Drought, Covid and food insecurity.

Lately we have had little to no water to live on. Imagine turning the faucet on and nothing coming out! Sounds crazy huh?

We here at Bluebird Ranch get our water from a spring that we share with about six other neighbors. I imagine that with the dry winter we had this year that our spring didn’t get to be replenished. There are a couple of other issues here but i won’t bore you with the details.

The fact that we have had to go into serious conservation mode really hits home how much water we use on a daily basis. From flushing the toilet, taking a shower, washing dishes. How about just wanting to rinse your hands if they feel dirty. I never realized how fortunate we are to have running water. Seems like something that should just be there for everyone.

This brings me to think about the many people that experience this in other countries. Also it makes me more conscientious of where i can cut back. Don’t get me wrong, i also feel like a princess feeling frustrated that i don’t have the water pressure i want so i can wash my hair. Next time you brush your teeth I’d like to challenge you to see how little water you can use. I’m down to half a drinking glass:)

working all covered up.

So we are going on how many months of this corona virus? I feel like i’m in a weird dream that i can’t wake up from. I am so thankful for those amazing people that are still working. Especially people working in hospitals or nursing care facilities that are exposed every day to the virus. Although i’m still working, i’m lucky enough to be working with only two or three people at the most. Our residents come in to harvest but we restrict it to one family at a time so there is plenty of space to social distance. It feels like it’s been forever since i was able to hug a friend or go out without a mask.

I think this virus is shining the light on some serious issues in our society that we can’t ignore anymore. Like food insecurity. In a country that has so much money it seems crazy that anyone should go hungry here. As a farmer i constantly think about how i can help to get good local food into the hands of people in need. I thought that i could grow a bunch of food here and find a pantry to donate it to but NOT ENOUGH WATER! Actually it’s not just the water issue but the damn ground squirrels and bugs that have been the biggest issue.

But seriously food insecurity is a serious problem. All people should have access to fresh local and organic produce. In Pomona their farmers market has a program where people can use their EBT coupons.

For you gardeners and farmers, next time you have a bumper crop of veggies or fruits, find a food pantry to donate to or get creative and find ways to get that amazing food to people in need.

Happy gardening and stay safe!

~ J