Meet Jim & Joan Roberts: Local Chapter Leaders for Weston A. Price Foundation

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September 8, 2021

While the trendy word “Nutrient-Density” may be somewhat new to you, it’s been a mainstay in Jim and Joan Roberts’ vocabulary along with their diet for the last two decades.

In fact, when this enthusiastic couple starts talking about healthy, whole foods, their faces light up. Health and wellness is not only a favorite topic, it’s truly one of their biggest passions.

Joan and Jim Roberts joined us earlier this summer for a farm tour at The Maker’s Meadow. It was an incredibly hot summer day that required a heavy slathering of sunscreen to keep one’s skin from burning while touring our farm mid-day. Amidst the heat and humidity, we captured their big smiles as they held “Joey, the Pet Lamb.”

Today we want to spotlight The Roberts and share more about this special organization they lead locally here in Dayton that focuses on nourishing diets and practices.

In the early 2000s, The Roberts joined the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF), a health-focused nonprofit that forever changed their lives. They began to incorporate unprocessed foods into their diet and felt the difference.

The Weston A. Price Foundation was founded in 1999 to disseminate the research of nutrition pioneer Weston A. Price, DDS (1870-1948).

As a dentist, Dr. Price traveled the world and studied health (especially dental health) of indigenous people in Switzerland, the Outer Hebrides, Eskimos, and Indians of North America, Melanesian and Polynesian South Sea Islanders, African tribes, Australian Aborigines, New Zealand Maori and the Indians of South America. Dr. Price discovered that those who ate their native, nutrient-dense foods which were naturally high in vitamins and minerals all had straight teeth, wide arches, a wide, round facial bone structure, and a healthy body.

But when indigenous groups strayed from their native diets and added white flour, sugar and processed foods into their diets, they began to experience myriad health issues, including cavities and crooked teeth.

Jim and Joan took to heart what they learned and began implementing changes at home. Jim says as a result of joining WAPF, he stopped drinking soda and started making kombucha. Joan started making kefir and bone broth. They began eating lots of natural organic foods including grassfed, pasture-raised meats and real (unpasteurized, unhomogenized) milk.

They also began supporting local farmers and artisans who follow organic farming practices such as we do here at The Maker’s Meadow.

During 2005-2009 and since 2018, Jim and Joan have served as local Dayton Chapter Leaders of the nonprofit WAPF. The chapter meets monthly from September through May (except in December). Details are posted on their Facebook page and website. Their meetings feature a variety of speakers who support a nourishing traditional diet and practices that promote vibrant health.

In fact, it was at one of these meetings where Jim and Joan first met John Filbrun, owner and operator of The Maker’s Meadow.

Now our farm is blessed to have many customers who are members of WAPF!

If you’re interested in learning more about this organization, please review the information below.

And, if you attend a meeting, be sure to look for Jim and Joan and tell them that you read about them here!

For more information-

Facebook Name: The Dayton Chapter of the Weston A Price Foundation

Dayton Chapter Website: https://chapters.westonaprice.org/daytonoh/

WAPF organization Website: https://www.westonaprice.org

Membership: https://www.westonaprice.org/why-join/

delivery to greater Dayton area,

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Daryon, Ohio

nourishing diets

nutrient density

health and wellness

native diets

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Andrew and Allison Bills were gracious enough to host members of our team in their beautiful home and tell us why they like and support The Maker's Meadow.

