I’ll admit it… I’m missing Grandpa’s Wisdom Wednesday a bit today.

He’s on a break (though I’ve heard whispers he’s working on yet another Macieverse book 📖 🫛), so I thought I’d share a few reflections of my own.

With Independence Day around the corner, I’ve been thinking about what freedom really means—especially when it comes to food.

What does independence look like when…

Families can’t afford or access fresh, nutritious food?

Communities rely on supply chains that don’t serve their needs?

Kids go hungry while nearby fields or markets overflow?

When communities lack the ability to grow, access, and control nutritious food locally, the promise of freedom falls short.

That’s why food sovereignty is imperative:

— Having the right to grow, choose, and control our own food systems

— Honoring culturally relevant, healthy, and sustainable farming practices

— Building local, resilient food economies that prioritize dignity over dependency

So as we celebrate this July 4th, let’s also reflect on the work still to be done.

This is the time to support the growers, educators, and food access champions who are helping others reclaim real independence—one farm, one garden, one market, and one meal at a time. 💚

And if you find a little Grandpa-style wisdom in this reflection, even better. 😉

Peter Contardo