A corner store at the intersection of Congress at Annie, Farm to Market was for many people the heart and soul of our south Austin community. For nearly fifteen years we had enjoyed the convenience of a walkable and well-curated grocery. But more importantly, its steady presence in a rapidly evolving city gave our community a sense of place. Rising rents and a changing neighborhood led its proprietor, Peg McCoy, to sell the business in 2020. Its closure was symbolic and, for many, a deeply spiritual loss.

In the weeks leading up to the store’s final day, I conspired with its employees to quietly collect video messages from longtime customers. On behalf of the dozens who participated (and many others who simply didn’t hear about the project in time) I presented Peg with this edited tribute on Thanksgiving Day 2020, her last in business.