What heals?
Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters of Local Food Hub,
As we close the chapter on another year, I'm reminded of the saying "the only thing constant in life is change." Maybe the weight of that statement resonates with you as well. Maybe you also relocated, struggled with your health, grieved the difficult diagnosis of a loved one, or started a new position. If change was the overarching theme of our story in 2023, then the belief that food has the power to heal was the plot twist that helped us to persevere.
Not just any food though. I'm talking about fresh, local, delicious, and packed-full-of-nutrients food. Some of my hardest and heaviest moments were comforted by the warmth and nourishment of a good meal incorporating the harvest of local farmers. And, many of my joyful memories were celebrations over homemade meals prepared with labors of love from the gardens of friends and family. Whatever situation life brought to the forefront, there was a thread that weaved its way through the narrative: food heals us.
Turning our focus toward 2024, we have the opportunity to humbly reflect upon the past, celebrate our journey, and embrace the future with curiosity. Local Food Hub will turn 15, and in the midst of ever increasing challenges that face our community, unknown curveballs that come our way, and unexpected moments of beauty that unfold before us, we will take time to come together and remember: food heals us.
Thank you to each and every one of you for your support of our local growers, belief in the importance of food justice, and desire to build a strong local food system that provides for future generations. There remains a great deal of important and impactful work to do, and it can feel insurmountable at times. It is my wish, however, that 2024 will be filled with many opportunities for you to experience the diverse and cultural produce of our local growers and to know deeply that food heals us.
May you share in the harvest of 2024, surrounded by love, peace and joy,
Laryssa
