Step up in defiance.
October 2025
When it seems the world around you is in rapid decline and you seek to understand the purpose of its change and disruption, but come up short, look inward and around. If we remember our grit and resilience, and are willing to be of community, the hurt may have less of a sting. When we are willing to ask for aid and be of assistance, the strength of the weft of our support systems is revealed. Now is not the time to step back in retreat, now is the time to step up in defiance.
One may ask, “but what can we as individuals & community members do to combat food insecurity and fight for food justice?” How does this urgency transform into action? It’s happening. The advocacy groups have letter campaigns. The food banks are accepting donations. The private companies are offering discounts. The food delivery services are sponsoring food. The business owners are giving away meals. The foundations are making contributions.
…and we know it still won’t be enough. We know.
Systemic problems are not solved by individual actions. However, the assistance communities provide when their neighbors are in need is impactful and provides hope. Our willingness to receive helps extend into our ability to be of help - to ourselves and communities.
Some solutions like preparing extra meals for loved ones, sharing food resources, or accepting food bank donations are immediate. Others are long-term and strategic. Our communities need to become more self-reliant. Not because the government isn’t supposed to care for its people, but because the government is made up of people with fleeting commitments and competing priorities.
It may be futile for us to say “garden”, “meal prep”, and “eat more plants” now, when families have immediate food and health care needs. Yet, we know that having the skill, support, and local network of food security and wellness is what contributes to strong, self-reliant communities.
Knowledge cultivation is how we insulate ourselves and communities during each cycle of “times like these”.
