COMING HOME
I’m thrilled to watch this issue come into the world—it’s been a while. The last time I wrote you this letter, it was spring 2022. I had just accepted a corporate job that prohibited free-lance projects, and I thought my days as this magazine’s editor were over. I wrote that note in tears.
One particular sentence from that letter stands out to me now:
“Before Edible Philly ever launched, Jen Honovic Herczeg, our director of business development, sat with me in Good Karma Cafe on Pine Street dreaming about what this magazine could be.”
So imagine how I felt when I learned last summer that Jen had bought the magazine and would be Edible Philly’s new publisher. FOMO doesn’t cover it. Weeks later, in one of the greatest “blessings in disguise” of my life, I was laid off from that corporate job and free to join forces with Jen to help shape Edible Philly’s new chapter.
I feel so lucky to be back here with you in these pages. I hope you love this issue as much as I loved making it. It kinda feels meant to be.
Sincerely,
Joy Manning, Editor
MOVING FORWARD
The holiday frenzy and glow has given way to a winter full of snow days and sick days, as well as some heartbreaks. Local entrepreneur, small business and farmers market champion Charisse McGill passed away suddenly in January at the age of 42. Her loss will be felt by the entire local food community.
I met Charisse McGill when she was featured in the Farmers Market Guide in our Summer 2018 issue and she joined us for our ‘Inside the Issue’ event held at Awbury Arboretum. She was larger than life, a force to be reckoned with, a complete joy, a big, bright, beautiful soul, with infectious enthusiasm.
Over the years, our paths crossed again and again from Lansdale Farmers Market to French Toast Bites and beyond; she was a mentor, a colleague and a friend. When she took on the role of Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition last year, we excitedly planned ways to partner with Edible Communities. In that spirit, I hope you will consider a donation to the Charisse McGill Legacy Empowerment Fund which aims to carry forward her vision to level the playing field by providing financial support to cover essential expenses, including market vendor fees and booth equipment for BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA-led new farmers market vendors. Donate here: givebutter.com/DZG832
As I attempt to heal my heart, I look optimistically towards Spring. Cliché as it is, Spring evokes feelings of a fresh start and a way forward. It feels fitting to announce our 2024 Local Heroes in this issue – folks championing local food and farming much in the way Charisse did. I am also heartened by Joy’s return to the team and grateful to lean on her as we embark on a new year for Edible Philly, and I’m grateful for all of you.
With gratitude,
Jen Honovic Herczeg, Publisher
