(FREE) September: The Sunny Side
Contributed by Liz Threlkeld / Owner, Sunny Creek Trading Post
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Hey, Friends!
September is National Preparedness Month. It is an observance to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. They can be personal, local, regional or global. Being prepared means being “properly expectant, organized or equipped; ready,” according to Dictionary.com.
Most people who consider themselves homesteaders, have the mentality of preparedness because they always have to be ready for what Mother Nature deals out. Preparedness, however, is not exclusive to homesteaders. When you walk out into the cold all bundled up, you’re not scared … because you are prepared. People use preparedness all the time and don’t even realize it, but most of us have preparedness “blind spots” when it comes to our food.
Remember when the grocery store shelves were empty during COVID-19? That’s because grocery stores only have enough food on hand for their community for three days. There was a huge seed, greenhouse and canning supplies shortage as many Americans faced food insecurity for the first time and turned to planting a garden to address it. Gardens rewarded them with a sense of comfort and peace of mind for such a troublesome occasion.
There are so many good reasons to garden, such as the sense of accomplishment it gives you, the nutritional value of the food, the physical exercise it gives your body, the mental health perks of being in the sun with nature and all the life lessons it gives, but did you know that it can also address food insecurity for a person or a family?
I have recently spoken with several people whose loved ones, as children, struggled with being food-insecure. As adults, one has a garden; another, a young graduate, has plans to plant a garden. They want to provide food, and therefore food security, for themselves and their families. It helps them feel some control over their food supply, something that, only a few generations ago, most Americans enjoyed.
Here are some suggested preparedness action items to address food security:
Educate yourself on the physical and behavioral signs of food insecurity so you can identify it and help those who struggle with it.
Grow some food. Plan to be involved with a garden next year in some way. Consider helping your neighbors with their garden, invite a friend to help you manage yours and share the crop or start seeds over winter. A few small patio or windowsill pots could be a great project to begin with children who struggle with food insecurity. Plant garlic! Fortunately, now is the perfect time to plant this vegetable for a spring harvest!
Stock up on shelf-stable items that you and your family enjoy eating — Experts differ, but I recommend storing however much food makes you feel comfortable in your preparedness efforts. Don’t be afraid to use it either, just replace it when you do and your stash will stay refreshed.
It is important to note that not all people who have a garden do it for the purpose of preparedness, but it’s a happy side-effect, nonetheless. I like to say, “Be prepared, not scared.” You don’t put up a smoke detector because you are scared. You put it up to be prepared. So today, friends, I encourage you to brush up your preparedness efforts. You don’t have to do all the things or become a “prepper.” Just pick something you’re not currently doing and begin! Remember, you'll never regret being prepared for something.
Sowing grit and reaping freedom,
Liz Threlkeld
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