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

When it comes to selecting the healthiest and most sustainable sources of poultry, pasture-raised turkeys offer numerous advantages over their industrially farmed counterparts. Not only do pasture-raised turkeys enjoy a better quality of life, but they also provide a wealth of health benefits for consumers. Let's explore how our turkeys at The Maker's Meadow differ from industrially raised birds and why they are worth considering for your next meal. Higher Nutrient Density One of the standout differences between pasture-raised and industrially farmed turkeys is the nutrient profile. Pasture-raised turkeys, allowed to roam freely and forage for natural foods like grasses, seeds, and insects, tend to have a more diverse diet. This varied diet translates to a healthier, more nutrient-dense meat. More Omega-3 & Less Omega-6: Studies have shown that pasture-raised turkeys contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to turkeys raised in confined, grain-fed environments. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Industrially raised turkeys often consume a diet rich in corn and soy, which can lead to an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance is linked to higher inflammation in the body and can contribute to various health problems such as heart disease and arthritis. Pasture-raised turkeys, by contrast, have a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Higher Levels of Antioxidants and Vitamins: Free-ranging turkeys consume a more natural diet that results in higher levels of important antioxidants like vitamin E, which supports immune function and skin health, and beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A and supports vision and cellular growth. Lower in Harmful Additives Industrial turkey farming practices often include the use of antibiotics and growth promoters to boost production and prevent disease in overcrowded conditions. Over time, this practice has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance and its long-term effects on human health. No Antibiotic Residue: Pasture-raised turkeys are typically raised without antibiotics, allowing consumers to avoid unnecessary exposure to these drugs. This is particularly beneficial for those trying to reduce their intake of antibiotic-laden foods. No Hormones or Synthetic Additives: Pasture-raised birds generally aren’t given hormones or synthetic additives, making them a cleaner option compared to industrially raised turkeys. Improved Fat Profile and Leaner Meat Pasture-raised turkeys tend to be leaner due to their active lifestyles, foraging in fields and moving about naturally. This results in less fat compared to industrially raised turkeys, which are often kept in confined spaces and fed high-calorie, grain-based diets to promote rapid growth. Lean Protein Source: Pasture-raised turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building muscle, maintaining metabolic health, and supporting various bodily functions. Healthier Fat Composition: The fat that pasture-raised turkeys do contain is generally healthier due to their active, natural lifestyle. Their fat is often richer in beneficial omega-3s and contains lower levels of unhealthy saturated fats, making pasture-raised turkey a better option for heart health. More Humane and Sustainable Practices Though the health benefits of pasture-raised turkeys are significant, it's also important to consider the ethical and environmental impacts. Pasture-raised turkeys typically live in environments where they have room to roam, access to fresh air, and a natural diet. This is a stark contrast to industrial farming, where turkeys are often confined to small spaces and raised in less humane conditions. No Factory Farming Practices: By supporting pasture-raised turkey farms, consumers can avoid supporting the industrial farming practices that contribute to environmental degradation, such as the overuse of pesticides, excessive water use, and pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations. Better Animal Welfare: Turkeys that are raised in pastures experience lower levels of stress and have healthier immune systems due to their more natural and humane living conditions. This often translates into healthier, less disease-prone birds that don’t require intensive antibiotic use. Enhanced Flavor & Freshness Beyond health and ethical considerations, pasture-raised turkeys also offer superior flavor. Because of their varied diet and natural lifestyle, the meat from pasture-raised turkeys is often described as richer, more complex, and with a better texture than that of industrially raised turkeys. This makes them a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Pasture-raised turkeys are also typically fresher for consumers because they are often sourced from local or small-scale farms like ours, which prioritize quality over mass production. These turkeys are usually processed in smaller batches, ensuring they are delivered more quickly and with less time spent in storage or transport. The shorter supply chain means the bird's natural flavors and textures are fully preserved. This freshness translates into better taste and higher nutritional value, giving consumers a superior product compared to turkeys that undergo long shipping times and extended storage in industrial settings. Choosing Better for Your Health and the Planet While pasture-raised turkeys may come at a slightly higher price than industrially farmed options, the health benefits they provide—from better nutrient content to the absence of harmful additives—are well worth the investment. By choosing pasture-raised turkeys, you're not only supporting your own health but also promoting more sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment and animal welfare. The long-term benefits of going pasture-raised and buying from us here at The Maker's Meadow far outweigh the cost differential of your average store-bought turkey. So if you still need a Thanksgiving Turkey, click here to order one!

Environmental Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

What exactly makes pasture-raised turkeys more environmentally friendly?

Meet Jim & Joan Roberts: Local Chapter Leaders for Weston A. Price Foundation

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