Chris DiPiazza - Baker-Owner, Mighty Bread Co.
VOICES
Reflections from the Philly Food World on COVID-19
Anyone familiar with the Philly food world knows that pride and community are the currents that make this an amazing place to eat. Yet, COVID-19 has had visceral effects, from shuttered restaurants and a takeout shift to supply chain disruptions, which have people reconsidering the role of a diversified local food system.
With an eye on the future, we reached out to five Philadelphians who play a role in the local food world to take the pulse of the city and get an early read on lessons learned that may carry us forward. Here’s one of them.
When Chris DiPiazza recalls the last day of pop-up service before the shutdown, he’s struck by its emotional resonance. As always, folks threaded through the courtyard for their Saturday sourdough, toast and pastry fix. Yet, the future was unclear. “People came in and took their things like we had seen them do countless times before,” he recalls. Many shed tears. “That really, really registered with me in a deep way.” Philly’s tight communities, he says, hinge on such rituals. This proved important when the bakery’s restaurant and wholesale partners cancelled. A pivot to twice-weekly pre-order window service with produce boxes and grocery items from local partners has maintained that link to the neighborhood, even at a six-foot distance.
How He’ll Remember the Crisis:
“It is incredibly inspiring to me that our team was so interested in caring for our community in the way that they have always cared for us—lining up on Saturdays in the rain. We always felt like that was such an incredible gift. For the team to say, ‘Let’s pay this back and make sure that everybody has what they need.’ That is something that we feel very privileged to be able to provide.”
Investing Locally:
“Support the places you were going [to] before if you want them to still be there when this is all over. It requires a little more deliberate action now, but that’s what it’s going to take. That constant support means a lot.”
Looking Ahead:
“There will be a real focus on keeping employees safe. How do we make sure that we are providing a good experience for customers while accounting for our employees’ personal safety? Are we making sure that they are taken care of? Do they have suggestions? You really need to do that listening.”
