Look who I met today: Gary Hirshberg, the CE-Yo of Stonyfield!!! 
Gary is such a friendly and charismatic guy. Of course, I was star struck. 
This afternoon, I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with Gary and some other local food bloggers. Gary visited Boston today, so he wanted to share his views about how we can restore balance to our health and our planet’s health by looking at what we eat and how it’s produced in a roundtable-style discussion. We also had the opportunity to ask him questions, share ideas, and learn more about what we can do to shake up our food system. I definitely learned a lot this afternoon. I actually feel empowered about what to choose when it comes to the food that I eat.
The Stonyfield luncheon was held at EVOO in Kendall Square. EVOO serves eclectic New American cuisine, using as many local ingredients as possible. Their menu changes daily depending on what is in season. Very cool.
It was nice to see some of my favorite bloggers at the event: Meghan, Elina, and Jennifer! 
Lunch was delicious and, oh, so fresh. I loved seeing all of the different shades of green on my plate!
Asparagus, Peas, Fiddleheads, Radish and Arugula with Great Hill Blue Cheese, Herbed (Stonyfield) Yogurt Dressing and Course Crunch Crunch
I loved the addition of Fiddleheads. They’re fun to eat! 
I love dining with food bloggers!
Chinese Box Full of Crisp Fried Mustard-Glazed Tofu, Asparagus, Gingered Vegetable – Cashew Salad and Organic Brown Rice
This dish was also really fun to eat. It was basically a tower-o-food!
The fried tofu was to die for. Honestly, it was perfect. The mustard-glaze was a wonderful compliment to the tofu, veggies, and rice. I loved this dish and definitely recommend it.
Stonyfield Yogurt Tart with Balsamic-Basil Glazed Strawberries
Dessert was also incredibly fresh and delicious. It’s amazing how much more flavor organic ingredients have to them.
While we enjoyed our meal, Gary shared a plethora of information with us about organics– all of which was fascinating and made me realize that I need to step-it-up in the organic department.
What I found most important was Gary’s point about making a difference one purchase at a time. Some people may think that going organic is an all or nothing way of living, but even just purchasing one organic product instead of conventional makes a difference in the lives of farmers, animals, and our earth.
Gary also emphasized a number of reasons to chose organics:
- Profitable to farmers
- Healthy animals with longer lives
- More nutritious food (organics have more antioxidants)
- Better tasting food
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Benefits our children
Basically, everyone wins with organics. Plus, if you think about it, there’s only one reason to not eat organically, which is price. Organic foods can be expensive, but the more you use your purchasing power to increase the demand for organic products, the more level the playing field becomes for conventional and organics. (Of course, there is A LOT more that goes into this argument, but this seemed to be Gary’s main point.)
All in all, this afternoon’s lunch was a very enlightening and empowering experience. I’m definitely going to choose organic more often.
What’s your take on organics?
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I almost always buy organic milk and chicken. I also tend to buy organic fruits and veggies where I eat the exterior (apples, broccoli, etc) but I’ll pass on bananas.
How fun! I defintiely try to go organic when i can pay the little extra cost. And I MUST get somethings organic, like potatoes. If they’re going to grow underground, who wants pesticides? Not to mention that sewage waste is fair game for non-organic fertilizer.
those courses look delicious! I definitely agree that organic just tastes better–more flavorful, fresher, just awesome. Looks like a fun day!
Haha I can’t get over Stonyfield’s creative dairy-based titles. I try to eat organic when I can. It’s hard though because my dad doesn’t really believe in it. He grew up very very very very poor so price concerns (even though we’re not poor) are still in the forefront of his mind. I’m trying, I’m trying!
What an amazing opportunity! I’ve challenged myself to visit all of the farmers’ markets in my area to raise money for a local charity. I’m slowly learning about the differences between organic and local foods…there are definitely huge benefits to each (although many local farms dont have the organic label, even though they are, just because of costs and regulations to get it). It’s amazing the information you start to find out when you begin asking questions. Thanks for this recap Tina!
I used to be really into it, but since I have been watching my budget, I don’t buy much anymore. Frankly, some conventional things taste much better too.
I’m all about organic after seeing the movie Food, Inc. Seriously, it really does make a huge difference when you just purchase 1 organic item. And I agree, the taste of organic food is so much better! It is more expensive than conventional food, but I’m willing to spend the money on food (since I love it) and my health! What a great experience, by the way!
Very cool lunch opportunity!
