From Resolutions to Resilience: Strengthening Our Food System Together
Why Intentional Resolutions Matter for Gardens and Communities
With the New Year comes a renewed sense of possibility—and for many of us, a fresh list of resolutions. In gardening and food systems work, these goals often center on ideals of efficiency, abundance, or perfection. Yet the most meaningful resolutions aren’t about getting everything right; they’re about choosing progress over perfection. When grounded in intention, even small, thoughtful actions can build resilience, strengthen our communities, and create lasting change—one season at a time. In gardening, this often shows up as perfectly planned layouts, flawlessly timed harvests, or maintenance schedules designed to achieve effortless perfection. But at their core, resolutions—whether for our gardens or our lives—are not about perfection. They are about progress: choosing to act with intention and taking steps that create meaningful change, even when challenges arise. As I reflect on my own New Year’s resolutions, I’m excited to continue learning about, supporting, and advocating for our local food system. With the rising cost of groceries and everyday living, strengthening our food system is no longer an abstract ideal—it directly affects how much food ends up on our neighbors’ dinner tables, and our own. As much as I may want to shout, “Feed your neighbors! It’s good!” I’ve realized that lasting impact requires more than enthusiasm. It requires focus, education, and intentional action.
Understanding the Roles in a Resilient Food System
This year, I am committed to helping people better understand the complex and interconnected components that comprise a food system. Farmers, gardeners, distributors, educators, policymakers, and community members all play distinct roles, and each requires different types of support for the system to thrive. I will continue teaching the importance of community voice in food-related decisions and encourage people to take ownership of the policies and practices that shape how food is produced, distributed, and accessed. I will also work to highlight how food insecurity can exist even in communities that appear financially stable—often in ways that are easily overlooked.
How Community Voice Shapes Food Access and Equity
Meaningful support of our food system rests on three key ideas: understanding, engagement, and improvement. When people understand where their food comes from, engage with the systems that sustain it, and seek ways to improve equity and access, real change becomes possible. This is where each of us has a role to play.
Small Actions That Make a Big Impact on Food Security
Your actions do not need to be large to make a difference. Learning about local food production, participating in community conversations about food policy, or supporting efforts that expand equitable access all contribute to a stronger system. Even small steps—such as buying from a local producer, volunteering at a community garden, or sharing research-based gardening knowledge with a neighbor—add up to a measurable impact over time.
Extension Resources to Grow Knowledge and Strengthen Your Food System
If you’re looking for a place to start, Extension offers targeted, research-based resources that can help you build knowledge and confidence. Whether your interest is growing food at home, improving vegetable and fruit production, or learning best practices through classes and events, there are opportunities to deepen your understanding and put that knowledge into action.
This New Year, let’s set resolutions rooted in intentionality rather than perfection. Big or small, each thoughtful step strengthens our local food system and helps create a healthier, more resilient tomorrow for everyone.
by Anthony Reardon, Horticulture Smalls Farms Agent, 2025