I choose a word to focus on for each new year. And this year, even though I tried to talk myself out of it, that word is “commitment”!

Not a fun or sexy word. And I really wasn’t very excited about it, but today it all sort of fell in place for me.

Five years ago, I started this journey with Southern Soil, but the past year has really taken a toll on me with family commitments (there’s that word again) and general disillusionment as I’ve struggled to make Southern Soil a financially viable business.

I gave some consideration to stepping away and ending the business altogether.

But I’m not really one to walk away from a challenge. I am re-committing myself to this cause that I care so much about. I am committed to moving Southern Soil forward and continuing the mission on which it was founded - to be a platform for “a growing food movement” here in Southeast Georgia.

I’m also making a commitment to the podcast which was launched a little more than a year ago. I’ve been struggling with consistency mainly because it seems I either have time to record it, edit it or promote it… but not all three. So. I’ve decided that I will be publishing the podcast, at least for the foreseeable future, in its more raw state. Less editing, more real.

And as always, I’m committed to bringing you quality content that matters.

I feel a renewed vigor to do this work and to encourage and inspire better food systems in this country. Food systems that care for our planet, nourish our health, honor life and feed local economies. We have so much power as consumers and as advocates and I’m making a commitment to work towards improving our local food communities.

I hope that in 2023, you’ll renew (or begin) your own commitment to supporting local food systems and giving your business to those in your community who are growing, producing and sourcing food with a commitment to sustainable and regenerative practices.

I’d also like to invite you to commit to helping Southern Soil grow! Even if it is just interacting with social media posts or sharing some of our content with someone else who might enjoy it as well! We also have ways that you can pay-it-forward through individual memberships, business membership or sponsorship and advertising!

We’re committed to helping small businesses in our community and connecting sustainable-minded enterprises with our audience of conscientious consumers!

Let’s grow together in 2023!

Sincerely, LeeAnna Tatum

founder/publisher