After the 4th

Looks like the veg business is taking a not so well deserved vacation, just as the local eastern deals are hitting their strides.  Traditonally, August is the worst month of the summer for produce.  People are on vacation spending time together before school starts and healthy eating is not high on most people's priority lists.  But many shipper are saying the doldrums are here already and could last all summer.  I know I've said this before, but the economy is taking a toll on all sectors, and the fresh veg business is not immune.  It would seem a no brainer for people to spend money on things that make them healthier, and taste good too, but in the real world everyone is running 100 MPH and eating healthy seems to be the first casualty.  If you are unemployed you don't have money and if you have a job, you have no time.  One woman who had business at a local food pantry told my wife it was one of the saddest sights she has seen.  Many people were lined up and filling out forms so they can access the food available there.  Needless to say, almost all of it is boxed or canned.  No luxuries for the slackers among us.  I think as long as fresh produce is considered a luxury item by so many, the state of the economy will determine the state of the industry.