This issue marks three years since I took over as Publisher from Nancy and Ray Painter. It somehow feels like a lifetime ago, and also feels like no time has elapsed at all. The past three years have been challenging, educational, inspirational, and so so fun. Thank you to all our readers, contributors, and my talented team for coming along on this ride with me so far. I still get so excited about everything we’re working on and continue to get inspired with many ideas yet to come. The stories of the people behind our food are so important, and I am still in awe that we have the privilege of sharing them with you in each issue.
It also marks our 8th year recognizing Local Heroes in the region. This year, we received your nominations for farmers, chefs, retailers, artisans, non-profits and wild cards who are making an impact on our local food economy. Hundreds of your votes streamed in and I am so pleased to announce the winners here, please join me in congratulating: Fishtown Pickle Project, Philly Foodworks, Malaika Spencer (Root to River Farm), Growing Roots Partners, Chef Sonny Ingui (Urban Farmer), and Reading Terminal Market! You can learn more about each of these inspiring and deserving winners in Contributing Editor Joy Manning’s article.
Longtime contributor and dairy queen Alexandra Jones takes a closer look at how trends– from TikTok to wellness–are changing what products consumers are stockpiling and how dairy businesses are keeping up and evolving.
We’re also eagerly counting down the days until the Lily P Crumbs cookbook, In the Mood to Bake, arrives from Alex George. Maddie Marriott shares the inspiration behind this sweet content creator’s recipes and mission. I’ve placed my pre-order and can’t wait to pick it up and attend a local book event this fall!
This issue also sees a partnership with AgConnect that began through a conversation at the PASA Conference many months ago finally come to life. To complement the Chester County Farm Guide, we’re highlighting the restaurants, wineries and cideries that have committed to sourcing locally and are worth a visit. Look for a similar focus on each county within our region to come!
I’m also excited to share a peek at Brittany, Bryan and Birdie Donovan’s newest adventure, the next chapter of the Pughtown Agway. This farmer-founder duo is certainly staying busy while building a true community hub with Horseshoe Feed & Supply in Spring City.
Also in this issue, we’re savoring the robust flavors of summer with a Sungold Tomato and Foraged Chanterelle Pizza courtesy of the Slow Food Philly chapter (p. 10), an ode to the magic of the perfect summer tomato (p.11), and we hear from Fell to Earth Vermouthery founder Tim Kweeder on some of his local picks for the season (Last Bite.
See you at the Summer Bazaar at The Highlands with Central Stem on August 16th!
Jen Honovic Herczeg,
Publisher
