Mar 23 2020 31 mins 1
Food. It’s what’s for dinner. Unless it’s not. Well, that sounds self-evident, but as we know from history, food is the one thing we have a hard time living without, and when we say that, we mean it gets ugly, and fast. Humans become a little more animal and a little less “human” when food gets scarce. So now is a great time for an old concept: The Victory Garden. It’s an idea that shows its value again, and again, and again. Whether it’s my grandparents during World War I, my parents in World War II, or the modern day moment, growing a garden for food independence is a really good idea that keeps proving itself. Not only that, but growing a garden helps us to feel better. It helps us to do our part and reduce the load on the food production and distribution system. Gardening is great exercise, and gets us out in the fresh air. We get to know our neighbors as we swap veggies and fruits, and keep the community connection going strong. It’s a morale booster, because not only are we doing our bit for God and Country (so to speak), but it helps us mentally to keep calm and carry on. It helps us to identify with food producers across the country, and to be more patient with them as they face challenges from every direction. It helps to make us self-sufficient in our own little world. And it tastes delicious. And all of that comes from a seed, and a little bit of dirt. Whether you’re in a small urban lot across the street, or in the middle the wide plains of Kansas, it’s something that can unite us all. So go plant something and swap with your neighbors – I dare you. For humanity’s sake. Links: https://covid19.ca.gov/ http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/civic_responsibility/smithsonian_siyc_fall07.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Famine_(Ireland) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donner_Party https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chinese_Famine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_garden https://extraharvestshare.wixsite.com/mysite https://www.facebook.com/extraharvestshare
