text: "Of course there are fewer COVID cases in mink—there are fewer mink. And the mink that do remain can be spaced in the sheds, making it more difficult for a respiratory virus to be transmitted. Breeding season starts in March and I fully expect to see these numbers rapidly climb again because the underlying problem has not been addressed," he added.
  Mink at the Knud Vest estate in Jyllinge, Denmark, pictured on November 14, 2020. State authorities in Utah allegedly failed to disclose the COVID-19 death of a mink farm worker linked to a mink farm coronavirus outbreak in the state. Ole Jensen/Getty Images
  
  One of my favorite things going on at Nature's Touch health food store in Templeton is its food window, where you can order a hot lunch, fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and root beer floats. Not many places serve up organic street tacos, so hats off to Nature's Touch owner Melanie Blankenship, who offers three street tacos on her menu for just $10. The plate is served hot and ready to eat, made with ethically and humanely processed, range-fed meat from Nature's Touch's own ranch in Templeton; organic corn tortillas; shredded onions; cilantro; and house-made salsa. The spicy house marinade is what makes these tacos extra flavorful, as the meat is marinated for two days. Vegan and gluten-free tacos are also available, so just ask!
  Nature's Touch lunch window at Nature's Touch Nursery & Harvest, 225 S. Main, Templeton, is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Δ
  Flavor writer Beth Giuffre is bellied up to the window. Send your favorite snack stops to bgiuffre@newtimesslo.com.