The emergence of the COVID-19 virus has in some news reports been termed a “black swan” event, something entirely unforeseen that takes the world by surprise. However, scientists have known for years of the risk of pandemic and that multiple aspects of climate change make the emergence of new infectious diseases more likely. We can expect more surprises ahead for humanity, even as we begin to better appreciate the complex interdependent systems that must align to permit a human habitat.
Even as we mourn our losses, the debate has begun on how to get back to “normal.” Now is exactly the right time to question what we want “normal” to look like. Now is the time to consider what lifestyle changes and policies we need to achieve the dramatic reductions of emissions climate science says we must achieve.
Now is the time to question whether it is wise to return to the “normal” economic paradigm that requires perpetual growth on a planet of finite resources, the very definition of an unsustainable situation. Especially when it comes to our food system, we should question whether we should continue to accept the risks of global supply chains upon which we currently depend. Now is the time to work toward improving our local food system resilience.
We have multiple opportunities to enhance our resilience. Locally, there are reasons for optimism with respect to our food system; lots of good things are happening. Multiple nonprofits and government agencies are collaborating to respond to the emergency. Philanthropists and volunteers are working to make sure everyone has access to healthy food regardless of income; this is a key aspect of a resilient local food system.
Our local farms, who are adapting to the loss of institutional customers and the delayed start of the Farmers Market, report vigorous sales in their CSA programs and at the farm stands. The adapted Farmers Market opened this past Saturday Uptown, and we now have an online farmers market. A new Grain CSA, “Resilience Rising,” was just started by Finnriver, we can now buy grain grown and milled right here; the Chimacum Valley. This is another key component of a resilient local food system.
Also, there’s a big uptick in home gardening; seed vendors report booming sales. Master Gardeners have adapted their Growing Groceries course to an online format. The WSU Seed Library now offers seeds available by mail. Great veggie starts available in stores from local farms, such as Red Dog and Midori, are adapted to our climate. Local 20/20 has added a section to its website in response to COVID-19 (l2020.org/covid-19) that includes information on local food sources, including links on how to grow your own, get involved with a community garden, or volunteer at a Food Bank Garden, along with other COVID-related resources.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get growing.” We encourage the entire community to get involved in this truly grassroots effort to grow our local food system. We also urge city and county policymakers to support the vital transition to the healthy, local and resilient food system that will be so critical for the times ahead. Grow local, buy local, eat local.
(David Seabrook is a retired firefighter and sailor who volunteers his time with several community organizations and committees, including Local 20/20’s steering council.)
