Last night, as I was preparing to write this letter, I asked Ray, my co-publisher (and husband), what five words he would use to describe 2020. “The Year from Hell” was his quick reply—with a word to spare, no less. Then, a few seconds later, he changed his mind. “The Year of Being Grateful,” he said.

Since charging into our lives last March, Covid-19 has turned our world upside down. There has been so much loss for us all on so many levels. Time lost with friends and family; the loss of beloved businesses and traditions. We have been called upon to change our lives in order to weather the storm, only to be lifted high one day and thrown low the next. Now, many months later, we enter this holiday season still adrift.

Food, at its essence, offers sustenance and comfort. As a food magazine, we have tried to keep you abreast of the pandemic’s impact on our food community this year while also serving up recipes, guides, and projects to help you navigate your pandemic-era days. At its best, a magazine should capture and help its readers comprehend a moment and make the most of it. I hope that, in some small way, we have provided you with a modicum of sustenance and comfort to help you through this year.

As 2020 comes to its end, the world is full of heroes. In covering the story of food in New Jersey this year, I have seen many of them on the food front. From farmers to farmers’ market managers, from food bank volunteers (see “Stepping Up” on page 22) to grocery store staff to the restaurateurs who gave us places to safely gather or, simply, to enjoy a well-crafted meal, these are the people who brightened my 2020. Behind the scenes, there have been Edible Jersey’s writers and photographers, advertisers, distributors, interns, and, especially, our long-standing team of Debra Trisler, Eric Derby, and Dawn Cobianchi, whose devotion to Edible Jersey’s mission makes every issue happen. I have always been in awe of their talent and dedication, this year more than ever. All of these individuals are among the reasons why, like Ray, I’ll choose “gratitude” to commemorate my year.

Thank you for reading Edible Jersey and for your support of the food community of the Garden State. I wish you and yours the very best in the new year.

Nancy Painter, Editor & Publisher

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HOLIDAY 2020 FEATURES