Yup, it’s another unexpected COVID challenge

***We need jars. If you pick up or get door delivery,  please read at bottom about how to return jars.***


The COVID pandemic just keeps on giving us new obstacles to overcome. It is a true test of resiliency and community. 

First, farmer Aaron dealt with a spontaneous increase in demand. The staff rose to the challenge of fulfilling double the amount of orders. They are amazingly dedicated. You can read about all they did here.

Then, the large scale meat processors closed. Small meat processors became overwhelmed with new clients wanting slots and current clients wanting more slots to meet the increased demand. 

Whew - I’m glad we have meat inventory under control. FYI, Miller’s Bio Farm is extra prepared with meat and has some exciting ideas for securing meat processing in the future. 

Next, ice packs were in short supply for odd reasons. One ingredient to make the ice blankets comes from China and was unavailable for some time. And, one ingredient to make the ice packs is used for hand sanitizer and was in short supply.

Egg cartons were mysteriously sold out. We don’t really know why this happened but assume it was a breakdown in the supply chain. I’d have to say, our pickup customers rose to the challenge and sent us hundreds of egg cartons for reuse (You know who you are, and thank you!).

There have been shortages of coolers, refrigerated vans, and many other odd things....

But now… our current shortage is JARS!!!

Why are there no jars? Have people been stockpiling them? Are more people canning at home? Is there a material that isn’t available to manufacture them? We don’t exactly know why.

If you pick up at one of our locations or receive door delivery with a private driver, we would very much appreciate it if you returned your jars this week. Instructions are below.

Thanks all your support and your help working through the challenges of the pandemic. The Miller’s team is here for you and committed to remain a reliable food source.

One big lesson I’ve learned from the pandemic is that life is about community. 

I cannot rely on the big systems set up. Big agribusiness, healthcare, government, education… they are showing many weaknesses. They are broken systems. 

It’s my friends, my family, and the small farms, businesses, and organizations I support that are truly helping me now. Together, we are re-inventing new systems that are sustainable, successful, and reliable.

What unexpected challenges have you faced in the pandemic? What’s helping you through this incredible time?

All the best to you and your family,

Marie (and the Miller’s team)

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HOW TO RETURN JARS

*Pickup location and door delivery only

1- Put the jars in a bag. This is really important. If they happen to break en route, it makes it safer to clean up. 

2- For pickup, put the bag in your cooler or give it to your driver. If you use a paper bag, the cooler must be dry. For door delivery, give the bag to the driver or leave a note with instructions.

3- The farm staff will wash and sanitize the jars for reuse.

*We do not offer credit for jar returns. First off, it’s an administrative nightmare. Second, it takes a considerable amount of time and energy to clean the jars for reuse and is not financially sustainable.