The summer before Y2K, when everyone was talking about the collapse of the free world due to some unforeseen computer glitch, I was working on a small organic farm near home. I noticed we were planting an extra crop of potatoes that year and when I asked the farmer about the surplus he responded, “In case there really is a Y2K disaster, we’ll have enough to feed the community.”
Farming is all about community – it encourages balance and teaches people the value of natural resources, sustainability and relationships forged out of trust, hard work and a belief in the good life. Today, on CNN, an article appeared highlighting this philanthropic farming philosophy. Please visit CNN.com to read the full article on how one community is encouraging local back-yard growers to share in a responsibility to help and feed those in need.
2 Comments
June 26, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I still think they are on the right track, but not quite there yet. Let’s not plant extra to feed the hungry, lets just buy them some seeds, and let them grow their own.
Our family has been growing food stuffs since the 1940’s, in backyards, growing boxes, or wherever. If people are unemployed, and home all day, let them grow the food- make community gardens.
Dont just give them the fish- teach them to fish!
June 26, 2008 at 9:07 pm
You’re making the assumption the poor aren’t working and that’s not always the case. Women with children who are trying to feed their families need our help. It’s okay to teach them, but sometimes seeds lone without fertile soil and light aren’t enough, metaphorically speaking.