Day 16
Theme: Let’s connect a little deeper with the people who make your local food and goods.
Daily Task (active + simple)
- Take 20–45 minutes to map local producers within your 100-mile radius. Include farmers, mills, and bakers. Add yarn shops, honey producers, and maple syrup makers. Don’t forget cheesemakers, co-ops, and thrift stores.
- Pick one maker you don’t already buy from and plan a visit (or order one small item). If you can’t visit today, send an email or message. Ask them their story — who they are. Inquire about what they raise or make. Request one tip for shoppers.
Quick 100-mile recipe — Maple Pork Chop with Roasted Root Veggies
(Uses local pork, apples, maple syrup, root veg)
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 2 local pork chops (about 150–200 g each)
- 1 tbsp local maple syrup
- 1 tsp mustard (local or pantry)
- 1 apple, sliced thin (local)
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges (local)
- 2 carrots, cut on the diagonal (local)
- 1 small onion, quartered (local)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or local butter)
- Salt & pepper, dried herbs (rosemary/thyme)
Method (30–40 min)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes, carrots, onion with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs; roast on a tray for 25–30 min until golden.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet. Sear pork chops 3–4 min per side until golden. Reduce heat; add apple slices to pan, pour on maple + mustard, spoon over chops and let glaze finish for 2–3 min.
- Rest chops 3 minutes. Serve with roasted veg and apples. Portion control: 1 chop + generous veg + 1 apple half per person.
Storage tip: If you bought extra local apples or veg, slice the apples thin. Dry them in the oven at a low temperature. Alternatively, simmer them in a little syrup to make a small jar of apple compote. It freezes or jars well.
Mini Craft / Maker-Love Activity (10–20 min)
- Make a small thank-you/label card to include with your purchase from that maker. Add a hand-drawn logo or floral border. Include a short note: Example : “Bought with gratitude — Doll Creelman / 100-Mile Life.” Snap a photo for your socials.
Journal / Reflection Prompts
- Who made the food in my kitchen today? Name them.
- What surprised me about that maker’s story?
- How does knowing who made my food change the way I eat or store it?
- One small step I can take to support a local maker this week is…
Short devotional
“Small hands and steady work make the table possible. Today, by meeting a maker, we practice gratitude and stewardship — small choices that stitch us into our local community.”
Day-16 Checklist
- Map 5 nearby makers (farm, mill, baker, yarn shop, co-op)
- Visit or message one maker today
- Buy one small local item (support local!)
- Make a thank-you/label card to include with purchase
- Cook the Maple Pork Chop recipe or try a local ingredient in a new way
- Journal one reflection (line space)
“Little steps make a big difference. May peace and gratitude carry you through today.”
— Grannie Doll
