Maartje van Velden of Fields of Happiness
- Apr 1
- 1 min read
The 596th recipient is Maartje van Velden of Fields of Happiness in Swannanoa, NC. Maartje writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For us, farming isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life deeply connected to our land, our community, and each other. We grow tulip bulbs for our local market and bake bread to nourish our neighbors. Especially after Hurricane Helene, which devastated our area and closed our only supermarket, the responsibility to feed and support our community has felt heavier than ever.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: ”I would like to surprise my husband with a good farm to table meal at one of our local restaurants.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "The most important self-care need for us as farmers is rest and recovery — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Farming and baking are both deeply physical and all-consuming, especially in times of crisis like the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”
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