to garden. I’m learning to bake sourdough and can my own produce. I am trying everyday to break generations of bad habits and seperate from “heart healthy canola oil”. Keep teaching! ❤️👏🏻

[@graciousvalley9978]

Same here got health issues as early in life as 22 and it all had to do with the highly processed foods I was raised off of and trying to do better for my children.

[@kathleenjones1387]

Amen, Jess!!! Shout 'real food' from the roof tops!!!! The damage that is happening with our food system is criminal!! I'm with you 1000%. Much love to you!

[@BarefootInAppalachia]

Preach it! We can’t let “harmful language” continue to be used to hide the real issues. Sometimes you have to ruffle a few feathers to make a change and get people to listen. I can’t believe I missed this video.

[@shannonpfohl8599]

Yes, yes, yes!! Changing your language to avoid “marginalizing” certain groups DOES mask the problem! Let’s instead place that passion into FIXING it! Thank you Jess for exposing the problem and doing your part in changing it!

[@katiebrodeen4241]

Thank you Jess. I live in a food desert. I'm in a rural area 45 minutes from a grocery store. There's a dollar general, a dairy queen, and a "market" with nothing but expired food. I've started gardening and I'm so excited to grow my own real food. 👏🙌💖 Bless you and your family.

[@Engrave.Danger]

Can't go wrong with a deep freezer full of beef. 😉

[@katiebrodeen4241]

@David Boff oh I pack my freezer as full as possible especially when meats on sale. I actually only make about 2-3 trips a month to the real grocery store and load my family up.

[@lisainOG]

Are you in Anza 😂

[@katiebrodeen4241]

@@lisainOG YES!! You too? 😆

[@lisainOG]

​@@katiebrodeen4241 I'm in Warner Springs. Your description was a perfect description of Anza. So funny!!

[@laurahabeth435]

AMEN Jess! Thank you for standing up for truth! I see two factors, corrupt system, and personal indifference or ignorance about what is being offered or what we choose to eat. I am 56 years young and have been waking up in the last 28 or so years because of nutritionist friends, local organic farm stores and personal study (which includes great KZbin content like yours!) There is enough information out there that I think we are now personally responsible to do what’s right for our selves and our families-we can only blame “the man” for so long and try to have people like yourselves tiptoe around true statements, because it might offend somebody- I want to hear truth even if it’s hard to hear! This country has been flooded with lies and soft peddling bad products to the masses-it’s time for truth and REAL food!

[@TiffanyalmazanLifeOfJoie]

Yes! Time to stop tiptoeing around the truth, I agree!!

[@mollystotts3378]

Bravo! I’m a 72 year old sustainable regenerative farmer since 1974. You are absolutely correct!

[@ladywhipple]

Since I found your channel these are the things I have learned and done. 1. Started a huge garden 2. Growing my own food from seeds 3. Learned to pressure can meat and vegetables so I can eat real food. 4 inspired others to do the same thing. All because of the passion that was put forth by Jess. I have a new sense of building back into my own home with food, chickens and hard work. Thank you Jess for all you do. Shame on the trolls that are so unhappy at someone else’s success.

[@kimcritchfield5796]

Same!! And I am about to butcher two pigs. #Jessmademedoit

[@peggyperkinson9798]

Thanks for being brave. My husband died in January and I was shocked by what the wonderful caring hospital gave him to eat. I knew it was not healthy for him but they honestly believed it was. It was packaged food with a label so I could see what was in it. Total shock, the nutritionist thought this was good food. It wasn’t real food!! This needs to be shared, thanks Jess ❤

[@everydayadam1]

I went through this last year while my husband was hospitalized for 4 weeks waiting on his liver transplant. I was shocked at what they gave him to eat. I met with the dietitian, who realized that I was more knowledgeable of “real” nutrition than she was! She, along with nurses and even doctors couldn’t disagree with me but could do very little to change it. Broken system!

[@Gumby10sfreak2]

❤The passion oozed out of Jess like an Olympic swimming pool pouring into a shopping mall❤

[@nickmancini1076]

Not me sitting here at midnight in Baltimore City (non-religiously, in my case) praise hands-ing 🙌 Jess spitting facts all over people who want to argue semantics when the reality is exactly as she describes it. Incredibly well said. Especially the part about people working their whole lives away to pay for insurance to “heal” them from the “food” they’ve been eating. Sheeeewey g’BLESS girl. That one was for the people in the back! 👏👏👏

[@jkq9717]

Oh yes yes yes!!! I could go on and on about our testimony paying more for insurance because of a life of bad eating. Both of us children of the 1960s. The recent onset of the TV dinner, McDonald's and Burger King. We were killing ourselves slowly then, and never knew it and neither did our parents.

