At dinner tonight with my friend, the Renaissance Woman, I confirmed the beneficiary for the proceeds of my eat local challenge.
Since I first met RW she's volunteered at the Sophia Project, which serves, and I'm quoting here, children and families who are at risk of recurring homelessness and its effects. In my own words, they have two houses, interns and a bunch of young kids they feed, entertain, educate and love all day while their parent(s) work. After the last kid goes home on Friday they provide respite care for the weekend for another group of children. And I'm not doing justice to all the support they provide. Inspired people, I think.
RW showed me and the cute guy the quilts she finished for the respite program, "Tv blankets," she said wrapping one around herself in a mock demonstration. I was ready to turn on the set and make popcorn.
And then we talked about the Sophia Project gardens. There are raised beds for vegetables, apple and pear trees and sweet peas on the fence along the sidewalk. A young girl asked, "How do you get all those flowers on there?"
There are also sunflower giants growing in front of the houses. "The kids think they are impressive," RW said.
"I think they're impressive!" I replied and then said I wanted to make a donation specifically for the vegetable and sunflower gardens.
"O-kay." RW said because that's what I always say and it makes her smile.
There's a story that Barbara Kingsolver's husband Steven Hopps writes in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle about a teenager that couldn't believe a carrot grew in the ground and then wouldn't eat it because it had been in the dirt.
That's not going to be the case for the kids that spend time at the Sophia Project. Kids, dirt, carrots, education and some sunflowers thrown in for good measure; it's food that matters.
Eat Local Challenge Proceeds to Date are $95.
3 days ago
6 comments:
Bravo, Katrina, that's definately a worthy cause. I'm so impressed with your passion in this, and while I can't pretend to do anything like this, with my largish family in mind, I'm trying to do what I can. In my attempt to become more environmentally efficient, food wise, we are definately throwing less food away...I'm making us eat leftovers and trying to better judge how much to make to diminish wasted food. Besides, chicken pot pie is much better the next day. We go to the farmer's market when we can, but it's not easy to navigate with a double stroller and two kids whining about snow cones. Needless to say, you have inspired me and if you can think of things that I can do...let me know.
P.S. We're not giving up bananas.
Hey KD - you're my hero. You inspired me to sign up for the Eat Local Challenge and check it out more. We're almost 100% organic, and are working with local farmers to get their produce out to more people. It's the way of the future, don't you think? It's exciting... have a great day - Tall Susie
Emily, I don't know how you do what you do! When I have the two girls I wear a crown for having local strawberries and then give them tortillas and cheese for dinner with a can of refried beans so I clearly am not one to tell you what to do. You are a full time queen and completley out of my league. And I'm thriled that you are inspired.
Susie, It's great to hear from you. I lost you and was waiting for you to post on the loop so I could find you again. Of course you are nearly 100% organic in South Dakota! And yes, local is the next step and I do think its the direction we are heading. I love that it's happening everywhere! It feels like you are next door.
Katrina, I too am inspired by you, and by people like Emily and Susie who do what they can to support local food as well. I haven't eaten a banana or a mango this month and so far I've lived to tell about it. I've discovered new cheeses just by going to the farmers market (or by having you bring the farmers market to my driveway!), and talking to the people who actually make the cheese. Now you've got me cringing when I see Costco food at work, or someone with a basketful of middle-shelf food from the grocery store. I love you for your inspiration, your humore, your great writing, and a whole lot more, including your great choice in men. :~)
Cringing Takeout Queen- That is great choice in a man, singular. We cracked up. Thank you. As to Costco and the middle aisle foods tcg and I have a habit of stating where imported food originates and then thanking them for their contribution. It's all real food somewhere along the line. Yesterday at a party he ate Safeway cake. Safeway cake, we said in unison and then he took a big bite. I'm still laughing. We do what we can do when we can do it.
Susie - I realized I'm backwards. It's North Dakota. North Dakota. I promise to remember! I'm still happy to hear from you wherever the heck you are.
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