A Matter of Perspective

It is Sunday morning and I am already ruminating about the week that lies ahead. I sense that any unanticipated events will require more thought, more sacrifice than ever before. Yesterday, I purchased my groceries for the week. My family has agreed to support me in this challenge, so we will all be eating the same foods. Since I was shopping for four people, my goal was to spend $100. I came quite close to this, with a total of $102.88. I realize that purchasing groceries for four, rather than one, puts me at an advantage. I was able to buy more for my "share" at $25.72 than other challengers who are buying for one.

I decided to empty my refrigerator and pantry so that the only food visible is the food we will have for the week. The fair sized amount sitting on the table looks a little more scarce when put away. There is an awareness that once an item is used, it will not be replaced.

 

In an effort to eat as nutritiously as possible, I will be making many things from scratch. Since this is a day off for me, I want to prepare as much as I can ahead of time. As I consider what I need to do, I am surprised by an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people who have taught me skills. In my life, I have been fortunate to learn how to cook, bake, garden and forage. While I will not dig into my freezer for garden vegetables or berries this week, I am more cognizant of their value.

As I reflect more deeply on this, my mind becomes flooded with memories of learning. Learning from my mother, as she taught me how to thin the carrots. Learning from my father as we searched for the best blueberry patch. Moments with children in our school gardens as they harvested their long awaited green beans. A friend, who calls every summer and invites me to pick an abundance of raspberries from her patch.  A memorable day spent with other community members building a section of a Permaculture Garden with KACL. Learning from the experiences of friends and neighbours who have been fortunate enough to gain this important knowledge in their own lives.

As one of the Directors for the Kenora Agricultural Society, I am inspired by the growing interest in Community Gardening in Kenora over the past few years. I am now quite intentional in suggesting that it is a topic for deep consideration as we explore ways to reduce poverty in our area. Sharing knowledge about skills that can help people access better food while building relationships through meaningful work. . . sounds like a win. How can we ensure the people who need these opportunities the most, can access them? 

Here is a link to the wonderful work being done through KACL.

https://www.kacl.ca/index.php/en/horticulture