photo courtesy Tante Tati, Pixabay
By Lisa Hauf
We have all had those moments when we stop and think, “Did that really just happen?” I had one of those moments this past Sunday at the grocery store. I’m still shocked.
The plan for the evening was to make some chicken enchiladas, but I needed to make a quick trip to the grocery store and purchase a few items. Of course, I couldn’t stick to my list and I got a few more snacks I know the children will need with school starting this week. One of those items, oatmeal; the kind with dinosaur eggs. The kids love it. It has sugar, but it also has some other good stuff in it, plus it helps fill them up at the start of the day.
I was at the self-checkout line with my son and we were scanning items, when all of a sudden, the employee in charge of that area rushed over to me and grabbed the box of oatmeal out of my hands! She says to me, “From one mom to another I have to tell you what I’ve heard. I heard there is Roundup in the dinosaur eggs in this oatmeal.”
I think my mouth hit the floor at this point. I couldn’t believe she grabbed the box of oatmeal from my hands. I was shocked. I must admit, I stumbled for words, trying to inform her of the facts I have recently read.
After I paid for my box of oatmeal and went home, my husband and son prepared some corn for the freezer. I wonder what this lady would think if I told her this sweet corn was Roundup Ready sweet corn? I can only imagine her reaction to that one.
The part that amazes me the most is this oatmeal is sold on the grocery store’s shelves, yet she felt a need to grab it out of my hands because it may be unsafe. I understand she meant well. She didn’t want to see my family in any danger. I could tell she has a huge heart and only wanted to the best for those around her. She was also incredibly kind when I suggested she read up on some of the facts about chemicals in our food and I pointed her to On Your Table.
Before we judge others on their food purchases or even strip the food from their hand, let’s be informed. Let’s do our research. Or, let's go to On Your Table and ask the questions.