[0:00] Hi everyone, I'm Christine Peterson from [0:02] the Minnitonka Natural Resources [0:04] Division. This July is our city's 9th [0:07] annual Monarch and Pollinator Awareness [0:09] Month and that's what brings me here to [0:11] the farmers market to celebrate the [0:13] ancient connection between pollinators [0:15] and our food. [0:17] 75% of the most common food crops grown [0:20] around the world need the help of [0:22] insects or other animal pollinators in [0:24] order to grow and reproduce. The result [0:27] of that partnership is a bounty of food [0:29] on our plates every day. From fruits and [0:32] vegetables to nuts and seeds, oils, [0:35] spices, seasonings, and more. Food can [0:39] be so much more than a way to fill our [0:41] bellies and access essential nutrients. [0:43] Good food can add variety and excitement [0:45] to the routine of our days. And for many [0:47] people, food brings a connection to [0:50] family, community, culture, and the [0:52] natural environment. [0:54] This month, when you sit down to your [0:56] meals, take a moment to acknowledge the [0:58] many pollinators that made them [0:59] possible. Visit the link below to learn [1:02] more.