F-O-O-D spells community
by piecurious
I wasn’t born a social butterfly and no one would dare call me much of one now. It has taken me years of silent observation and awkward imitation to cultivate the still somewhat muted level of social grace and tact that I have now. My father is a very independent and inward-focused man, choosing to socialize with books and tools rather than other human beings. He’s an electrician and works with systems. My mother, on the other hand, is very heartwarming and engaging. She excels at customer service.
Needless to say, when it comes to socializing, I’m clearly my father’s child despite having grown up only visiting on weekends. But as I push toward my thirties, I have been overwhelmed by the growing desire to build a strong social network and community. The reason for this, I think, is that I’ve finally developed a pretty accurate idea of who I am and what I value and therefore also the kind of people I’d like to surround myself with. And so it is only natural that I would embark on a journey to find them.
Enter the Food Swap.
Have you ever participated in a food swap? It’s a social event where individuals prepare food items to swap with others barter-style. I had never heard of the (modernized) concept before, but luckily someone else had—someone I happened to follow on Twitter—and, recognizing the dearth of food swap activity in the area, they took it upon themselves to host one. Despite being excited about the idea, I hesitated to sign up. What could I make that others would like? What if no one wants to trade with me? I was racked with feelings of uncertainty and low confidence. Not signing up seemed much safer.
And lonelier.
So I signed up without a clue as to what I’d prepare. There are times when you just need to jump before looking. This was one of them.
And it was worth it.
I was delighted by the people I met, by the conversations I had. I made almond biscotti and my seedy and spiced red lentil crackers. Not only did people like them, I left with enough food to last me the week: eggs from heirloom hens, spicy chick pea and sweet potato soup, chicken soup, cereal, goats milk soap and quite possibly some of the most deliciously tangy and smooth goats cheese I’ve experienced.
After a few moments of admiring everyone’s wares, I began to experience this particularly odd sense of familiarity. As I spoke with the other participants, I was confronted with the nagging feeling that I knew them from somewhere, but I just could not pinpoint where. Being a newcomer it seemed highly unlikely that I would have met any of these people before.
Later it dawned on me. It wasn’t familiarity, but rather, deep-rooted understanding. I saw within each of the participants a reflection of some of my own interests and values—dedication to good, wholesome homemade food and the recognition that such food needs to be shared.
What I really felt was community.
kind of like when i met you… <3 i felt like i knew you forever even though we only hung out a couple of times before i left kingston… kindred spirits recognize each other…
Such a sweet thing to say, Jessie. But I agree entirely. I hope I get to see you again soon!
That makes me wanna go out and meet with new people. I was introvert growing up at school but somehow I knew I had to break out of my shell. It took me leaving everything behind and coming to the US to do that. Survival in a new place :)
You left with such wonderful goodies and memories. Here is to many more :)
Moving to a new place is really a great way to learn how to come out of one’s shell. With each new place, I have met more people and become more social. It no doubt has something to do with growing up, as well. And I’m happy I’m finally doing it! :)
It’s so hard to move to a new community and not know anyone. Searching out like-minded people is the key to surviving those early months. I’m in the same boat after just moving here in the summer. Not quite the same experience at all, but I’ve found “my people” at the local curling club – lots of friendly women, getting a bit of a work out and a laugh at the same time.
I’m looking for a CSA to participate in this summer. I think that’s the right name – Community Shared Agriculture. You know, where you all get one basket of food each month from a local farmer.
You’re very right Heather – it can be difficult to break into a community. I was worried too, that Elora being so small, that I would butt up against a small-town mindset that excluded “outsiders”. But that hasn’t been the case at all. Everyone I have met has been so inclusive and inviting. It’s been a great experience! Not finding that community can really ruin a place for someone. I hated living in London (Ontario) and I think that was partly the problem.
I’ll be looking for a CSA around here too. I’ve already heard of a number of great places in the area here. Good luck finding one with who you can connect, too!
Hi Pi! So happy to read your post about Elora. We just moved here in Nov and after our winter hibernation ;-) we are beginning to venture out. I had sources Irving as a CSA but I guess they are taking a break this year – so we decided to take it slow and just work with the farmers market this year.
Hi Cheryl. First, thanks for coming out! I’m new to the area too, and KIPP has been a great introduction to the village. I was also looking to Irvine Creek for their CSA and was disappointed when they announced they would not be hosting one this year. I’m definitely going to source out another, I think. I’ll let you know if I come across anything superb.
Elora is the sort of Ontario community that you can’t beat. We stumbled upon it four years ago and haven’t looked back- though we did move out to the country to start a farm. Which leads me to my next point: I can say with much authority that Irvine Creek will be doing CSA again next Spring. : )
Happy to have another fellow baker in town; welcome!
I can relate to this post so much! Kudos to you for taking a risk and putting yourself out there – it can be so scary!! But the rewards are worth it, as your experience with the food swap shows. Everything you came home with looks and sounds delicious!!
I want to join a CSA this summer too! Does anyone know if there are ones in London?
There are definitely CSAs in London, Katie. Here’s the Ontario directory for CSAs: http://csafarms.ca/index.html. I’m looking for one here, too. And one has already been recommended. The only downside to a CSA is the lack of a need to go to the Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Then again… I can always go and not buy anything – makes it even better, really: you can socialize without having to haul around all your veggies :)
This is such a great idea!! We are always looking for ideas to host at our farm- this is totally going to make the list! Thanks for the post!!!!
Thanks for reading. And yes, I (obviously) wholeheartedly agree that food swapping is a great idea. And I think it would be an awesome event to host on your farm! Have you ever thought of maybe doing a potluck dinner? Like a food swap, but you’d get to eat right away! :)
We did a potluck for our market friends a little while ago, it was great fun!! Maybe we’ll expand…
I am like your dad- I would prefer to hang out with my cookbooks and a set of knives, but there is smoething about food that I feel obligated to share with other people…
I definitely agree. I always feel the need to share food. In fact, I think a large part of the reason why I engage in so much baking is so that I can share it with others :)
As Katie alludes above, just putting it out there without knowing what kind of reception you’ll get is perhaps as courageous as we humans get. There is much about you that argues for friendship and esteem, C, but far from least of it is the wistful sweetness of your vulnerability, and the steel in you that makes you risk it.