I’m at a point where I’m making an effort to buy more organic food & beverages. This weekend I tried out Santa Cruz organic lemonade and it was incredible! Also, it came in a glass bottle
It sounds like an interesting presentation, but I’m not sure I follow all of his arguments. I don’t think there is any proof that organics are more nutritious–there was a piece on nutritional myths in Cooking Light recently that delved into this, along with several pieces on webmd. And I think local offers a smaller carbon footprint over organic–how many of us have seen organic strawberries sold on the east coast that were grown in CA? I think you need to read labels, maybe pick organics if you’re eating the flesh of the fruit or veggie (as opposed to buying organic bananas), and buy local when you can.
That sounds like a great learning experience. I think organics are great! I just wish the FDA would work on labeling so that everything is more honest and less confusing for consumers.
What a delicious and fun lunch! We try to eat organic and local if we can.
How fun!
I try to buy organic largely because I don’t like the idea of farm workers having to work in/around pesticides just so I can have a meal. For cost reasons, I can’t buy everything organic. I think one of my bigger issues with organics is the labeling. I’m not always entirely sure what to trust.
Wow that looks like an incredible event! I love that they incorporated a stonyfield course in there!
I would love to buy organic all of the time, but it is very expensive to feed a family of 5 organic only. I hope that some day, organic is all that is sold.
What a great lunch! Thanks for sharing!
I could go on and on about this issue, but it’s not just whether food is organic, but whether its sustainable too (i.e. buying “organic” strawberries from California when you live on the east coast, definitely leaves more of a carbon footprint). Sustainability goes hand in hand with buying local…good points Melissa! Yes, organics can be more expensive….but this is what you’re putting into YOUR body. People are okay with spending thousands of dollars on the clothes they wear or the cars they drive, but when it comes to a carton of eggs, spending a dollar or so more for fresher, free-range, better for your health eggs, just isn’t an option. I know there’s only so much we can do, but even the small things add up. I highly recommend everyone watches Food Inc. AND read the Omnivore’s Dilemma….so much to know about the food industry!!
I try to buy everything organic…makes me feel happier and healthier!
What a fun lunch! I definitely am trying to buy more local with all the farmer’s markets opening up!
I try to buy organics as much as possible and as much as we can afford! What a fun day you had and all the food looks delicious!!!
I’m all for organic, but I agree with what some other commenters have said about local vs organic. I think it’s important that what we buy organic is local as well. That being said though, your lunch looked delicious! Especially that tofu dish!
ce-yo? that is too clever! im all about organics if they’re affordable. maybe one day when i win the lotto i can be more of an organic gal
Fun food! Looks like a great time. I’m so jealous of all the fun things you are doing lately!
That’s cool! I get embarrassed sometimes taking pics of good. Nonbloggers don’t get it and think it’s weird…
I try to buy as much organic as possible. I only buy organic dairy for instance. Whenever organic is available, I buy it.
I love the tofu/rice tower dish….how creative!!
Your lunch looks delicious, what a wonderful opportunity.
I try and buy as organic as possible. Ever since my kids started eating table foods it became very important to me.
I live in Canada…I see a lot of Stonyfield greek yogurt products on other U.S. blogs…tell them to start sending this stuff to Canada
That lunch looks incredible, especially the entree – how fun!
Even though I’m on a college budget, I try to buy organic as much as possible. Health > Money
what an incredible experience! and delicious food, to boot!
I try and buy organic whenever I can — it does make a huge difference – in taste and sustainability/health and well-being!
I definitely make it a point to buy as much organic as I can. Especially when it comes to fruits and veggies that I am eating the whole thing like the skin of the fruit(apples, berries, peaches, etc….just to avoid as many pesticides as I can). But fruits like banana’s and oranges I go for regular and not organic. I would like to buy organic everything, but my budget cannot afford it! Does anyone else see a problem here that healthier foods are more expensive??? No wonder we live in such an unhealthy country!
Ce-yo is so cute! You’ve had a great day of eats!
How cool… both the company and the conversation. I agree that we all get a chance to make a statement about our food and how it is made 3 times a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Loved the photo of you all taking food photos
how fun! you seriously had the best eats today
i love the presentation out of the Chinese food box!
That is so cool. I really do think that Stonyfarm is such a good company!
I love organic foods. The idea of it, what they represent, the health, the TASTE! I wish I could afford to buy all things organic – actually if I can just live in Whole Foods, I’d be happy.
* Stonyfield
The lunch looks amazing! I try to eat organic produce when ever possible, especially any listed on the “dirty dozen.” It gets expensive, but I try to buy them as often as possible so that I’m at least minimizing the chemicals my kids eat! I also think its important to eat local produce as often as possible. Better preservation of phytochemicals and nutrients. Farmer’s co-ops or crop sharing with a local farmer is a great way to eat local all summer!
