Early this morning, a friend sent me an article about a food library started by residents of Barrhaven, a neighbourhood in Ottawa's southwest. Described as "a food bank that's discrete and open 24/7," a food library is like those library boxes you see on some people's front lawns, but instead of containing books, a food library contains non-perishable foods. As the CBC article explains, food libraries are popping up in Barrhaven to help residents who may be struggling with food insecurity. They are open to anyone who needs food and to anyone who wants to drop off non-perishable goods.

Later in the morning, I met a friend for coffee, taking along some crumble cookies. Because my friend is vegan, I swapped vegan margarine for the butter—pleased that the cookies were just as good with the plant-based alternative as with the dairy spread. I made half the cookies with apricot jam and half with strawberry jam. I told my friend that I think everyone—regardless of their eating preferences or dietary requirements—should be able to enjoy a treat.

As my friend and I munched on our cookies and drank our coffee, we talked about our respective families and what makes some families close. I noted that, in my home, we're often doing our own thing, in our separate spaces, but we always come together at mealtimes. We've never really been a "fend for yourself" kind of household, where each person is responsible for rustling up their own grub. Almost without exception, one of us comes up with a meal that we can all enjoy, and all enjoy together. Today, for example, I made beef barley soup, using the leftovers of a roast Chris had made the other day, and Mel provided chocolates that she had picked up on her lunchtime walk for an after-dinner taste test.

This evening, as I was writing this post, a family member reached out to me for ideas for a meal she could make in a slow cooker for a friend who will undergo surgery soon.

All of this reminded me of the power of food to bring communities, families and friends together. For me, food is one of the best ways to say: "I love you," "I care," and "I enjoy spending time with you."

I leave you with five quotes about food: