“How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people.” -Albert Einstein
Indeed, we are on this earth for such a short period of time. How are we going to allow our spirits to grow? How are we going to self-actualize? How are we going to make a difference?
As I approach 60, it has become clear to me over the last few years that we make the biggest impact, the biggest difference – together. We do it through collaboration, we do it through cooperation. Is it difficult? Is it challenging? Indeed, without a doubt. But the exponential impact of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts – is so absolutely fulfilling, so absolutely thrilling…that I’ve become a huge proponent of it. To the point, that being a facilitative leader of it is what gets me up in the morning.
Our community is so hungry for cooperation. There is such a poverty of it in our region’s governments, our nation’s leaders and in our everyday dealings. What better subject and focal point to lead our community in the practice of cooperation, than FOOD?
As a pretty simple guy who is privileged to help facilitate and lead FeedMore and the newly formed RVA Food Collaborative (the Food Co-op is a proud “member”), I was thrilled to learn more about the Richmond Food Co-op. It brings together so much of what I care about - people working together for the common good and people who understand that food was the original medicine. These same folks know that the reason many of FeedMore’s clients living in food deserts suffer from hypertension and diabetes is because of their lack of healthy and sustainable food!
I came to believe in and joined the Richmond Food Co-op for all of the above good reasons. But I must also fully disclose that I’ve recently lost a lot of weight - weight that came about through stress eating and limited knowledge of any good, proper nutritional consumption practices. Having worked hard to lose it – I have NO intention of gaining it back!
Can you imagine a better group of folks or organization to help shepherd me to a new lifestyle of healthy eating and living? I have so much to learn, but am excited to know that there are many who will help.
So, indeed I’m thrilled to be a new member and looking forward to all that the Coop will bring to our community, my life and my health. Here’s to OUR success!
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” -Henry Ford
-Douglas Pick, Richmond Food Co-op Member/Owner
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