Finding Meaning in Food Amidst COVID-19
Like many, we are feeling restless amid the COVID-19 crisis. With so much need, how can there really be so little we can do to address this threat to our world, our neighbors, and ourselves? You’ve all probably seen this meme:
It doesn’t leave you feeling very empowered, right?
The CDC offers a long list of guidelines for daily actions we can take to protect ourselves and our community amidst this crisis, and of course, there are community guidelines we must follow, limiting gathering sizes and other public places. As an organization, we’ve decided to postpone our monthly event, First Fridays at B through May and will continue to modify as recommended by our public health experts. However, some of these actions may seem obvious and simple, and leave you feeling a desire to do more given the severity of this issue. According to NDSU researcher Clay Routledge, it is essential that during these uncertain, troubling times, we maintain and promote a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. Since we are a non-profit focused on food, we wanted to share five ways to contribute and find meaning amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Of course this list is not exhaustive, and if you have additional ideas, we’d love to hear them! [email to: info@foodofthenorth.com]
#1: Support Our Charitable Feeding Network
A public health crisis like COVID-19 makes our most vulnerable people even more vulnerable. Many individuals already relied on food pantries for support and the recent closures of schools, workplaces, and businesses are only adding to the need. If you have the means, consider making a donation to the Great Plains Food Bank or your local food pantry. (Click here for the list of North Dakota and Clay County, MN food pantries.)
#2: When possible, support local
Many of our favorite locally-owned bars and restaurants are closing doors and decreasing services amidst the crisis. However, many are modifying their options and we hope you’ll join us in supporting them to the fullest-extent possible. Whether it’s delivery, carside-to-go, growlers/crowlers, etc. -- these businesses and their staff rely on your patronage. Be smart, maintain social distance, but let’s keep our small businesses in our hearts and show our support.
#3: Use Technology to Share Meals with Friends & Family
Sharing a meal is one of the truest bonding experiences for humans, and during this time of social distancing, it may feel unbearably isolating to eat by oneself, particularly for those who live alone. Solution: use your favorite telecommunication app (i.e. Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) to coordinate a meal with friends or family! This can be as simple as confirming a time you’ll both eat together, or it might mean deciding to both make the same recipe and discuss the results during your virtual mealtime. Whatever you choose, find ways you can still share a meal with others - even if you’re not physically in the same space.
#4: Plot for Spring
Nothing provides more optimism and hope than signs of spring, and for our gardening friends, the surest sign of spring is getting in the dirt and gardening. Though we are weeks from putting seeds in the ground, there is still much work to be done on the preparation side. Use this time to research new seed varieties, plot your garden bed, join the Little Free Garden community, or catch up on columns by our favorite local green thumb, Don Kinzler.
#5: Use What You Have
We’ve all seen photos of raided grocery aisles -- people stockpiling essentials, and leaving others to fend for themselves. Of course, we all want to be prepared and have enough food to feed ourselves and our families, but we also need to recognize we must ensure all in our community have what they need. We would venture to say that many of our followers already had a pretty decent freezer and pantry supply, even before the COVID-19 crisis. During this time of social distancing, challenge yourself to use up the foods in your cupboard or in the back of your freezer. Also, if you have kids at home, be sure to get them in the kitchen to help.
(If you’re struggling to come up with a recipe for a particular ingredient, shoot us an email at info@foodofthenorth.com. During our social distancing, we’d be happy to come up with a recipe idea and provide some ideas for how to get the kiddos involved!)
Stay safe and healthy friends. Together, even though apart, we will get through this and we’ll be stronger on the other side.
[P.S. - If you join in any of these suggested activities, we'd love to hear about it! Consider sharing a photo on social tagging #foodofthenorth]