Every Saturday morning in June, I make my way to the farmer’s market in Riverside Park. The stands are filled with strawberries, peaches, lettuce, and other produce grown by nearby farmers. The market feels less like a place to buy food and more like a community corner — a spot where you can appreciate the rich flavor of food grown close to home, while strengthening ties with your neighbors.

Walking between the vendors, I see families choosing their fruits and vegetables together, children tugging at their parents’ hands, vendors exchanging stories, and people bumping into friends. The market lets us appreciate the people who grow our food — the ones who care for the land, pay careful attention to the growing process, and bring their harvest directly to us.

It’s a moment to appreciate simplicity. There’s something profoundly comforting about choosing a tomato that was grown just down the road or a basket of cherries that hadn’t crossed an ocean before it reached my table. This kind of connection helps us remember that food is not just a commodity — it’s a reflection of community, tradition, and care.