Jelly time - Katie Helmboldt
Food together is such a common core in families and communities. Growing, preparing, eating. Being together, teaching methods, preserving culture and traditions. Growing up in a farming community, we had easier access to fresh foods in season, but the work often was in making the surplus into variations that could last the year. Communities like mine do not have a grocery store with stocked shelves just down the road, so continuing these traditional food preservation practices is important and gives out communities fresher, more nutritious foods throughout the year without needing to drive into a town 30-45 minutes away. It helps keep food local, and helps avoid ultra processed, less healthful foods dominate our diets. I always loved jelly days with my grandmother for the community and the tradition (and the yumminess), but as an adult, I appreciate the practices of preserving food for my family for so many more reasons.