Highlighting Local Products
The original concept for my contribution to this week's cover stories on shopping small was to shine a light on the plethora of local products available. Carmel Honey Company is widely recognized, but there are numerous other honey varieties on the market. Monterey County labels encompass everything from cider to spirits, tea and coffee, bacon and cheese, jams and jellies – the options are truly abundant. For instance, I have never managed to compile a comprehensive list of olive oils.One of the challenges, however, is that the marketing presence of some small local kitchens is quite minimal. It's as if they exist only in the shadows until you chance upon them, perhaps at a place like Windmill Market in Salinas or Elroy's Fine Foods in Monterey, or by pure luck at a farmers market.
Thankfully, neighborhood markets are stepping up and making space for these small local producers. This leads us to the story of how the folks at Nielsen Brothers, Grove Market, Jerome's, Star Market, Bruno's, and others source these items and bring them to the shelves. You can discover all about it in this week's edition of the Weekly or online.
Benefits of Shopping Local
Shopping local not only supports the local economy but also ensures the freshness and quality of the products. By choosing local honey, for example, you are getting a product that is likely to be harvested and processed close by, resulting in a more authentic taste. Local wines offer a unique flavor profile that reflects the terroir of the region. And when it comes to groceries, supporting local producers means having access to a wider variety of products that may not be found in chain stores.Moreover, shopping local helps to preserve the cultural heritage of an area. These small producers often have a deep connection to the land and the community, and their products tell a story. By purchasing their goods, we are helping to sustain these traditions and keep them alive.
In addition to the economic and cultural benefits, shopping local also has a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the distance that products need to travel, we are reducing carbon emissions and helping to create a more sustainable future.
How to Support Small Producers
While it may not be possible for everyone to spend hours picking through farmers markets on weekdays, there are still ways to support small producers. One way is to make a conscious effort to purchase local products whenever possible. This could mean choosing local honey instead of imported varieties or opting for local coffee over a national brand.Another way to support small producers is to spread the word about them. Share your experiences with local products on social media or with friends and family. By doing so, you are helping to increase the visibility and popularity of these small businesses.
Finally, consider becoming a member of a local food cooperative or subscribing to a local produce box. These initiatives allow you to support small producers on a regular basis and ensure a steady supply of fresh, local products.
The search for small producers continues, and with your support, we can help to make Monterey County a hub of local goodness. Plus, don't forget your Sunday Paper for more shopping inspiration!Passenger Testimony and Demands
Arzoo Singh, a passenger, recounted her experience to NDTV. She stated that they initially asked for lounge access at the very least, but the airport authorities failed to respond. "I am saying this on live television. They said 'if you’re entitled passport holders, and Indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders', they literally told us if you’re entitled for a transit visa, only then we can put you in a hotel outside," Ms Singh said. She further added, "We asked them what about us, people who are not 'entitled' as you say? They said we will get back to you. We ran behind them for nearly two hours, only after that we got lounge access. We asked for blankets, we asked for food. They didn’t give. No one even gave us water for the first four hours."The passengers also mentioned that their flight took a U-turn before landing in Kuwait and that the announcement of the flight diversion came 20 minutes before landing. Gulf Air has not yet issued a statement regarding this matter.Ms Singh continued, "It has been more than 13 hours. There are some 60 passengers… They have been telling us since morning, every three hours, that we would be going home." She expressed her concern, saying, "All of us have work tomorrow, people waiting in the UK. We have been trying to reach the embassy."According to the passenger, the flight was on its way from Bahrain to Manchester after departing from Mumbai. It was flying for nearly two hours when the emergency landing was announced. "I saw the engine was on fire. There was smoke. After landing, we asked them so many times to at least give us a place to sit. Everyone was sitting on the floor," Ms Singh said.These passengers' plight highlights the need for better coordination and support during such critical situations. It also raises questions about the treatment of passengers based on their nationality. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the well-being and comfort of travelers in such challenging circumstances."Willimantic's Soup Kitchen Battles Food Loss - Help is Needed!"
Impact on the Soup Kitchen
Despite this difficult situation, the soup kitchen has shown remarkable resilience. They have been able to get creative and continue serving meals to those in need without having to close their doors. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff who are committed to providing a vital service to the community.
However, the loss of thousands of pounds of food has still had a significant impact on the kitchen's operations. They are now in need of assistance to replace what was lost and ensure that they can continue to meet the demand for meals.
Call for Donations
The soup kitchen is reaching out to the public and asking for help in the form of frozen or perishable food donations. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference and help them get back on their feet.
Anya Walikonis, Manager of Community Programs and Services, expressed her gratitude for the community's support. "We're definitely going to need some funds, but we're also very thankful for our community all today. We've had wonderful support and people have been reaching out with great ideas, things like that to try and support us."
Repairing the Cooler
Staff at the soup kitchen are hopeful that they will be able to have the cooler repaired within the week. This will allow them to store food again and resume their normal operations.
They are working closely with repair technicians to ensure that the cooler is fixed as quickly as possible. In the meantime, they are making the most of their existing resources to continue serving meals.
Details on how people can donate can be found on the soup kitchen's website. By visiting the website, individuals can learn more about the specific items needed and find out how to make a donation.