There are many subcategories and issues under the umbrella of the term food justice. One of these categories is the right for small producers and individuals to grown and produce organic food, and sell to their communities. This is constantly being threatened by regulations imposed and enforced under the interest of large corporation and profit seekers. I believe in food as medicine. When grown and eaten in whole form without additives that cause a slew of other health problems, it is. I also believe in MEDICINE as medicine. By this I mean whole plant medicine that has been supporting human bodies and ailments through all ancient civilizations to today.
Deb Soule, the creator of Avena Botanicals, has been creating nourishing and traditional herbal medicine for 30 years. Her small business in Rockport, Maine has grown to the size of a 10 person staff who create small batch, handmade, intentional medicine. However, the FDA has been hounding her for years. Because of FDA regulations, it is near impossible for herb companies to educate about their medicine. It is illegal to talk about properties of the herbs in labels or on your website as it is an “unproven claim”. Their pressure has almost shut down Avena Botanicals in the past, but Deb Soule has prevailed with the clear intention of how important it is to continue making herbal medicine.
The Avena Botanicals kickstarter is raising money for new equipment and to hire a FDA compliance consultant so they can continue to make medicine without oppression and threat of the FDA shutting them down. It is disheartening that the business has been pushed to place where they need to replace handmade work with machines to ensure regulation and free up time for paperwork. However, I admire that she will fight back and bring attention to the issue in her own way and not forfeit the business. She explains why they are raising money best herself in this video below. Please donate!
The Root Of It All 