When I was first learning about organic food production and consumer values in the 1990s, the organic Twinkie problem was being hotly debated in both the academic and popular presses. Could a Twinkie really be considered organic even if all of the ingredients were USDA certified? Twinkies are, after all, an iconic symbol of our industrialized food system, with ashelf life spanning yearsand the supernatural ability tosurvive a nuclear holocaust(along with cockroaches). While neither of these well-known facts turns out to be true, Twinkies certainly represent the pinnacle of modern food science and mass distribution systems.

But despite those who believe the values associated with organic food should extend beyond the production materials and techniques overseen by the USDA, a growing number of reputable natural food companies are producing what can only be called organic junk food. I have to admit that I, along with many other greenies, am happily eating it up!

Based on anecdotal evidence alone, it appears that as alternative organic brands like Earthbound Farm and Newmans Own continue to gain mainstream traction, a new era of artisan-crafted treats is emerging and many of them are hitting every possible green button at once.A classic example isOscar Williams Gourmet Cotton Candy.

This gourmet spun sugar delight features all of the following green values:

1. Founders With A Story & A Social Mission.The company began as afundraising effort for an HIV outreach program (PASTD.ORG) that the founders set up afterlosing several friends to the disease.We were only planning to sell the product once, but the community loved it so much, that after muchdiscussion we decided to become an official business, founder TashaHolland-Kornegayexplained.

2. Giving A Portion Of Sales To Charity. Oscar WilliamsGourmet Cotton Candy contributes 10% of all sales back into the community, by distributing HIV/AIDS pamphlets and sponsoring educational workshops.

3. All Natural, Vegan & Gluten-Free Products. Their gourmet cotton candy is all-natural, allergen-free and gluten-free. As a result, many of their products are also white so you do not get any unnecessary dyes.Being that my husband and I are both vegans, we wanted to make sure we offered a product that reflected who we were, Tasha explains.

The rest is here:
Organic Junk Food 2.0