I’m a Garden of Eden kind of gal with hopes and dreams of a restoration to the simple and pure. 

The reality is that we’re pretty far away from what originally was, but through collaboration, this mama, wife and farmer carries on with a heavy heart and hopeful intentions. My hopes are for small, significant changes that allow simple people just like me to overcome the obstacles in their lives and find their best.

Something special is happening right here in Bowling Green that strengthens my hope for each of us. Real people in very hard jobs are stepping out, opening doors, creating communication and providing opportunities for farmers to grow more food and consumers of every income level to purchase it. 

Real change is happening as small-scale farmers begin farming full time, families get reconnected to the dinner table and a dialogue begins between those who need policies to change and the people who have the power to change them. My gratitude pours out to the Barren River District Health Department, Western Kentucky University and more local nonprofits and individuals than I can name who have come together as an explosion in our local food system develops. 

Specifically, I am thankful for the hundreds of people and literally thousands of hours that have been put into making the old Heritage Building new as we get ready to move 45 farmers, artists and prepared food vendors into Community Farmers Market’s new home. Change isn’t easy and it often reveals gaps and weaknesses in the systems designed to protect us, but together we can work toward something better for everyone in our community. 

Good things are happening right here in Bowling Green because of the hard work of many, and lots of people are taking notice.

Michelle Howell

Bowling Green