Singing the World
Last weekend I went to a great potluck that also featured a winter food swap - as each of us figured out what we had preserved too much of, we brought them together and traded. This was the first time, so we weren't exactly sure how to work it... but one of the group brought printed slips on which we listed what we had, and there was room for several people to make an offer. Then we went around, connecting up with the offer-er and negotiating, then taking those items off the table. It was a little bit chaotic at times, and all of us said that we had little or no idea how much to offer for others' goods, nor how much ours was worth (that is a skill that likely needs polishing as things decline), but I think all of us went home happy with our new items.
I traded my jam, pear sauce and beer for dry beans, potatoes, garlic, alpaca sausage, honey, pickled eggplant relish, pickled peppers (but not a peck), and toffee. I was very happy! And it was a group that shared my concerns about decline and unsustainability, so the conversation was meaningful (and not just "happy talk").
Here is the description from the woman who organized it:
And she recommends this website to find your own swap:
I totally recommend this idea! I'll try to post more photos, as soon as I can get them from the photographer.
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