Alice Waters

I wanted to congratulate you on the extensive coverage you gave Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters and her “fresh-foods gospel” (Aug. 22). As president of L.A. Harvest, I don’t think people fully recognize yet the importance of fresh food and gardens in building community and strengthening families. We agree with Waters’ statement that “wholesome, honest food must be the entitlement of all Americans, not just the rich, and its availability should be a public goal.” We just want to emphasize that this goal is not frivolous--gardens and fresh food bring nutrition, hope, community bonding, job training and self-esteem to residents of neglected neighborhoods.

I also wanted to alert your readers to the fact that groups like L.A. Harvest are already working hard to bring the healing effects of community gardens and other greening projects to areas of Los Angeles still recovering from the civil unrest of 1992, and we can always use more volunteers and support. We applaud you in helping educate the public on this important mission.

BRENDA FUNCHES

L.A. Harvest

* Yes, the public is far ahead of the media in wanting clean, fresh organic food, and we want all who promote, perpetuate and protect junk food and junk lives to pay for their own medical and hospital charges. Far easier to educate ourselves--far less expensive to eat fresh, organic food--than to pay a trillion annually for sickness.

DOROTHY HARTE

Palm Springs