What Happened to Real Food?

Lately, I’ve been really mindful about where my money goes and the impact it has—not just on me but on the world around me. The more I pay attention, the more I realize how upside-down things feel. Real food, the kind that comes straight from the earth without being tampered with, is now a luxury, while processed, chemically-altered food is cheap and everywhere. How did we get here? Shouldn’t the most natural, unaltered version of food be the standard?

And it’s not just food. It’s everything. We’re constantly supporting businesses that don’t actually care about people—only profits. It’s frustrating to see companies cut corners, use harmful ingredients, and make decisions that clearly put money over people’s well-being. And yet, those are the brands that dominate. It’s like the system is built to reward shortcuts, and the ones trying to do things the right way are left struggling.

I get it—businesses need to make money, and people need to make a living. I’m not against making a profit. But when I see companies knowingly selling things that harm people’s health just to squeeze out a little more revenue, I can’t help but ask… why? If there’s a way to make a living without hurting people, why isn’t that the standard?

I also understand that not everyone has the ability or resources to make different choices. Sometimes people just do what they know, and they’re doing their best with what they have. But for those who can do better—why don’t they? And, honestly, why don’t we?

I don’t have all the answers, but this has been sitting heavy on my mind. The more I learn, the harder it is to ignore. It’s not about being perfect or judging anyone, but I do feel this pull to be more intentional about where my money goes. Not in a way that feels overwhelming, just in a way that makes me stop and think before I buy something. Who am I supporting? What am I really paying for?

I keep coming back to this thought—what if the world operated differently? What if organic food wasn’t an “option” but just food? What if businesses actually put people before profit? What if we didn’t have to dig through labels to make sure we weren’t consuming something harmful? I know it’s a long way from where we are now, but I don’t think it’s impossible.

For now, maybe the best we can do is just be more aware. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and no one can fix a broken system alone. But small choices add up. Every time we choose to support something better—whether it’s real food, ethical businesses, or simply asking more questions about where our money goes—it sends a message. It might not seem like much in the moment, but over time, collective awareness has the power to shift things. Maybe it starts there—with paying attention, making mindful choices when possible, and believing that even small actions can lead to something better.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you have any ideas, experiences, or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments—I’d love to learn from you. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for being part of the conversation!