Who Are We

Take Root Cafe was started to address the intertwined impacts of the industrial food system - food insecurity, dietary-related diseases, and a weakening rural economy. Our mission is to alleviate hunger and promote health by offering nourishing, high quality, local food on a pay-what-you-can basis

From the ED

Farewell!

Yes, after serving for two and a half years, I am stepping down as Executive Director due to lack of funding for my position.

Take Root has plenty of exciting plans, and I remain committed to our mission. I'll be participating as a volunteer - perhaps you will too - as we look to build a new cafe, and continue to deliver on our mission.

You may contact the board at TRBoard@takerootkirksville.oug for details.

April 26, 2022
RE: Transplanting Take Root Cafe
The Take Root Board of Directors invites the community to participate in the cafe's comeback.
Take Root Cafe was founded in 2015 with the mission to alleviate hunger and promote health by offering nourishing, high-quality, local food on a pay-what-you-can basis. Unfortunately, the cafe was forced to close its doors at its Harrison Street location in June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, Take Root has continued to exist as a not-for-profit organization, offering regular community meals, selling coffee and scones at the Farmer’s Market, and determining what our next steps should be.
Since the problem of food insecurity in our area is more acute than ever, Take Root's Board of Directors invites all members of the Kirksville community to join them for a discussion of the cafe's future. This gathering will take place at 7 PM on Thursday, May 12, at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 S High St, in Kirksville.
The organizers envision this event as an opportunity for Kirksville's supportive community to help transplant Take Root Cafe. This gathering will provide valued and sustaining community members an opportunity to learn about and help with the next steps in reopening a cafe on the Kirksville square.
For further information, please contact info@takeroot.com.

Our Community Dinners

As part of our work to provide the people of Adair County with affordable, healthy food Take Root has partnered with the First Presbyterian Church to serve a monthly community dinner.

Twice a month, we are making a delicious, nutritious meal available to anyone in our community. Our dinners are scratch-made & locally sourced wherever possible. We believe that everyone should have access to good food; our 'pay-what-you-can' mission means the food is offered at no cost, with donations accepted - no one is turned away.

Our dinners are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month and run from 3-6 P.M. To receive your take-away meal, please come to the parking lot during operating hours and let the volunteer know how many meals you would like. Our volunteers will then retrieve your meals and deliver them to your car.

Thanks for your support in 2021!

Our "By The Numbers report provides a picture our 2021 program in terms of meals served, food costs and more. We are patricularly pleased to report that close to 70% of our food was sourced in Adair County. Click on the report to download the full PDF

Our next dinner will be Spring 2022.

Many Thanks to our November Dinner Sponsors ...

And a generous grant from

Seeking Validation Through Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships often serve as a mirror reflecting back our worth and desirability. The desire for validation within these relationships is a powerful motivator that shapes our behavior, self-image, and overall satisfaction. This article delves into the need for affirmation, the impact of validation on self-image, and the distinction between seeking validation and seeking genuine love. Insights from escorts, who professionally provide affirmation and validation, offer a unique perspective on these dynamics.

The Need for Affirmation

Affirmation from romantic partners is compelling because it taps into our fundamental need for acceptance and recognition.

Understanding Why Affirmation is So Compelling

Affirmation from a romantic partner can be incredibly satisfying because it confirms our desirability, worth, and place in someone’s life. This need for affirmation is deeply rooted in our psychological makeup. From early childhood, we seek validation from our caregivers, and this need often extends into adult romantic relationships. When a partner acknowledges our strengths, achievements, and attractiveness, it reinforces our self-worth and strengthens the emotional bond between us.

Insights from Escorts

Escorts, through their professional interactions, frequently provide clients with the affirmation they crave. They understand that many clients seek not only physical intimacy but also emotional validation. By offering compliments, attentive listening, and genuine interest, escorts help boost their clients' self-esteem. These interactions highlight the profound impact that affirmation can have on an individual's sense of self-worth and relationship satisfaction.

Impact of Validation on Self-Image

Receiving validation from romantic partners can profoundly influence one’s self-image and confidence.

How Validation Impacts Self-Image and Confidence

When we receive positive feedback from our partners, it can reshape our self-perception. Validation acts as a powerful reinforcer, helping to build confidence and a positive self-image. Conversely, the lack of affirmation can lead to self-doubt and insecurity. Continuous validation from a loving partner can encourage personal growth, resilience, and a more optimistic outlook on life.

Insights from Escorts

Escorts often observe the transformative effects of validation in their clients. Many clients come seeking not just companionship, but a boost in self-confidence and reassurance of their worth. Escorts provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel valued and appreciated. This positive reinforcement can lead to significant improvements in clients' self-esteem and overall well-being, underscoring the vital role of validation in personal development.

Seeking Validation vs. Seeking Love

It's crucial to differentiate between the pursuit of genuine affection and the quest for approval.

Differentiating Between Genuine Affection and Approval

Seeking validation often stems from an external need to be seen and appreciated, while seeking love involves a deeper, mutual connection. Validation-focused relationships may prioritize superficial affirmations over genuine emotional bonds. In contrast, genuine love is characterized by mutual respect, trust, and emotional intimacy. Understanding this distinction is essential for forming healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Insights from Escorts

Escorts, through their professional roles, develop a keen ability to distinguish between clients seeking superficial validation and those desiring a deeper connection. They note that clients focused solely on affirmation often exhibit behaviors centered around immediate gratification and external approval. In contrast, those seeking genuine connections tend to engage more deeply, valuing emotional intimacy and shared experiences. Escorts offer guidance by fostering authentic interactions, encouraging clients to explore their deeper emotional needs beyond superficial validation.

In conclusion, the desire for validation is a powerful force in romantic relationships, significantly impacting our self-image and overall relationship satisfaction. Affirmation from partners can boost confidence and reinforce self-worth, while the pursuit of genuine love involves deeper emotional connections and mutual respect. Insights from escorts, who provide both affirmation and emotional support, shed light on the nuances of seeking validation and the transformative power it holds. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, individuals can foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships that go beyond the need for external validation and embrace the richness of genuine love.