SH: What do you do for Sierra Harvest?
I’m a Farm to School liaison and I also spent four years volunteering for the Food Love Project. I helped out with summer camp and with the farm there. I went to school to be a teacher, but didn’t like being in the classroom every day. I love being outside, so I decided to combine farming and education. Food Love was a perfect fit – I got to farm and cook with kids!
SH: What is your favorite experience (so far), working with Sierra Harvest?
I love the cooking demonstrations with the kiddos! They all become willing to try new food. Even the ones who first say they won’t try it end up loving it. I mean, it’s so great to see kids gobbling up raw kale salad, grilled beets and chia pudding.
SH: How did you become interested in food and in the local food movement?
My mom raised me with a great variety of cuisine – never a dull plate. When I was a kid, I used to make menus for my parents on the weekends. I still love cooking for my family, especially teaching my step kids how to cook real, whole foods. I was a waitress for 17 years and I did it because I liked it – I liked being social and having a relationship with food and I want everyone to enjoy it as much as I do.
SH: What do you do when you are not volunteering for Sierra Harvest?
I work at First Rain Farm as a farmer – this is my second season. I also paint signs for them. I hang out with my family, and go to the river, and I do artsy stuff, and rock climbing and yoga.
SH: What advice do you have for people who want to eat more local produce?
Check out your farmers market. Get to know your farmers. Listen to your kids and get the names of the farmers who come to their school. Using quality ingredients changes your overall health and happiness. Try new things. Google recipes – the internet is an endless way to find new things to try.