Most of us have heard the saying “you are what you eat.” What we hear less often is what our food eats - and where it grows - matters just as much.
Over the past several decades, scientists have observed a quiet trend: many fruits, vegetables, and grains today contain fewer nutrients than they did in the past. This isn’t only about minerals like iron or zinc. It also includes thousands of natural plant compounds known as phytochemicals, which play an important role in human health.
Phytochemicals include polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. These are what give foods their rich colors, aromas, and flavors. They help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and often leave us feeling more satisfied after eating. Foods rich in these compounds usually taste better and nourish us more deeply, meaning we may need less to feel full and well. Where do these compounds come from? The answer begins beneath our feet.
Healthy soil is not just dirt and chemistry; it is a living; dynamic ecosystem filled with billions of microorganisms working in close partnerships with plant roots. Plants feed microbes sugars, and in return, microbes help plants access water, minerals, and nutrients they could not obtain on their own. Together, plants and microbes produce more phytochemicals, resulting in healthier, more nutrient-dense crops.
The same principle applies to animal foods. Meat from animals raised on diverse pastures - grasses, legumes, and flowering plants - often contains healthier fats, including a better balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, compared to animals raised on a limited diet.
Writer Wendell Berry famously wrote, “Eating is an agricultural act.” Every food choice we make supports a certain kind of farming. As consumers, one of the most powerful actions we can take is to vote with our dollars, supporting food produced in the ways that care for soil, plants, animals, and people alike.
Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, healthy animals, and ultimately, healthier humans.
Contributed by Dr. Robin (Buz) Kloot, Research Associate Professor, Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
Reprinted with permission from The Virginia Cooperative Extension February, 2026 Buzz Body, & Bites e-Newsletter. More information, including how to subscribe is here.
The Fort Valley Ruri-Teen Club meets monthly, will meet on March 13, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Valley Firehall. All youth and teens (up to 19 yrs old). Parents/guardian participation is encouraged, and parents/guardians are required to stay with younger youth members. The service club promotes goodwill and fellowship while encouraging volunteerism through community service, and is sponsored by the Fort Valley Ruritan Club. Any youth or teen who may be interested in joining, or wants to know more about the club, is always welcome to attend a meeting.
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There's always something happening at the Fort Valley Community Center and Library. Check out the current list of public programs offered there. Most of them are free! Visit our Community page for more information, or call (540) 933-6714..
Focuses on getting you moving! It is adaptable to individual fitness levels and can be done sitting in a chair, standing or a combination of both! Gentle flowing movements are easy to achieve with instructor encouragement upbeat music. Preregistration is required and there is a registration fee. Classes are generally held on Fridays at various times of each year.. Maximum class size:12. Hosted through Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation. In-person registration available at the Parks & Rec office, 600 N. Main St., Suite 108 in Woodstock, Va., by mail at this same address or online. For more information and for the current program schedule, call SCPR at (540) 459-6777.
A group of adults who wish to have more social contact in the community. The group meets every week, on Tuesdays, 10:00 am until... at the Fort Valley Community Center. Their activities agenda is very simple: Crafts, snacks, sending out greeting cards; and games, including dominos and playing cards. GEMS also occasionally hosts group outings. They also are always open to suggestions for enjoying other kinds of fun and fellowship!
Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese form of Martial Arts founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi. It develops strength of mind, body and spirit through training. Chief Instructor is Majal Colon-Cammack. Techniques are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, coordination, flexibility and strength. Member: International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). Classes are held on Wednesdays. For more information, call (703) 606-1974 or email mcoloncammack@gmail.com
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