Buggy Braninfood

Thank you to Chirps, Entomo Farms – The Future of Food, Exo, Hotlix Candy, and Merci Mercado. Insect based snacks they provided were served at the Hampshire County Homeschool’s National Geography Bee at the Capon Bridge Public Library. Jiminy’s even provided snacks for “man’s best friend. “Runners and bikers have sung the praise of insect protein, claiming it helps them take seconds off their race time. But how do we explore the effect on our brain power of insects in our diet.

With or without bugs in their diet, these young folks did very well at the competition. Congratulations to Bryson (3rd place) and JD Loughry, Mason (2nd place) and Conner Wolford (champion), and Lilli Loughry. We appreciated the attendance of the Hampshire Review (thankyou, Ed Maurer for the photo.), Ed Morgan and Debra Ann Champ — Board of Education members, the library for hosting, and all the other folks who attended to cheer on our young geographers.  (www.facebook.com/steve.bailes2/posts/2268706313141869)

USA Today featured this article: From crickets to scorpions, why people are eating insects for fun.

Ento Nation posted a new audio program: Cooking with Critters: Silkworm Pupae Fudge Mallows

Bailes’ Buggy Bodega

Actually I’m not intending to open a store or restaurant, but this was suggested by a friend,  I did like the alliteration.

Back in December I got to take my bug show to Romney Elementary— Carrie Leigh’s 5th grade.  Milly Mullins, reporter for the Hampshire Review, covered the event.  Carrie is a former colleague, and I always enjoy visiting her classroom.  And I really enjoy preaching the virtues of entomophagy to young folks.  I tell them projections for the year 2050.  I know 2050 is a lifetime (three more of THEIR lifetimes.)  But us oldsters know 2050 will be here in the blink of an eye.  A U.N. report projected the world will population will rise to 9.2 billion.  3 billion will be living in urban slums.  There will be 1/3 less “farmable” land.  And a billion will not have sufficient water.  I encourage them to begin thinking of solutions.  I do believe insects could well be part of those solutions.  Insects require drastically less feed and water input to produce the same amount of edible nutritious protein.  And insects require drastically less space to produce that same amount of  protein.

But unfortunately we may not be evolutionarily designed to be forward thinking.  This is an interesting article that argues we should promote the good taste of insects , rather than appealing to the benefits to the planet.  I would encourage you to read this article featuring Kathy Rolin of Cowboy Cricket Farms:  www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/01/10/677826823/should-hyping-edible-bugs-focus-on-the-experience-instead-of-the-environment?sc=tw

Reporter Mullins voiced personal interest in entomophagy,  She had recently watched the award winning documentary , The Gateway Bug.  If you have a Hampshire County library card you can watch the documentary for free.  Ask your librarian.

Some of the pioneers in the insect protein industry generously sent some of their products.  Entomo Farms, Exo Protein, Chirps, and Merci Mercado.  Jiminy’s sent samples of their pet products.  (Humans shouldn’t be the only ones to enjoy cricket protein products.  I have mentioned previously, if you want to give insect products a try, and you’d like to give a big order price without making a big order, you might check out this local group: the Bug Co-op.  Maybe someone would split a bigger order with you.

Principal, Patty Lipps was a good sport and tried some of the bug products. The students were so attentive and polite.  I hope some of them will be the pioneering scientists and entrepreneurs to solve the many challenges of feeding the world’s population in the future.

 

Hexapods Help Food Pantry

In Dec. 2018 the American Legion Post 137 hosted a benefit for the local food pantry.  Many people would be shocked to learn how many families in our community don’t have enough food for their family.

Shawn Ashton headed up this great event, with the community gathering to rock and roll, enjoy each others company, and support the much needed local organization.

One of the highlights of the evening is the auction run by Sherard Auction Company.  Many businesses and individuals donated quality items.  $8,000.00 was raised for the pantry.

And some insect product companies made generous contributions. Insect products were combined in a basket Exo Protein, Chirps, Merci Mercado, Entomo Farms and Jiminy’s.  Sincere thanks to these generous folks.

http://www.hampshirereview.com/news/article_0957d342-0391-11e9-924f-439713e7d555.html

https://twitter.com/hashtag/raincrow

https://www.facebook.com/events/492550767916594/

Bugz Road Show Dec. 2018 JJC

Back in December I was invited back to my first classroom– my first teaching assignment in 1976.  John J. Cornwell Elementary is a great school.  Rob Colebank, former tech guy for the county, is a young third grade teacher with lots of energy and an obvious love for his students.  And they love him.  I really enjoy going to his classroom because the student are not only curious and attentive, but I’m sure much of the politeness is a credit to the respect they have for Rob.

I want to thank some insects-as-food companies who generously support these school visits: Exo Protein, Chirps, Merci Mercado, Entomo Farms and Jiminy’s . (Click their link to learn more about their great products.  And remember you can buy ento products cooperatively here.

Rob and James Lewis shared these photos.

 

If you are interested, here is the account my first bug show at John J. Cornwell. entotreats.