How Do I Solve The Hunger Gap For My Family?
The Hunger Gap usually refers to that time period between when the food from the last fall Harvest runs out, and when food from the first Spring Harvest comes in. most people at least in the Western World, don't even think about it, because they simply head down to the market and buy whatever they need. I mean, all food is readily available, right?
...but wait, didn't we learn anything from the Pandemic, and global Supply Chain Shortages?
I've been a gardener all my life - learned from my Papou (Grandfather) and my mom. Although, I haven't been as large scale or dedicated, before the CoVid Pandemic brought food shortages. Since then, I have been growing larger amounts, and growing over winter, indoors.
... but food is not in short supply any more!
So, why I am thinking about The Hunger Gap still? Because, actually, yes, there still are random food supply issues. AND, if you follow the news, on the invasion of Ukraine, by Russia, you know there still are some Global issues. Ukraine supplies a HUGE percent of raw wheat, processed flour, sunflower seeds, oil, and sunflower flour, to much of Africa, parts of Asia, and Europe.
AND, the grain deal was only recently renewed, for 60 days.
A trip each week, to my local grocery store, shows me plenty of items I skip on my list because the item is not there or simply OBSCENELY overpriced.
...but I will not be caught with my tighty whities around my ankles again.
I harvest tomato, all summer and fall, and make Salsa, and Gallons of Tomato Sauce, for the freezer. I've only recently used my last tomato sauce. (3 jars salsa left!) I have 4 or 5 jars of pickles (some Dill cucumber pickle, some Sweet Bread and Butter). I have a few dozen jars of Jams and Jellies (Beach plum, Blueberry, Raspberry). but I want more stability.
I need to grow more vegetables and learn to dehydrate and save them. So far, I am saving Onions this way. I need to learn to partially cook, and freeze more, too. I am thinking Carrot, Peas, for sure.
I already grow herbs indoors, and Lettuce, Spinach and Arugula, all winter. What else can I grow indoors to cut down the Hunger Gap?
... but what am I growing Now?
This year, so far, here's what I have planted:
Above: Tomato Seeds
Below: Pepper Seeds
Above: Cucumber Seeds
Below: Squash< Eggplant, and Zucchini Seeds
Above: Garlic, Onion and Chives
Below: Seeds to be planted still
And that makes me smile... better for the planet, better for my own family.
Leave me a comment, below...
and a link to your #GroVid22 garden!
your own health and your own lives.
The GroVid23 Challenge:
Grow Your OWN is not just a simple short challenge,
it's about taking control of your future!
BluefinStudios
