In Our Winter 2019 Issue

Editor's Note (entire Winter 2019 Issue below):
 

I have always enjoyed the changes of season, and one of the special things about living in Ohio is that we get to see all four. Each season has its own rhythm, and winter feels like the slowest time of the year.

It’s getting dark earlier after the end of daylight saving time. The winter solstice arrives on Dec. 21, giving us the shortest day of the year. We see fewer birds, because many of them have migrated south. There are few, if any, insects, because they have died off or burrowed away from the cold. Animals are moving slower and sleeping more.

Traditionally, winter had a similar effect on people. Our ancestors retreated into their shelters, kept warm around a fire and rested. Humans of today have done their best to beat back the natural world with LED lights and furnaces and alarm clocks, all to maintain our high productivity levels year round. We think that’s progress, but nature might beg to differ.

Winter is a good time to reflect, and for this issue we are reflecting on the origins of Edible Columbus, now in its 10th year. Entrepreneur Tricia Wheeler, who founded the magazine, tells how it all began, how the Columbus food scene has changed over the years and what she’s working on now. Also in these pages you will hear about a pair of nonprofit organizations that provide good food for a good cause.

Freedom a la Cart’s catering business is helping to give a new life to survivors of sex trafficking, while the volunteers of Souper Heroes are using their Crock-Pots to fight hunger in the community.

Although the outdoor farmers markets have closed, don’t forget that you can still support growers by visiting one of several indoor farmers markets in our area during the winter. The Worthington Farmers Market is held inside The Shops at Worthington Place every Saturday morning from now through April. On the first Saturday of each month, you can find the New Albany Farmers Market at the Philip Heit Center on Main Street. In Granville, the Granville Elementary School hosts an indoor market most Saturday mornings through February.

We also have a jewel in the North Market in downtown Columbus, home to more than 35 independent merchants, farmers and food sellers. They are open daily all year, except for holidays.

We hope you enjoy this issue and your entire winter season. Best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy new year.

Gary Kiefer 
gary@ediblecolumbus.com