From the editors: Better together

September/October 2022 California Bountiful magazine

In their classic hit, the Beatles sing about getting by with help from their friends. Several people featured in California Bountiful could be performing a similar tune. In this issue, we tell the stories of farmers, entrepreneurs and kids who have enhanced their circumstances and successes by building relationships and collaborating with others.

A Fresno County dried-fruit snack company prevents food waste by partnering with local farmers to use their “ugly” fruit that’s unsuitable for retail sale.

A Glenn County FFA chapter pairs special-needs students with mentor peers to raise animals for the fair, an enriching experience for all.

Colusa County pilots team up with rice farmers to plant their fields, and a married couple takes over a Sonoma County egg farm and embraces its educational outreach to schoolchildren and visitors.

The theme continues as young essay contest winners tell stories of being better and stronger when they come together and help each other, a chef encourages home cooks to use her simple, healthful recipes to bond with dinner guests, and a winemaker enjoys working with customers to finetune his craft.

Also featured in this issue are a former big-city fashion developer turned farmer, a designer who adorns clients’ front porches with fall-themed decorations, and tips for Oktoberfest party foods and turning pumpkins into works of art.

We at California Bountiful are inspired by these stories of people uniting for admirable goals. We hope you are, too.