This past Wednesday, my group completed our first oral history interview. We actually wound up interviewing my sister-in-law to get a consumer's stance on advertising and organic food. She was a good choice because she talked about the expense of eating organically, and of course the benefits. She is a mother of three, so she talked about how important it was for the baby to at least eat organic for the whole first year. She thinks that a good foundation establishes healthy habits and immunities. When my sister-in-law was younger, her father and grandfather actually raised chickens, so she was able to give us some insight on the meat side of things too. Towards the end of the interview, she gives valuable advice to people who are just starting to eat organically. I don't want to tell you yet, because I want you to listen to the interview when it is up in a couple of days (that's my teaser).

     In other oral history updates, Dawn Roy interviewed her boyfriend about his eating habits because of the recent changes he made. His interview provides us with good consumer comparisons. Check our sites for that too later.

     In further oral history news, I am stopping at Natural Health in Blackwood, NJ tomorrow before I come to class. This story has been around for a long time, and for the size of it, it carries a great selection of organic products. I am going to ask the manager if she would be willing to do an interview with us. My father did some wiring at her store a few years back, so I am hoping that connection will maker her feel comfortable enough to help us. Plus, it's practically a free advertisement for them!

Group Members: Megan Norris, Dawn Roy

Update on Research Project:
So after a little finagling, we set up our first interview for this Wednesday night. We are actually conducting the interview with my sister-in-law. She is a mother of three, and she is very into the "organic" lifestyle. As stated in the previous post, we will be focusing on how advertising affects how customers purchase, with a focus on advertising for organic food. We have questions about her general grocery shopping, some questions about what she purchases at local produce places, and some personal questions. Below, are some of the questions from each category. I didn't want to post them all because I want you guys to find out everything when we present : ) Enjoy the process thus far!
General Shopping
Do you ever find yourself being attracted to a certain food display or commercial? Remember any                 0ffhand? Did you wind up buying the product?
Where do you normally frequent? Where have you shopped in the past?
What makes you start going somewhere, then stop, etc?
  Produce
Do you shop any local farm markets? Where? How often?
What kind of produce do you buy there? Is it cheaper than your normal year-round grocer?
Would you say you buy more produce at farmer’s markets or your regular grocer?
Personal
I know your dad raised chickens when you were growing up. Did he ever explain why he did that?
Do you notice a difference in the quality of an egg that comes from your dad’s chickens   as compared to     regular eggs in a supermarket?
Did your parents having any “food” traditions that they passed down to you? i.e. --  making your own food,     growing your own food, or other “natural, home grown” things?


So this is a little of what we have for Wednesday. I am sure things will change, but I think we have a good start thus far.
Group Members: Dawn Roy, Megan Norris, Linsey Seifert