Times may be frightening and uncertain, but there’s always a way. One of the things we appreciate in our line of work here at Nicely Fit Co is just how robust and able human beings can be. We think this is true across the board. When times get tough, there are always folks at the ready to pick up the slack. With that in mind, we want to share some food resources with you to get you through what is likely to be a tough period of time.

1) Modern Farmer Magazine: These guys are a gem. Even if you’re a city dweller living out of 400 square feet and have never planted a thing in your life, you’ll find something useful here. They have recipes, cookbook reviews, DIY projects, they highlight farms, food systems, and more.

2) Speaking of Modern Farmer, they are currently compiling a list of CSA’s in all 50 states. What is a CSA you ask? It is community supported agriculture, basically small, local farms that survive off of the support of people like you and me, and in return, give you a big ol’ box of delicious produce. Many of these farms are small operations that can weather the coronapocalypse. They are essentially already practicing social distancing after all. It is also very likely that small local farms, like so many other small businesses, will be hit hard by a faltering economy. They could use your support.

3) Small scale meat purveyors: These guys tend to be pricier than your grocery store chicken or beef, but you don’t need to be eating as much of that stuff anyway. Much like with CSA’s (some of them even are) these tend to be much smaller farms or cooperatives of farms, that rely on farmer’s markets and direct to consumer sales. I’m a huge fan of Cairncrest Farms, and have been purchasing from them for a while. In a recent newsletter, they said they have more than enough available. You can just search for local meat delivery, use https://www.localharvest.org/ or http://www.eatwild.com/

4) Small scale fish purveyors, particularly for canned and smoked fishes. I’ve been ranting about this to everyone, but canned fish and seafood is tasty, super nutritious, way more sustainable, and holds up well in your pantry, unlike fresh fish. It can be quite economical, or, you can get a little splurgey, whatever you want! Here is a list of Bon Appetit magazine’s 2018 stocking stuffer list of tinned fish: https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/tinned-fish-stocking-stuffers

And here is a list from Martha Stewart’s editorial staff: https://www.marthastewart.com/1537131/tinned-fish-tasting-test-kitchen

5) Dried beans and legumes are workhorses. Check out Rancho Gordo, they deliver.

6) Local commissary kitchens, restaurants, and food service businesses offering healthy delivery. Our neighbors, Green Top Farms offers excellent, affordable meals delivered in New York City.

You’ll notice that a lot of these are small farms, small businesses, small purveyors. That, folks, is the point. Get out there and support your local food system. Now is most certainly the time. You’ll get the healthiest food, and you can feel good knowing you helped. One other thing to mention here: if you can, buy more than you need and donate. We will be putting together resource guides for charities to support, keep a look out.