Editor's Note: To-Do: Community

Iam a list person. Weekly lists, daily lists, project lists, long-term lists scrawled in inky black pen with underlines, subheads and bullets. Whether it is for work or home if something is on my list, I will move mountains to make it happen.

My list-making got out of hand this fall. I was home in a world of social distancing with a newborn baby, trying to live in the moment yet feed my need for productivity. I was adding tiny tasks and silly things to toil over, crossing off lines but still feeling aimless.

I finally had a realization – thanks in large part to my husband Adam – that some items on my list weren’t moving me toward anything worthwhile. Sure, I could repaint the bathroom door or organize the junk drawer but busying myself with a list of distractions isn’t worth my precious time. Nine months into a global pandemic marked with grief, frustration, uncertainty and many indescribable emotions, it’s easy to turn sideways on our goals and lose sight of the bigger picture.

Something that has inspired me to pause and re-center is adding a “community” section to my to-do list. It sounds forced, but this cue has helped me spend my time in a more fulfilling way. It’s a literal reminder to write an online review for a small business, donate to a local charity, chat with a neighbor or send a note to a friend. I’m a work in progress but finding new ways to connect with my community has helped me remember my bigger picture through this isolating time.

I’m inspired by the countless examples of farmers putting community at the top of their to-do lists. Iowa farmers are eager to serve their communities through efforts like donating to food pantries or fundraising for student scholarships.

And this inspiration rings true for many others, as the recent Iowa Food & Family Project Consumer Pulse Survey shows that 86% of Iowa grocery shoppers give farmers excellent or good ratings for “contributing to the community and local economy.”

In this issue of Fresh Pickings, you’ll see how Iowans – farmers, business owners, restauranteurs, leaders and volunteers – are finding their bigger picture through an unwavering commitment to their communities.

Enjoy the issue,

Kelly Visser | Editor

We want to hear how your community has stepped up and shined during these challenging times. Submit a reflection at iowafoodandfamily.com/magazine/community and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Hy-Vee gift card.