I used to lead an education program for New York City kids on water. One of the first questions i’d ask to them was “does anybody know where our water comes from”? Some of the more spunky kids would raise their hands, waving them around, getting up on their knees in their chairs, making weird shapes with their faces, practically busting at the seams to answer, and i’d call on one of them. “Where?”, i’d say. “THE SINK!” they’d belch out proudly. The sink everytime.
It is adorable and so innocent but my job was to let them know that our daily conveniences are not so convenient. No. Water does not come from the sink. It comes through the sink, but it takes a long time and a lot of work to get there. Water is a product of rain. Just like food does not come from the grocery store. It too is a product of very hard work and a lot of travel.
This lesson is why I am so proud to have a father who is captivated by the art of growing his own food and why I, as a daughter of a very picky eater, am happy to see him consume the bounties of his labor. Moreover, I am excited that my two younger sisters have an image to put in their minds when they think of the origins of food: our little, but fruitful garden. Here it is:
Fresh, Organic strawberries, garlic, and garlic scapes!
My take-home bag to NYC. This bag has been used for more birthday gifts than I can count!
