To our Southern California and extended communities,
The recent wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles and San Diego have left an indelible mark on our communities, our forests, and our hearts. As a small local business deeply rooted in San Diego, these events hit particularly close to home – quite literally.
Just last week, Brooke (our co-founder and head chef) was forced to evacuate while preparing meals for our clients as flames erupted in our hometown of La Jolla. My own childhood home was placed under evacuation warning, joining countless others in our community who faced the terrifying prospect of leaving everything behind. To our tremendous relief, and thanks to the perseverance of the San Diego Fire Department, this fire was quickly contained and extinguished before it could cause much damage. Unfortunately, others in our Southern California community were not so lucky. These aren't just headlines for us; they're our reality, our neighbors, our homes.
The devastation to our California forests – the very same forests where we've committed to planting trees with every Salt + Soil order – has been particularly heartbreaking. These aren't just trees; they're the lungs of our community, the guardians of our ecosystem, and a symbol of the natural harmony we strive to protect.
In these challenging times, we've witnessed extraordinary acts of bravery from our local firefighters and first responders. Hearing personal stories from friends who put themselves in harm's way to protect our homes and lives has been both humbling and inspiring. To these local heroes: our gratitude runs deeper than words can express.
These fires serve as a stark reminder that climate change isn't a distant threat – it's here, affecting our communities right now. Our choices, especially how we consume, matter more than ever. While these fires represent a devastating setback, they also strengthen our resolve to make a difference.
At Salt + Soil, we've already planted 200 trees in California. While the task of replacing millions more seems daunting, we believe in the power of collective action. We may be a small business, but we hope our meals, our values, and our commitment to sustainability can inspire a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.
Every meal you eat is more than just sustenance – it's a choice that connects you to your food, your body, and the entire ecosystem that brought that food to your plate. When you choose local, you choose community. When you support businesses that align with your values, you become part of the solution.
The path forward may seem challenging, but we remain hopeful. Together, one meal, one tree, one choice at a time, we can rebuild, restore, and create a more resilient future for our beloved Southern California.
Choose local. Choose community. Choose consciousness in your consumption. The future of our forests, our communities, and our planet depends on it.
With gratitude and hope,
Giovanni Doemeny
Co-Founder, Salt + Soil