Feeding the Neighborhood

Irene, here: 

On Monday, October 22, Jericho homesteader Chris Sims presented “Feeding the Neighborhood” in which she discussed the many ways she and her husband have worked to improve food security for their household.
 
From foraging to gardening to food preservation to raising livestock, and bartering with neighbors and building relationships with local farmers, her audience got plenty of ideas as to where to begin or to branch out in their own quest for self-sufficiency.
 
​We were reminded that it’s been just 10 years since the Transition Handbook was published by Rob Hopkins.  While he focused on developing skills and resilience in the face of Peak Oil, today’s readers foresee new disasters looming for which smart communities need to prepare.
 
Chris shared real-life examples of how she’s gently introduced neighbors, friends, and schoolchildren to resources that might otherwise go to waste.
 
She talked about carbon sequestration, composting, permaculture and acquiring healthy foods (from every food group) without a trip to the market.
 
Eating with the seasons was another theme; so was eating differently: wild mushrooms, baked insects, foraged acorns anyone?
 
Prime agricultural soils are at risk everywhere, including Jericho’s planned commercial district.  How might we act to save such precious resources so that they’re available toward their highest and best use?
 
All in all, a richly informative and inspiring talk.  Thank you, Chris and husband Reed!