Now I understand why food photography is its own career field. I enjoy capturing my meals just as much as I enjoy eating them.

Blessed. My university offers three gardens for students to harvest through, and our location in Western NC offers a special connection to land and bounty. It seems as though COVID-19 has guided many people back to land when traditional food distributional centers have increased prices for goods or have run out altogether.

This guide back to Earth is happening all over the world:

“Home Gardening blooms around the world during coronavirus lock-downs” by Reuters

“Panic Buying Comes for the Seeds” by the New York Times

“Considerations for Outdoor Learning Gardens and Community Gardens” by the CDC

“Fearing Shortages, People Are Planting More Vegetable Gardens” by NPR

Of course, history points us to the fact that this guide to planting our own food in the midst of uncertainty and chaos is actually our human nature.

When I am not eating things I have picked with my own hands, I try supporting businesses and restaurants in Asheville as much as possible by ordering out to go or eating outside. It’s been a tricky endeavor, but my goodness, it’s worth it.

On the left, sauteed brussels sprouts in a sweet ginger chili sauce with a mango margarita courtesy of Walk Lounge and Kitchen.

On the right, from one of my favorite vegan spots in West Asheville, Simple Cafe: a roasted roma beyond burger with vegan cheddar cheese with a side of tamarind slaw. Everything on their menu is simply divine, so you can’t go wrong with any choice you make.