A few weeks ago I met a young lady with a strong interest in local food.   I inquisitively asked what sparked her initial interest in this area.   This brave girl told me how she has had a difficult relationship with food that developed into an eating disorder.  She explained that by exploring how food is grown it has helped her to see food as more than just calories.  It saddened me to hear about her struggles (especially since I had my own challenges with food in my earlier years) but I was also inspired by her story, as well as her bravery.   This girls story awakened something in me that I didn't realize until she said it - connecting with food has the power to change how we view it and how we eat it.

After our conversation, I began to wonder (to myself:) how if as a society, our growing disconnect from the source of food has contributed to our often confused relationship with what nourishes us.  For me, it was a transformative moment when I began to see food for all that it really was/is - an amazing wonder, a tiny seed that has become a fruit we can eat, a farmers' and chef's work of art, an animal that lived and breathed, and what ultimately will be transformed into ME as my physical body (after I eat it, hehe)!! 

So I continue to wonder....how would we eat differently if we thought of all each bite really is? Would the kinds of foods we eat, the reasons we eat, as well as how we eat be different?  Would we begin to eat more slowly and mindfully? Have a deeper sense of appreciation for what we offer our bodies?

I believe so strongly in the power of food, connecting to the land, and building a supportive community to help us live to our fullest potential and to transform our bodies and minds that I would like to create a supplement aspect to the CSA to help build upon this broader theme of wellness.

This would include coming together to explore our well-being in a very broad sense.   It would likely include experts to help us in developing a new relationship with our food (and our bodies) by exploring not just cooking and nutrition but also topics like walking meditations and yoga at the farm, mindful eating, energy healing techniques, and other activities that nourish our bodies, minds, and souls. 

This group would be intended just for your very special selves so I want to know if this would be something you would be interested in.  Please post your thoughts below or send me an email, I look forward to your feedback.

Stay tuned for more info on where this community is going next.  This girl ain't scared to dream big!

Till next time....keep chewin' :)

Your Farmer,

Candace

Making Sauerkraut.  The Danner's (beef farmers) had an old-fashioned 'cutting' board we loaded up with cabbage for the slicing part.  After telling someone about my recent adventures, I was called a pioneer.  I blushed and then smiled back.  I decided it was a compliment:) 

Annemiek pounding the juices out of those sliced cabbages.  Sauerkraut making is serious work!!!  Excellent for building up the arm muscles though:)    We made SO much I think I will need to eat it for every meal for the next year.  I'll have a healthy gut at least:)

EGGS!  All sizes and colours....just like an Easter basket:)

Savoy cabbage still growing in the field come January!  So pretty:)

Kale, I'm also proud of you:)  It also enjoys listening to country music with me as I get it ready for their big day at the CSA pick-up, hehe.

Kale post-harvest.  Just little sticks left in the snow:)