Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days touring several produce farms outside Gainesville, Florida. I walked through rows of peppers that seemed to stretch forever, watched carrots being harvested by massive machines, and ate strawberries fresh off the vine. I also learned that blueberries are still largely hand-picked because machines can easily crush them.
Seeing food at that scale was eye-opening. Not in a “you should eat differently” kind of way, but in a way that made food feel more human.
Standing on those farms and talking to farmers who have been growing food for generations, it was impossible not to think about how rarely we stop to consider where our food actually comes from. In the grocery store, it’s easy to forget that every pepper, carrot, or blueberry represents hours of labor, unpredictable weather, and a lot of financial risk. If a hurricane wipes out a crop or a freeze damages a harvest, that can mean an entire year of work lost.
Seeing that reality gave food a story, and stories can change how we relate to what’s on our plate.
Before going any further, I want to acknowledge something important. Access to food looks different for everyone. Not everyone has the same financial resources, proximity to grocery stores, or ability to prioritize things like local produce. None of this conversation is meant to add pressure or guilt. It’s simply meant to share perspective and information.
Your Relationship With Food
One thing that stood out during the farm visits was how often the conversation around organic versus conventional farming came up. Online, this topic is usually framed as a very black-and-white debate, but the reality is far more nuanced.
Many farmers are using a combination of practices depending on what their crops need. Some use organic sprays but are not certified organic farms because of other aspects of their farming process. Others rely on specific pest management methods to protect crops from disease or climate damage.
Across every farm we visited, one message came up repeatedly: these farmers care deeply about the food they produce. Their families eat it. Their communities eat it. Their livelihoods depend on it.
Organic produce can absolutely be a great option, but “organic” does not automatically mean healthier or safer in every situation. And in many cases, the bigger factor is something much simpler: whether we’re eating enough fruits and vegetables in the first place.
Most Americans are not.
Gentle Nutrition and Eating More Produce
Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and hydration that support overall health. Yet for many people, getting enough of them can be challenging due to cost, access, time, or availability. That’s why conversations about produce often need to start with a simpler goal: finding realistic ways to include more fruits and vegetables, however that looks in your life.
Another takeaway from the farm tours was the benefit of eating produce that is grown closer to where you live. The shorter the time between harvest and consumption, the better the quality and freshness tends to be. In Florida, that might mean looking for “Fresh From Florida” labels in the grocery store. In other states, it could mean checking where produce was grown and choosing options from your state or neighboring regions when possible.
Seasonal eating can naturally support this. Apples in the Northeast during fall, berries during spring and summer, citrus in Florida during winter. When produce is in season locally, it’s often more available and fresher.
But even with all of that said, fresh produce is not the only way to get nutrients.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, which helps preserve their nutrient content. Canned produce can also be convenient, affordable, and nutrient-dense. These options absolutely count and can be incredibly helpful in making fruits and vegetables more accessible.
There is room for all of it at the table.
One of the most unexpected things about visiting these farms was how much it shifted my relationship with food. Not because it created rules or restrictions, but because it made food feel more connected to real people and real places.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit a farm or go to a local “U-pick” experience, I highly recommend it. Many farms allow you to pick your own strawberries, apples, or blueberries. It’s a fun way to spend time outdoors, support local farmers, and see food growing in real life. And despite what many people think, it’s not just for kids!
Experiences like that can remind us that food is more than something we grab quickly off a shelf. It has a story behind it.
In intuitive eating, the final principle is gentle nutrition. That means making food choices based on what feels supportive for your body while still honoring satisfaction, flexibility, and enjoyment.
For many people, that might include adding more fruits and vegetables to meals because they enjoy them and appreciate how they feel physically and mentally. Not because they feel forced to or because a diet told them they should.
Learning more about where food comes from can simply be one more way to deepen that connection.
◑ ◉ ◐
If conversations about nutrition feel confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many people benefit from having a supportive space to explore their relationship with food without judgment or pressure.
Our team of registered dietitians at Find Food Freedom® offers virtual nutrition counseling that centers body respect, intuitive eating, and weight-inclusive care.
Many insurance plans cover nutrition counseling sessions. If you’re curious what your coverage might look like, you can submit a quick insurance benefits check to see what options may be available.
