Being thankful for all of our food choices

To the Editor:

In response to Ms. Harvey's letter (Nov. 16 Banner Graphic), and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Putnam County Farm Bureau would like to give thanks for the following things.

We are thankful we live in a country where healthy food choices are available for everyone, from the quality conventional and organic products in our grocery stores to the more diverse offerings at specialty markets.

We are thankful that all Hoosiers are free to make food choices based on their spiritual beliefs, personal tastes and financial situations.

We are thankful for the opportunity to farm, especially during this time of population growth when science and technology allow us to raise crops and animals safely and efficiently while using less land and fewer inputs.

We are thankful that in our nation obesity is the problem -- not starvation. We are especially thankful we have never had to see the distended belly or look into the hollow eyes of a starving child.

We are thankful we live in a country where farmers are free to work hard and succeed at the job we love, even as those who benefit from it are free to criticize what we do.

If you are lucky enough to sit down to dinner with family this Thanksgiving holiday, please remember to give thanks not only to those who prepared the food, but also for those who grew it.

Putnam County Farm Bureau Inc.