The Hard Truth About Our Food: Are People Really Connected to What They Eat?
Not long ago, I posted a picture of a severed chicken head. To me, it was a moment of reverence—a recognition of the life taken to sustain my own. But the reaction? Swift and intense. Some people were unsettled, even angry.
That made me wonder—why do we consume violent entertainment so casually but recoil at the sight of real-life food production? We watch action movies filled with gunfights. We play video games where taking a life is part of the experience. But when we’re faced with the reality of food—actual life and death—it suddenly becomes too much?
The Reality of Taking a Life for Food
If you eat meat, an animal gave its life for that meal. That’s a fact. But modern society has gotten pretty disconnected from this truth. Most people buy chicken neatly packaged at the store without thinking about what happened before it got there.
Should these realities be hidden? If we choose to eat meat, shouldn’t we at least acknowledge the process? When an image of a harvested animal makes people uncomfortable, maybe it’s worth asking—why? Does it force them to confront something they’d rather ignore?
I’ve harvested chickens on my farm. It’s not easy. There’s a weight to it. But that’s part of the responsibility. It forces me to give gratitude for the meal in a way that grabbing a pack of drumsticks from the store never could.
The Disconnection Between Food and Reality
A few generations ago, families raised their own livestock or knew exactly where their meat came from. Now, most people are completely removed from the process. Meanwhile, violent video games and TV shows are mainstream entertainment. We accept fictional violence, but a real-life image of food production is what’s upsetting?
Think about it—kids grow up playing games where they “eliminate” enemies, but if they saw an animal being butchered, they’d be horrified. That’s not their fault. It’s how society has shaped our perception of death. We consume death as entertainment but shield ourselves from its real-world consequences.
Gratitude vs. Mindless Consumption
Think about the last time you ate a chicken sandwich. Were you giving thanks for the animal’s sacrifice, or were you scrolling through your phone, barely noticing?
People who raise and harvest their own food often feel the weight of that decision. They use as much of the animal as possible. They say thanks. That connection fosters a deeper appreciation for the land and the cycle of life.
We’ve turned eating into a mindless habit. Fast food makes meals an afterthought. Factory farming turns animals into products, not lives. And the further removed we are from the process, the easier it is to take it for granted.
The Spiritual and Ethical Side of Eating Meat
Many indigenous cultures practice gratitude when harvesting animals. They offer prayers. They use every part of the animal. There’s no mindless consumption—only respect.
Industrial farming has stripped away that reverence. Many animals live in cramped conditions, never seeing sunlight. Efficiency matters more than ethics. And because most consumers never see what happens behind closed doors, they unknowingly support a system that lacks transparency.
But raising your own animals? That’s different. Chickens can roam, scratch the dirt, and live as they were meant to. When the time comes, their lives can be taken with care and respect. That’s a reality most people never experience firsthand.
Facing the Discomfort
Feeling uncomfortable about food production is natural. But instead of turning away, what if we leaned into that discomfort? What if we asked ourselves:
- Would I be willing to harvest my own meat? If not, why?
- How were the animals I eat raised and processed?
- Am I okay with the reality of life and death in the food system?
For some, these questions lead to vegetarian or vegan choices. Others decide to source meat differently—raising their own animals or supporting ethical farms. There’s no right answer, but being intentional about food choices is a step toward greater awareness.
Teaching the Next Generation About Food
Many kids grow up with no idea where their food comes from. Meat is just something that appears on their plate. Without understanding the effort and sacrifice involved, it’s easy to take it for granted.
I want my child to know. Not in a way that’s traumatic, but in a way that teaches respect. I want them to plant seeds, gather eggs, and—when they’re ready—understand what it means to take a life for food.
This isn’t about exposing kids to cruelty. It’s about helping them engage with the natural cycle of life. It’s about teaching them responsibility—understanding where things come from, rather than just consuming without thought.
A Call to Awareness
So, what now? What can you do with this information? Here are some ways to start thinking more intentionally about your food:
- Visit a local farm. See firsthand how animals are raised and cared for.
- Learn about ethical meat sources. Research where your food comes from and support farms that align with your values.
- Cook a meal with gratitude. Before eating, take a moment to acknowledge what went into the meal—whether it’s meat, vegetables, or grains.
- Talk to your kids about food origins. If they don’t know where their chicken nuggets come from, maybe it’s time for a conversation.
Final Thoughts
Next time you eat a meal, pause. Think about its journey. If you eat meat, acknowledge the life that made it possible. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider how the food system as a whole impacts the world around us.
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s a relationship with the natural world. Let’s start acting like it.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever raised or harvested your own food? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your perspective.
