Sourcing Food in These Times
There is no need to recount details of empty grocery store shelves. If we haven’t seen them for ourselves, the media makes us aware of the current situation. Most experts assure us that our food supply is adequate but supply chain disruptions lead to shortages now. Update 4/1/20: There do appear to be real shortages of some items now. And then there’s the food security crisis for millions of Americans.
These problems are too big to address here and I am no expert. I am a gardener, dietitian and home cook. But, I have embraced a new household role as “hunter-gatherer” and will share some resources with you.
Many of us with a place to grow food and the other resources to do so—time, inclination, climate—are rethinking our garden plans for the upcoming season. I recently posted on Vegetables That Grow in Less Than 2 Months. Maybe some of us will plant extra rows to freeze, can or share with neighbors or even a food bank.
To supplement my garden produce and food stores I signed up for deliveries from Imperfect Foods. Their tagline is “Grocery items that help reduce food waste—delivered for up to 30% less than national supermarket chains.” My first box was perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner—parsnips, potatoes, Brussels sprouts. I added garden carrots and beets for my take on a New England boiled dinner.
Imperfect Foods offers an organic or conventional produce box and you can add or subtract items from the weekly box. There is an option to choose every other week and various boxes to fit your household size. Pantry items are available too such as tricolor quinoa that isn’t quite tricolor so offered through Imperfect Foods. Ditto the dried mangos I ordered—a little darker than their usual standard. You can learn why each item is available—imperfection, surplus etc. They’ve been around since 2015 and started in San Francisco. Check to see if they deliver to your zip code. The whole process is very easy with delivery updates to your phone.
I couldn’t find any dried beans or other legumes when I was out today for a quick trip to the grocery store. Then I remembered talk of bean clubs which I’ve read about on other blogs. Searching online I found Rancho Gordo in the Napa Valley of California. It checked all the boxes: heirloom beans, small business, “local” California company, free shipping with $50 order, no membership required. I purchased a gift card for my son and family. Shipping not expected until April 15 because of demand but that’s ok with me.
Market Box SD offers the option of a customized plant-based box of local favorites.
Here’s their explainer for “Why We’re Doing This.”
We are doing this because the Farmers' Market crew is a family and a hit like this will close hundreds of businesses, if not remedied in some way. We are doing this because we are worried about our community, our friends, having reliable access to fresh and healthy food. We are doing this because there is an entire economy that relies on the beautiful grower/maker-to-table relationship that our communities' have built together. We are doing this because for years, we have been each others' reasons why our families have eaten—on both sides of the table. Let's be kind to one another. We are not doing this because we want to get rich off of a community crisis. We are here to help in the interim.
Consider this from the San Diego Sustainable Living Institute:
”With farmer's markets closing up, many small farms are losing one of their only avenues for income. That means at the same time people are having trouble finding healthy nutrient rich and immune boosting foods, we are risking losing many businesses.” The piece goes on to list local/regional farms that are available and open for your support. Some continue with farm stands while others offer pickup or delivery. Check your local area for options.
If you’re in San Diego County, Edible San Diego provides the following resources list that focuses on meals and ingredients:
COVID-19 Community Resource Guide: How to Access Free Food, Health Care & Other Services in San Diego County
It will take a new spirit of community for us to get through these uncertain times of uncertain length made more difficult by stay at home orders and self-isolation. Join with me to find ways to be generous, helpful and to show kindness as we pray for safety and health for our families, neighbors and others around our country and the world.