[@elainemiller6765]

When Jess says real food I think of whole food. It never occurred to me that that would marginalize anyone.

[@whosoever316]

That's because it doesn't.

[@joan-lisa-smith]

Whole food was the term when I was growing up and even though I have no issue with using "real food" I do think whole food is a better description.

[@Sochin72]

Exactly. Whole food… real food… nutritious ingredients… it’s all the same sentiment

[@joycee5493]

I know!

[@sherrybacon8041]

Real food and not food that will kill you from poison sprays...

[@kimsmith8219]

Jess I grow what I can in my corner of the Caribbean. Never stop speaking out about fake food. It's Saturday morning here and I'm headed to my local market where things don't look perfect. The sweet potatoes were dug yesterday and thcabbages are bitten and I choose those. I try to cook most of my food and read all labels. Thank you for being an advocate for all of us. You encourage me too keep putting a few seeds in soil and growing them organically. Bless you.💚

[@maggieheilmann5905]

AMEN!!! God made you a gardener Jess to help others. You are spot on with everything you said. Thank you for sharing!

[@Amz323F]

Even though I'm from Australia I felt the rage and passion behind every word of this. Injustice and marginalisation is rife in the world and only getting worse. As long as we believe those in power have our best interests at heart it will only continue getting worse and the gap will widen even further. Although it isn't fair and there is much we can't control we need to ask ourselves what can we control and start there. You are doing amazing work Jess and there is no such thing as too much advocacy. This is how movements are started and change can most definitely happen! Sending love ❤

[@royalicing8603]

Well said! It's time we stop participating in this madness and start living our lives intentionally! It's all relevant. It's all important. Too many have given over their decisions to people that SAY they have our best interests at heart. I say NO! I will decide what's best for me and for my family! Enough of coddling those that demand we say and do and believe what THEY want. I have an opinion and a voice...and am completely capable of seeing all of it come to fruition. God bless you!

[@virginiaalbrecht802]

As a very proud owner of a Real Food Comes Dirty tee shirt, I have to say that your stand and conviction in this video was thrilling! Planting in my garden and understanding the nature of food and nutrition helps me to never panic about current events. Concern yes but not panic. Social justice starts with safe shelter and food. We must do better.

[@lauriesickles5393]

I too have the shirt and wear it proudly!!

[@laineykeleher2812]

Standing ovation Jess. You are spot on. Food IS medicine when it is nutritious, whole, and REAL.

[@JanicePhillips]

New sub here. I'm a lifelong gardener and now a homesteader, meaning I don't have a lot of time to spend watching videos, but it's lonely out here, it's nice to listen to other's who share my passions. Plus, there's always something new to learn! My first thoughts are of the lady at the sports game and I can't help but laugh. How can she even think that thing's with fake colors and flavors are real? Well, I'll tell you how. She knows they aren't. And she feels guilty knowing she allows her kids to eat it anyways. The truth hurts. I grew up on a farm, eating real food. As an adult, I got away from my roots and ended up on the typical American diet. Despite thinking I was cooking from scratch, I was still buying all those little convenience items that the grocery store is full of...boxes of this and packages of that and cans. You never realize how bad food canned in metal tastes until you start eating it out of mason jars! My family ended up with the typical American health problems to go along with our typical American diet and the day I realized they were all MY FAULT was a bad day. I cried and cried as the guilt and shame overwhelmed me. I'm a stay at home housewife who wasn't doing her job very well. Oh sure, I've always been a great cook, but I used to spend an hour or less on dinner and despite it tasting good, it wasn't real food. Once I dried my tears, I began making changes. I taught myself how to pressure can and ferment, bought meat chicks, piglets, and rabbits, expanded my garden and stopped shopping at grocery stores. I got in contact with a local beef producer and started buying everything ORGANIC and in bulk. I now get all the food I don't produce from Azure Standard...because I can trust them. I haven't been to a grocery store (minus having hub pick up milk or other oops we've run out items) in almost two years and it feels GREAT. We do not eat "out" anymore and haven't since the day I cried. We've been able to ditch all of our prescriptions and the most amazing thing was watching my 6'5" 285 pound son almost melt away! He dropped 90 pounds in 9 months. My husband had been on metformin for two decades, but we've cured his Type II diabetes with just diet changes and intermittent fasting. The day I fired my pain doctor felt like I'd won the Superbowl! It's not been easy, but it has been very worth it. I can understand why people are so offended at the term Real Food. It's the guilt and shame and instead of coming to terms with it, they lash out at those that make them feel it. They make excuses that it's too expensive or not accessible or takes too much time. I get it. I used to laugh at the "crunchy" people myself. I thought that if the food available wasn't good for us, the powers that be wouldn't allow it to be sold. Boy, was I ignorant. I think that's where a lot of my tears stemmed from...the realization that the system is well and truly broken. That it's convinced people "authority figures" have their best interests at heart and the fact is, most still believe it's true. It hurts my heart, seeing all the sick people, knowing what's wrong and how to fix it and not being listened to...being told I'm too offensive and "just don't understand". No one seems to care that I'm offended every second of every day. I also feel rage at the system and I feel horrible for the people who are stuck in situations that keep them sick and slowly dying. But, I'm extremely glad there are people like you who are spreading the message everyone needs to hear. I also pray... I pray everyone grabs ahold of the responsibility to began their journey to True Health through Real Food. Thank you.