This is a current debate in our household. I buy most of our meat, milk, yogurt, and most fruits and vegetables organic. My husband is not sold on the concept of organic but since I do the shopping, I usually win out.
One thing that does make me nervous about the whole ‘trend’ of organic is a lot of main stream companies like kraft, coca cola, kellogg etc. are jumping on the bandwagon and buying organic companies like kashi, oodwalla, muir glen, etc. I worry a bit about where they will take the organic market and what they will do to the products to make them more profitable. One thing I love about buying organic is knowing that what I’m eating is free of crap (chemicals, pesticides, additives, etc.) and I worry that these companies who are known for putting crap into their foods will eventually do this to their organic products as well. Just something I think about…
What great info, food, and an interesting and informative lunch. Basically so jealous.
Fun lunch! I try and buy organic fruits and veggies as often as possible. TJ’s is the best for affordable organic produce.
Have you seen the movie Food Inc?
You will never eat the same again. Buy local, buy products that are non GMO, eat grass fed beef and free range chicken. Eat organic.
It makes a difference.
I try to buy organic when i can – i think it’s worth the little bit of extra $$, you know? after i read your post I came across this article on yahoo. thought you might find it interesting!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100524/hl_nm/us_organic_foods
What an interesting event. I try to by organic whenever possible but absolutely agree that it’s a step-by-step process. Even just changing one food in your diet can make a difference.
Looks like a fun meal to chow through!! Fiddleheads seem interesting to eat, especially after learning exactly what they are in biology class haha. Very cool night!
I buy organic as much as possible, however our main problem seems to be lack of selection at our local grocery store. That is why we decided to go with an organic CSA this summer because we get to buy local and fresh organic produce that has not traveled around the world to get here. It will also be cheaper than the grocery store organic selection. The organic berries are so expensive, I rarely fork over the money to buy them and I just do without. I’m hoping we get some in the CSA box.
So amazing that you got to meet Gary! I would be star struck too.
Sounds like a very informative lunch. I like what you said about how it’s beneficial to just choose to buy one organic thing if that’s all you can do. You don’t have to go all or nothing. Personally, I very rarely buy organic products simply due to their cost. I’m simply not willing to pay very much more for an organic vs. non-organic product. I have to balance my health, financial, and various other goals. I’m able to feed myself and my husband for around $150 a month, and I absolutely couldn’t do that buying mostly organic products. Also, I personally haven’t noticed much of a taste or quality difference. I also feel like eating a fresh fruit or vegetable over some other high calorie processed snack food is already a very good choice (and is already more expensive than most processed snack foods). However, I love the idea of eating organically and would probably by those products if I could fit them into my food budget.
Wow that looks like a fantastic lunch. I would’ve been so starstruck to meet the CEO!
Luckily my family are really into organic produce. Sometimes we indulge in non organic strawberries, but everything we buy that’s fresh is organic and locally farmed (yay for farmer’s markets!). But when I’m not at home and I’m away at college, I try to buy organic apples and other fruit/veg that’s on the dirty list, and then I buy a lot of non organic stuff too. It’s expensive!!
My favorite quote about organic food concerning price is, “If price wasn’t an issue and you had to choose between organic or non-organic, what would you choose?” Even if we don’t know the science behind it, it just seems like common sense to eat something wholesome that’s been untouched.
I LOVE all of Stonyfield’s products! From their yogurt to milk, it’s all fantastic. I buy organic when I can and when it’s available. I think that’s the best we can all do, other than encourage food manufacturers to sell/grow it and educate consumers on the benefits.
The luncheon food looks so great!
Jenn
What an amazing opportunity!!! Both the guest of honor and the meal sound incredible. The more I learn about organics the more apt I am to purchase them. I used to think it was just about the chemicals and the nutrients in the food, but it’s also about sustainability, the farmers that grow the food, and the health of the planet. The price tag is a major deterrent, but starting slow with organic purchases here and there will really make an impact, especially if more people got on board.
How exciting! I travel to Cambridge for work and am pretty sure I walked right by this place the other day! Definitley going to try it out when I’m there this week
I switched to organic dairy about 6 months ago on recommendation from my dermatologist to solve some acne issues – it has made a MASSIVE difference I would never go back! All those extra hormones – who needs em!
The dollop of yogurt looks so perfect in the dessert! This looks like a fun event.
Personally I don’t think organics are worth the price… I know that it’s good for the environment, but I just don’t think they’re worth it! Besides, I don’t really see the difference in nutritional value or quality of the food, so… Or maybe I’m just coarse. :S
Wei-Wei
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