Local Food Heroes to the Rescue!
Those of us who buy our food locally do it for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons you might often hear is the value of being part of a “local food community”. Whatever could this mean? I’ll tell you.
It was a nice summer day – a Saturday morning to be exact. Everything was going smoothly for the U of M club drop off, the first of five HMLFI deliveries scheduled for that day. The sun was out, farm fresh eggs were plentiful, and if I do recall, we were a few minutes ahead of schedule. A few of us were leisurely standing around, chatting with some new and seasoned customers. When the time came, our HMLFI farmer delivering that day, Wayne McDonald, figured it was time to hit the road, and the delivery van starting making its way down the street.
“So long, Wayne!” we waved and continued to chat. Wait a minute! Is that… smoke?
The van came to a stop. Choked. Sputtered. Wouldn’t start again. Oh, no. Phone call to Pam and Clint. Wayne calls Wian to the rescue. The two of them conclude that we won’t be able to get the necessary part done in time. What were we to do? We had four more deliveries to make that day, and dozens of eaters’ food in the back of the delivery van.
Then one of our eaters chimes in, “Well, I could take you and the food for the next delivery in my car?”
Me: “Really! You would? Would you? Really?!”
Her: “Yeah! Why not? Of course!”
So we piled the tubs of grains and meats into the back of this tiny car. Bins on laps. Did I mention that not only was this car carrying the driver, her boyfriend, and myself, but also her father and brother visiting from out of town for the weekend only? Quarters were tight but we enjoyed some good laughs along the way. We made it to the River Heights drop off just in time.
After saving the day, this lovely crew even stuck around to help distribute food, collect cash, and be the friendliest people of all time! Not to mention, this act of kindness allowed Wayne and Wian time to get organized and finish the rest of the day’s drops.
That is what local food is all about. To these anonymous heroes of healthy, wholesome food and to the rest of our local food community… thank you!
Written by HMLFI organizer Sarah Carson.