[@kloi77]

I'm almost 50, and I am now just making steps to be more intentional about what we eat. I appreciate what you share and the language you use because it inspires me to do better. I have multiple autoimmune issues, and I wish I had this knowledge sooner in my life. I've started a small garden on the little patio next to my apartment. Your videos keep me motivated to shift my mindset.

[@waitingwatching1291]

Hello, I’m 69, and in fair health but do have a few problems, please take the time to research information on vitamin supplements. I’ve learned because of the over processing of food causes imbalances. I never knew. Never took a bunch of vitamins. Now I’m turning my health around. Good Food! Healthy farms. We must take care of ourself because the big corporations are in for the money. I’m feeling exactly how she is saying! If everyone would listen many things would change. Our country is in trouble, the world is falling over the cliff. Absolutely loved hearing her!

[@emilywohner4205]

I am 33 years old, grew up in the suburbs and my parents had a small summer garden. I grew up on microwaved foods. The garden was not feeding me. My dad died of heart disease and my mom has it as well. I believe you’re the first person I’ve heard use the term “real food” and I’m so grateful you use that language. Real food, naturally grown from the earth versus processed food, created in a factory. I hadn’t ever really thought much on it, but it clicks for me and it makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing something you are so passionate about, despite the negative comments. It’s making a positive impact and you’re helping people, no doubt. If anyone takes offense, it’s not because of what you’re saying, it’s because of the filter they are choosing to hear it through. Thank you Jess ❤

[@loulutz7219]

You are 100% right! You go girl!

[@christazoeller5506]

All's I got...YES AND AMEN!!!! Jess you are loved and very much appreciated! ❤️

[@maleaann]

One of the things I hear you saying all the time is for people to do what they can, where they are, with what they have. I hear you inviting people to make the choices that are right for them. I hear you repeatedly making it clear that you started out not knowing how to garden, not knowing how unhealthy many ingredients are, how unfair our food systems are. I actually think you are often very open and welcoming and trying to lift people and be inviting and inclusive. Keep doing what you're doing, Jess.

[@edenridgefarms]

Personally, I adore that you’re talking about this because it gives me something to share with more credibility than myself. Because I’m written off as the crazy one when I say processed stuff isn’t real food. Real food is grown organically without ingredients we cannot pronounce and things that harm and inflame our bodies. Thank you, Jess. ❤️

[@mimibatman2787]

Yes! You said it perfectly! I totally agree with you. It's when we are not able to speak truth that injustice can continue unchecked.

[@lisarogers3804]

Yes!!! You have a real passion for the truth. Thank you for standing up and using your voice. God bless you and you're family!! Keep that message going as you have to inform the people of the broken system. I'm learning this slowly and making the changes in our family too.

[@alamryfarms754]

Hands down the best message I’ve ever heard outside of church! Preach it from the rooftops!!!!

[@josie_posie808]

Jess I worked as a grant writer for organizations that addressed things like food deserts. It's definitely not a widely known term, but thank you for discussing it. Went home to Philly for a few months and by mid-winter I knew I had to get back to central PA to prepare my garden for food. Overpaying for food that tastes subpar and leaves you feeling icky too many times will do that. You're also more lenient when the congested city makes the logistics on getting hot homemade meals more complex. Channels like yours not only show us how we can grow things, but equally as important WHY. For me as a black American woman, gardening is just as much of an act of protest as it is serenity and hope - even that one little act.

[@debrab4]

Awesome! Truth is most important! Keep being REAL! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Can-Dot]

BRAVO!!!!!! Thank you for standing you're ground and speaking truth. ❤

[@tammybecht5694]

You are amazing! I was shouting in agreement at my screen when you were ranting. I get so angry too at the injustice of our entire system, not just food. You are justified in everything you said and THANK YOU for having the courage to say it and stand for something. I bless you sister. Love your channel.

