There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the state and trajectory of our local food system. Climate change, catastrophic weather incidents, supply chain issues, labor issues, industry consolidation, fuel costs, and the list of negative impacts goes on. I could easily tackle these issues on a bimonthly basis and lament the state of affairs. But as I write this column in my office at FEED Kitchens I hear nothing but joy imbuing the facility. Far from lamenting the issues with our food system, vendors here celebrate their participation in it. We are in the midst of our busy season here and the activity level is as high as it has ever been. FEED Kitchens is helping to supply the food that rounds out our farmer’s markets, stocks our grocery shelves and supplies meals to our street fairs and festivals.

As FEED Kitchens approaches its tenth anniversary this November, it is this joy that most characterizes the facility and activities here. With 85 producers making products that will find their way into our community through various supply chains, FEED Kitchens bustles with activity on a daily basis and continues on nearly a 24-hour cycle. Entrepreneurs from all walks of life and backgrounds come together in our shared space to work on a passion they all have in common — making food to share with their community. FEED Kitchens is no “Hell’s Kitchen” and despite being a bit crowded at times, folks here work together in navigating the kitchen space, providing technical assistance, sharing resources, problem solving and giving each other a shoulder to lean on.

As we approach Wisconsin’s harvest season and continue to celebrate summer, let us take example from the vendors at FEED Kitchens and find the joy in what we have and celebrate the goodness that surrounds us. I continue to celebrate the rich diversity of really good people who surround me every day as well as the fact that FEED Kitchens, after 10 years, has become a necessary and vital piece of our local food system.