Page 67 - Spring2020

companies. And while it is understandable that some companies. The Silicon Valley company Blue Apron, for example,
many people focus on the quality of meat, a went from a valuation of three billion dollars to a current valuation of
shortcoming of equal or greater concern is the fifty-seven million—a 97 percent decline.
4
lack of proper preparation of grains, legumes, Sadly, these hundreds of millions of dollars of easy money have an
nuts and seeds, as well as the fact that many of impact on buying clubs and other local food businesses that don’t have
these items are highly refined. Again, the paleo access to the same deep pockets. I know first-hand how damaging to the
meal services generally appeared superior in development of real, local food economies these meal services have been.
this regard, as refined carbs were entirely “off Meal kit companies also rely on customer forgetfulness to make their
the menu.” businesses go. Like rental services that hope you won’t return your movie
Many meal kits include sauces and other before the deadline, many of these meal services make you sign up for
menu items that provide no ingredient infor- a recurring delivery from the get-go. If you forget to turn it off, you are
mation at all! (A few even state that certain out of luck. You will get box after box after box—until you figure out
sauces and similar items are “a secret.”) When I how and where to cancel the account. At least a few people have found
emailed a few of the companies for clarification, that—like trying to get out of the mob or out of farming—quitting a meal
I received evasive answers to specific questions service may require nothing short of faking your own death! (In my case,
about the use of vegetable oils, MSG and other I cut to the chase and directly asked customer service.)
additives and preservatives. For individuals Despite these logistical barriers, people are indeed canceling. Even
trying to avoid a specific ingredient or who are as the total meal-in-a-box industry continues to grow, many of the
trying to limit their intake of low-quality oils major companies (such as Blue Apron) are hemorrhaging members.
4
and other undesirable ingredients, this lack of When you mainly get customers by offering temporary deals and deep
transparency is problematic, to say the least. discounts—and there is a fairly constant flow of other companies all do-
ing the same—what incentive does anyone have to stay? The industry
AFFORDABLE AND EASY? NOT SO FAST is understandably tight-lipped about admitting anything negative, yet
Meal kit services currently survive on article after article points to a business model where the vast majority of
large infusions of venture capital. The amount customers quit after just a few boxes.
of money that is making this industry possible
is staggering, with venture capitalists having NOURISHING ALTERNATIVES
invested more than one billion dollars in over For busy Americans and the ever-increasing number of young adults
one hundred competing startups over a six-year who have never learned basic kitchen and cooking skills, what options
period. Almost none of the big players actually are available for less time-consuming but still nourishing food prepara-
3
make money, with virtually all operating at tion that isn’t served out of a clown face? To Weston A. Price Foundation
small to significant losses—losses covered up chapter leaders, I think the current “adulting” classes and similar trends
by the constant influx of venture capital. This point to an area where you can make a big difference. Start offering
has translated into a roller coaster experience for monthly basic or batch cooking classes!

A Message to Grandparents

Sharing special meals and treats is a wonderful way to spend time
together and create memories. But whether they help or hurt your
grandchildren’s health depends on which foods you choose.
Sections include:
The Gift of Health – Dear Grandparents:
The Research Findings of Dr. Weston A. Price
The Sugar Monster
Our
Other Harmful Things in Modern Diets
NEW Good Foods for Growing Children
Trifold
25 cents each 15 cents each for 100 or more
Order today! westonaprice.org/order (703) 820-3333

SPRING 2020 Wise Traditions 67