Selling Vegetables

Posted by Ann Sattley on Monday, September 19th, 2011

One of the things I rant about in my book is illegal gardening.  Of course, the gardens themselves are not illegal (usually), but selling the vegetables usually is illegal.  Most of the time this is selectively enforced, but it is illegal.  To sell vegetables on a roadside stand is typically a violation of zoning codes as well as health regulations (since the food was not inspected).  To me, this is outrageous.  But, maybe it’s just me.

When I was first married, I lived in DeSoto, Illinois. This is a small community in Southern Illinois.  During the summer, I could expect to see a large hay wagon pulled into a local parking lot with a family full of kids selling sweet corn. There were four our five of them and I never saw their parents around.  They had a banjo and some other musical instruments.  Everyone bought corn from these kids.  I doubt if anything’s been done about it, but I’d be willing to bet that it is illegal.

A disabled man in Ohio recently learned that he was breaking the law by selling his vegetables from his yard. City code dictates that all home businesses must be conducted inside the dwelling with no business taking place outside.  This poor man has Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.  He’s trying to stay busy and be productive.  But, rules are rules.

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5 comments
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Martha J. M. Orlando
Martha J. M. Orlando

We have an open-air farmer's market once a week where I live. I'm pretty sure none of that produce has been "inspected" and no one has tried to shut it down. Good thing, because I love going there!Too many rules and regs, I agree!Blessings!

Jan
Jan

It is frustrating how much of our self preservation is regulated by the government. I agree, buy and consume at your own risk, but for pete sake let the ol guy try to make ends meet.

Katrina
Katrina

I grow veggies and give them to my neighbors not looking for money but they do the same in return. Been like this in my neighborhood for years. Would that still be considered illegal? I tell ya some of the "rules" can be down right silly.

ann
ann

Hey Chris. Just wanted you to know that I think the "rules are rules" excuse is weak. I was trying to be sarcastic. I personally believe that people can make their own decisions about the risks they take with food. If the possible risk of not having the food inspected is understood by the public when they buy from the stands, it shouldn't be ruled by the government.

cjpwisdomandlife.com
cjpwisdomandlife.com

Interesting, Ann.Never really stopped to think about this, but I can see where selling food products before being inspected could be cause for concern. There SHOULD be SOME leeway here though.The man in Ohio is a perfect example of this. As you said though, rules are rules. Kinda feel bad for this guy though. Maybe something can be done for him.--Chris