Regenerative farming, an approach to agriculture that works in harmony with the land, offers solutions during this challenging time of rising costs for conventional food shipped from all over the world. Nutrition-rich organic foods grown in Lancaster and Berks counties and neighboring states are becoming more affordable and accessible by comparison, and showing their resilience by being far less vulnerable to climate change, global challenges and other pandemic stressors.

Food and food systems take center stage this month in our feature story, “The Healthy Food Movement,” which examines the importance of accessibility when it comes to vibrant, fresh sustenance and the idea that with a concerted effort, we can spread the goodness to everyone’s table. We celebrate Penn Street Market’s efforts in downtown Reading, along with other local farmers markets that bring fresh foods from farms to urban areas and recognize the efforts of nonprofits that seek to provide healthy food for all.

We can ensure that rich, fertile soil is retained for farmland, that food waste is minimal and that no one in our community is hungry by giving to the farmland trusts, investing in local community supported agriculture (CSA) shares, buying local from a nearby farm stand, farmers market or country store and learning more about regenerative farming at Rodale Institute’s Organic Field Day on July 22, 2022. There are opportunities to volunteer or give food or funds for disaster relief to nonprofits such as the Central PA Food Bank and faith-based Blessings of Hope, which supports partnerships between food suppliers and nonprofits, and Helping Harvest, which collects and distributes food to more than 320 programs in Berks and Schuylkill counties. All of these efforts affirm a vibrant, thriving and connected community.

In celebration and gratitude, we wish you pure enjoyment of all the tastes and experiences that summertime delivers.

Kendra Campbell and Jacqueline Mast, Co-Publishers