Weblog Entry

I was told on Wednesday the Food Council decided not to renew my contract as market manager. To say I was disappointed would be a gross understatement.

For 20 months I have donated a massive amount of time from my family and business to help this market and it’s vendors succeed. As my husband and I chose to leave other careers and dedicate our livelihood to growing clean food, there is no one who believes more strongly in the necessity of a vibrant Local Food community, and the potential impact Local Food could make on our hometown economies with this market structure, unsurpassed in convenience for both customer and vendor alike.

Yet the most discouraging thing over the past 20 months was being told at the last Food Council meeting it was not possible for this to be a “team effort”, as I intended, because that’s simply not how society is these days. It’s too much for me to expect 30 adults to come together in sharing the workload and equally promoting a market of which they’re all a part? Running through my head was my favorite Christmas song… “And in despair I bowed my head – there is no peace on earth, I said. For hate is strong, and mocks the song of Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men”. I honestly thought, that with their attitude, I should never have taken this job, promoting so many others when I “should” have been home doing what was in our own best interest.

But as I reflect upon my time as manager, and particularly the enthusiasm and encouragement from so many customers and vendors, I choose to believe those naysayers cannot be correct. There have been too many good people who’ve helped us get our start, who truly had every reason to turn us away…

The Market Managers at the Virtual Market in Champaign County could not have been more encouraging. Insightful and honest, they wanted to see us succeed, and were willing to do whatever they could to assist us in getting off the ground. Their advice and example are so dear to me, as they proved it need not be a competition, but rather a healthy, friendly relationship for the good of all.

The FUMC and First Place community are a shining example of Christian fellowship. They had no reason to be so generous or so kind to us, yet I couldn’t have asked to meet or work with a more wonderful group of folks. From the office manager to the building manager, the First Place Board to the Food Pantry directors, I don’t know how to adequately express my gratitude.

Nurturing a positive relationship with Miami County Public Health was vastly important to me, and I am indebted to Shane Snapp for his willingness to work with our uniquely difficult market structure. Following the rules and staying above board is not easy, but Shane was always patient and helpful. I can’t thank him enough.

And to the customers who have become such a happy part of my life, you can’t know how much I look forward to your Tuesday visits. Your energy and support is inspiring – you’ve been a joy to work for, and you’ve made it all worthwhile.

I loved this market… the customers and vendors, the structure and this community we were building. I wish everyone a most Blessed Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy 2018.