Final answer:
The statement that almost all food we eat is sold fresh is false, as many items are processed or imported. The globalization of food has led to a diverse supply chain where fresh consumption is not the only focus. Efforts to shift towards sustainability emphasize the benefits of seasonal and local eating.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that almost all of the food we eat is sold fresh is false. With the globalization of food supply chains, most food sold in grocery stores includes a combination of fresh, processed, and packaged goods. Out-of-season produce is frequently imported, leading to increased carbon emissions from transportation, and a variety of foods available are picked unripe to endure the shipping process. Moreover, highly processed and convenience foods have become staple items in many diets, thereby reducing the overall consumption of fresh food.
Regarding food sustainability, there is a growing consciousness about the importance of eating seasonal and local produce. This shift in attitude can lead to environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions and less packaging waste. However, despite the availability of seasonal foods at certain times of the year, the mainstream market continues to cater to the demand for year-round availability of a wide variety of foods, often at the cost of nutritional value and sustainability.