Letter from the Publisher: Summer 2020

With this issue, we celebrate a decade—40 seasons—of publishing Edible Madison!

When our first issue hit newsstands in summer 2010, we never imagined how amazing the journey would be to publish this magazine across so many years and seasons.

Back then, we were inspired by the impact the network of independent Edible Communities publications was having across North America. We believed it was very important for Wisconsin, a true pioneer in the local, organic foods movement, to be represented.

When we first set out, before our first issue saw the light of day, many leaders of our region’s food and farming movement showed us support—through sharing their editorial ideas, agreeing to be contributors, committing to advertise with us, and simply giving us words of encouragement. This support network never wavered, and it provided the fuel we needed to steadfastly shepherd this publication and use the power of storytelling as a vehicle for positive change. As we pass the baton to an incredible new team, I’m deeply grateful for each person who believed in us and the mission of this publication over the years.

That mission has been to promote that eating locally is good for our economy, environment and health, and to connect eaters with local, organic food sources. We have done this through telling the stories of the local farmers, food producers, chefs, educators and forward-thinking organizations behind our region's dynamic food movement. We have seen firsthand that knowledge is power. When people know the true story behind their food, they can be inspired to shift their buying power in support of a sustainable food future.

As we look to that future, we recognize we are living in unprecedented times. This year has brought immense challenges and change on so many levels. Our food community has been hit hard. Our resilience is being tested. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that our food community is strong, and we will recover. Together, we will look back on this time as one of deep challenge, learning and growth—a time that invited us all to look inward and discover opportunities to see and do things differently, to change our outlook, to expand our understanding, and to do better. We can and we will do better. Through remembering our interconnectedness, we will ultimately dismantle a very broken system and replace it with one that upholds sustainability, equity and justice. I believe, with the true spirit of community, we can do this.

This spirit of community is at the heart of the team taking the reins of Edible Madison from here forward. I’m thrilled to transition the magazine to Christy McKenzie and Cricket Redman, who are joined by Lauren Langtim as the managing editor of Edible Madison. They are incredibly talented and deeply dedicated to the mission of this magazine, and I’m proud of the foundation we built for its future in our Southern Wisconsin region. I eagerly look forward to cheering them on and know they will infuse it with incredible energy and creativity that will take it to new heights. Here’s to the next decade and beyond!

As I sign off as publisher and editor-in-chief and transition to number-one fan, I am filled with deep appreciation for every person who has contributed throughout the years. I’m profoundly grateful for our core team members, who have all been with the magazine for its entire ten years: Wendy Allen, contributor and copy editor; Terese Allen, editorial advisor and columnist; Dani Lind, culinary advisor and columnist; and Jim Klousia, creative director.

And a special note to Jim: Thank you. Thank you for everything you poured into bringing this magazine to life, season after season. Thank you for believing in this, for your vision and for your passion. Without you, it would not have been. I’m fortunate to have walked this path with you at my side, and I know so many others feel the same.

With gratitude,
Jamie Lamonde, Founder