Thinking about food equity and supply-- local and global

The deep freeze of just a couple weeks ago apparently has wrought devastation already to the fruit crops in our area. I suspected as much; the apple trees were in full blossom and then it snowed. There will be some fruits, but few local peaches and apples. Berries are also affected. I see that I have cherries forming on my tree, but the apples are still forming-- I hope. This will hit our local farmers very hard. Going to farmers' markets will be a kindness, even more than usual.

When people rail on about our interdependence on global food markets, that we should rely solely on our local produce, I understand their argument. Helping local producers will not only be an economic boost, but will also give us the freshest options. Yet, when something like this freeze happens, if we were to depend only our local produce, there would be a gaping hole in our food supply. There's already far too much processed food in our children's diets, and we preach eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which is good practice. However, when we don't have the supply, what then? We will have to accept the fact that the planet is here to feed all of humanity, not just small pockets. Our food supply is still going to be more varied than in other countries, to be sure. When people blindly whine about not being able to get their preferred items, I cringe. 

How do we balance the desire to keep our focus local with the fact that, given weather devastation (and climate shifts), we may have to break down our self-erected borders? And when we have a surplus (our country, that is, but also local), why is it ending up rotting on the vines or plowed under? Food insecurities are not occasional for many people. Equitable distribution of food is a larger problem, and one we should be thinking about and acting on. If there is extra, invite folks to come and pick for their own families' use. I'm reminded of the text of Matthew 12: 1, where Jesus and his disciples were picking heads of grain to eat because they were hungry. While it was not "theirs" to pick, feeding the body is critical, and that's not an issue of ownership or "lawfulness." 

I hope for you and yours to have plenty, and to be able to share with others. 

Blessings,

C