[@biddersweetfarm]

THANK YOU for being so brave and risking rejection and criticism to speak this TRUTH! I’m also furious and affected by our broken food system. I was a division 1 college athlete in my younger days, but found myself suffering bizarre symptoms and problems with my health as I got older. I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, about a year and a half ago. Suddenly, it all made sense. While it was almost a relief to finally put a label to the problem, it was even more so devastating. I’m stuck with this FOREVER and I can’t help but wonder, “is it any wonder?!!” We have unknowingly, unwittingly been consuming this “food” for years and years so is it really any wonder that our bodies have no idea what to do with this foreign garbage crap with a food label on it?!! Is it any wonder our immunize systems are in overdrive and ultimately even turn on itself? To me, it’s no longer any surprise why we have all these unprecedented numbers of cancers and autoimmune diseases despite living in a time of having the most advanced medical system ever. I’ve been trying to rebuild my health for almost 2 years now, but I will never be able to completely walk away from this disease. It will ALWAYS be a part of my life now and it’s not fair…. So, yeah, it makes me angry, it makes me FURIOUS to know this goes on and political correctness and sensitivity is more important than saving lives and our bodies. I’m SO proud of you for not backing down and speaking what everyone needs to hear despite the risk that comes with speaking the truth! THANK YOU!

[@KnowInsanity]

You may already know of her but by the slim chance you dont, Look up Neisha loves it Hashimoto here on KZbin. She has put hers in remission

[@judiumstead5484]

@@KnowInsanity was just coming to say this. lets not forget her husbands channel Dr Ken D Berry who has also healed his health with a proper human diet (food grown from the earth not the petri dish). he has so many videos almost 6yrs worth I started following him in 2017 after rad and chemo. i needed to heal so i needed to eat proper and there he was pointing out the flaws in out food and health system

[@KnowInsanity]

@@judiumstead5484 Oh I could never forget Dr. Berry, I did a couple virtual appointments with him when he still had his clinic and he helped me big time. I just figured she would find him thru Neisha and she would be a great place to start with Hashimoto’s🥰🥰

[@biddersweetfarm]

@@KnowInsanity I actually have not heard of her. Thank you for sharing and caring enough to suggest her to me. I just watched her “Hashimoto’s Journey” video. She probably was diagnosed much earlier than me since she mentioned her blood work was all negative, but she was still symptomatic. The definitive diagnosis for Hashimotos is the presence of TPO antibodies greater than 5-10 IU/ml (possibly just a bit higher, depending on the source)…. Mine were 1518 when i was first diagnosed and have gone as high as over 1600 😭 I’ve been seeing a local naturopath/functional medicine doctor who is also an MD, which is nice and makes me feel like I’m benefitting from the best of both worlds. This doctor has done way more to help me than any of the other dozen doctors I’ve seen over the past 2 years…. But it’s still pretty discouraging when she tells with levels as high as mine, I’ve had this for over 10 years (at least) and, at this stage, we can do our best to manage it, but it’s too late to reverse it and it will always be a part of my life. That really hurts to think how I’m stuck with this. Forever. I wish I had known then what I know now. BUT, this is the hand I was dealt, and now I have no choice but to play it the best I can. Maybe my being proactive will also help others too. That’s why it’s so important to be bold where matters of our health and wellness are concerned and not be afraid of hurting feelings or offending others. I’m done with all that. I’m living out loud.

[@KnowInsanity]

@@biddersweetfarm Never ever accept a diagnosis as the final word... You may have to deal with some symptoms but please dont tell your mind it is a done deal and you have to accept anything... My husband was told by 2 cancer centers that if he didnt go thru with chemo and radiation he would be back in less than 3 months begging for treatment and it would be to late... That was 7 years ago and he is still cancer free. God has the final word in everything if you give it all to him... I have been following Neisha and Dr. Berry (her husband) since they started and there is several followers of theirs that are symptom free from Hashimoto's. I know He has helped me a lot. I will be praying for healing and some relief for you honey, hang in there and keep learning everything you can💞💞💞

[@mariannereno-db4db]

Well said👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I totally agree 👍 I eat real food. Read the labels!

[@westwaytrainingfacility3669]

What a great and graceful way to stand up for your completely appropriate language.

[@bigpa7890]

Jess I have been watching you since vid one. My wife and I will be married 47 years in Oct. We have been growing our own food and cooking since scratch from the beginning. YOU my dear are 100%. So many people have NO IDEA how to cook from scratch or can nor get the supplies to cook from scratch. You are correct our system is broken. The worst part of that is that the system could not care less. However once again, it is most ARROGANT that people think THEIR opinion is EDUCATING YOU. Keep up the good work and , GROW YOUR OWN REAL FOOD. I truly hope you get a chance to read this old Texan's comment.