PEORIA MAGAZINE September 2022

I try to be a “glass half full” kind of girl. When I look back over the past couple of years and the challenges we have had as a society during the pandemic, I choose to glean a few huge wins: one, for those in agriculture with an entrepreneurial spirit who grew their small businesses during a difficult time; and two, for the consumers who gained somuch knowledge about where their food comes from. When consumers experienced bare shelves at the grocery store for perhaps the first time in their life, it caused unease and, in some cases, great fear. It made them ask the question, “What will I do if the supply chain continues to be interrupted and I can’t leave with a cart full of groceries for my family?” As hard as that was in the moment, it was actually a good thing because it made people ask questions. Where does my food come from? Is there another way to become more self-sufficient?

S E E D A N D S O I L

ON THE FARM, FINDING POSITIVES IN THE PANDEMIC BY EMILY SHARKEY

12 SEPTEMBER 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE