The Kitchen &The Garden Patch

INTERVIEW - Sarah Jane Bergen

My Dear Grandma, who grew up in St. Johnsbury in rural Vermont, on a beautiful farm on top of a hill. This was a time where it was common for families to have multiple gardens where they grew their own food, and plenty of happy, healthy animals that had acres of fields to roam around.

She always sends me links for vegan recipes, and the latest vegan things on The Ellen Show.

What is your favorite dish to make?

Ham. 

Why is that? Just like the taste?

Like the taste.

How do people eat differently today than when you were a kid?

In my case, we ate 3 times a day. No snacking in between. Lots of vegetables from the garden, blackberries we used to pick. Chicken and eggs. Fried salt pork and milk gravy. 

What kind of animals did your family have growing up? 

Chickens, cows, horses, pigs, dogs & cats.

Was it typical for a family back then to grow most of their own food, instead of running to the store?

We had to, and I know a lot of people had gardens.

Do you think there’s any way that people could go back to that, being more self sufficient?

No, we are running out of land and space. So people have to work and bring home a good paycheck to pay all the bills.  

What do you think about the way people eat today? 

Well I am not doing good. Sit here and eat too much.

Do you think we all eat too much?

Yes we do. When you work outside in the garden, you lose weight.

I know you like to watch The Ellen Show. She’s vegan, and features a lot of recipes on her show. How has it impacted your life?

Well I like her show, but I have to cook what Grandpa likes. And he is a meat & potatoes guy. He works hard. He doesn’t sit around like me.

So you like the idea of veganism then? Even if it was part time? I know you like veggie burgers.

It wouldn’t bother me any.