Love and Coffee in Strange Times
We are living through some overwhelming times, right?
I've been working from home and isolated since March 5th…
I've been working from home and isolated since March 5th - and extremely busy as my work at FareStart changed seemingly overnight as our organization recalibrated into an emergency meals assembly line, while implementing a suite of new safety protocols. I've been sharing out that work within the Catalyst Kitchens national network, and it's been cool to see - our network is now producing over 245,000 peals per week for folks in need during this time.
That said, in the midst of important work, I am seeing tragic stories everywhere, as we all are. And, I'm at home, as many of us are, unless we're in essential work. And finally, I'm seeing an overwhelming impact to my coffee family. Businesses are closing, friends are being furloughed or laid off forever, and the cafes and roasteries left open are trying to figure out how to make it work. I'm trying to take some solace from ordering great coffee whenever I can from my friends.
I've been going for walks with a friend these past few weeks, and she mentioned that she'd had some unfortunate grocery store coffee. "Why did you buy that coffee?" I said, "There are so many other companies out there that could use your support right now!"
"I don't know," she said. "Why don't you make me a list? And maybe you should share it on your mailing list too?"
And so, I went shopping for you. Below are five coffees from companies I'd recommend you try if you're looking for good coffee right now.
Square One Coffee Roasters
Candy Bar Blend
Lancaster, PA
Snowdrift
Spring Fever Blend
Roscoe, IL
*fun fact - the Cardinal is the Illinois' state bird!
Olympia Coffee Roasters
Little Buddy Blend
Olympia, WA
Bolt Coffee
Roaster's Choice
Providence, RI
Saint Frank Coffee
Sister Moon Blend
San Francisco, CA
I may decide to keep making posts like this, perhaps every week or two, as we get through this ordeal together. If you are a coffee company who'd like a plug here, let me know a coffee you recommend from your offerings, and what your company is going through these days. I'm deciding whose coffee to share based on probability of deliciousness, quality of people who run the businesses, and news of a company's need for support. Much like anything in coffee it's an imperfect blend, and it'll depend on my personal preferences. Hopefully the results will still be delicious and delightful.
Much love to you all. I’m rooting for you.