The Future of Food is in Crisis

In an open letter last week, 153 top Nobel Prize and World Food Prize laureates sounded an alarm about the dangerous consequences of the world’s current approach to climate action and food system change.

It’s not just the effect of climate change on food production. It’s the effect of climate change plus soil degradation plus problems with aquifers that are supplying irrigation water. … We’re going to be seeing the effects of all of these factors combined.”

The letter focuses on big-picture solutions to be undertaken by national and global policymakers, but there are local, grassroots efforts that can be put into place in our communities today. 

Top of the list: Prioritize local, seasonal, and Indigenous foods as and when you’re able.

A deeper understanding of what food grows in our communities, and when it’s in season, will go a long way toward strengthening local food systems and making them more resilient. Getting connected with and supporting farmers in your area helps create a sustainability framework that prioritizes local food and elevates local communities in the conversation. 

Brunch

 

Because flowers

Local at this local bounty!

Blessings of the Garden

The first harvest is here!

My bag was spilling over with scallions, asparagus, mixed greens, spinach, Romaine lettuce, butter head lettuce, radishes, kale, fresh oregano, and chives. I am a truly blessed lady.

Local food tastes better

 I've been dealing with migraines and vertigo all week. It's wearisome. Today I managed to cook up a steak, which is always helpful. Tiu, true to form, is convinced that it's all his and is pouting a bit.

Waiting for Bacon

This week I splurged and ordered a pound of local uncured bacon, and I love it. My brain seems to be depleted, craving salmon, bacon, eggs, milk, mayonnaise, anything with fats, even to the point of putting extra olive oil in my salads. I'm pretty certain that the American Heart Association is going to list my kitchen as a Hazardous Zone.

Also, the romaine from the farm is absolutely beautiful. The depth of flavor hits me just right.

Waiting for bacon is hard:

Tuesday is Farm Day

If it's Tuesday, that means vegetables and eggs delivered from the farm. I'm feeling awash in gratitude at the abundance this week. The cabbage looks particularly beautiful, and I see a bit of mayonnaise and vinegar making later this afternoon to whip into a dressing for coleslaw that can chill while the beets roast.

Hands down, local food tastes better.