Pam Plesons’s passion for local organic food began with her children. Although she has always been an advocate for eating well, in 2000, the true importance of a balanced healthy diet and rigorous exercise hit home and became a life altering reality. Pam’s son, then 4 years old, was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Immediate hospitalization and training in blood glucose management and insulin injections lead the way to a serious family shift. At that time, Niko, her son, like many other 4 year old children, was a fan of “white” foods: milk, pasta, cheese, potatoes, bananas, and white bread and more milk, pasta, cheese, potatoes, bananas, and white bread. Type I Diabetes, unlike Type II, can only be managed with multiple blood glucose tests a day (6-8) and up to 3-4 insulin injections a day. Many believe that it is caused by an auto-immune response that eventually destroys all the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Niko, her son, could not comprehend the sudden change in his life and his sister, Marina, was convinced that she was next. The family adopted a diet of fresh, whole foods with “treats” in moderation. Niko is currently as healthy as any other young adult and their family is proof that kids of any age can learn to love vegetables and fruits. In elementary school, when asked if he wanted pizza on “Dominos Friday”, Niko responded, “No thanks. That’s not very healthy. Can you pack me some fruit?” When Pam told him she also had some sugar snap peas to put in his lunch, his response was, “Cool!”. Marina, his sister, would choose a pint of blueberries or sliced sweet orange and yellow bell peppers for snacks over chips. Local, organic eating is good for us all. For any parent who continues to say, “I could never get my kids to eat that stuff.” Pam will be sure to show them otherwise!
