The Dirt

It’s been over a week since our agency invited key community partners to the groundbreaking of Sustainable Food Center – it’s taken me this long to let it all soak in.  From the light dusting of rain that blessed our gathering site to the alumni board members who joined as original supporters, from the neighborhood members who will benefit from this garden to the dignitaries who spoke so eloquently about our role in this community, I was moved by the show of support for what SFC does every day and how those services will be bolstered in our future home.  It is an honor to come to work with staff members who live and breathe sustainable, local food.  I am incredibly lucky to have a board of directors has the best interest of this agency top of mind and works hard to ensure our viability long-term.  The constant, intense help from our wonderful cadre of volunteers is overwhelming.  And let’s not forget all of those who give of their time, talent and treasure to ensure that our services are strong and successful.

We are at a critical moment in this country’s history.  This is our moment in a national – no, global – uprising to take back our food system and bring food justice and sovereignty to the fields of those who grow it and the mouths of all who eat.  We can eliminate hunger, diet-related disease, and environmental degradation by participating in a vibrant, local food system and everything it entails.  We can create jobs, bolster the economy and ensure food security for all.  We are part of a movement larger than any one of us individually – collectively, we can literally change the future of food.  SFC has been on a mission for almost 40 years, and we’re so blessed to collaborate with other change-makers here locally and abroad to ensure a strong, sustainable food system for many generations to come.  As other communities unite, we share our stories about grass-roots level change that bubbles up to affect policy and systems.  I am proud of the work of Sustainable Food Center, and I greatly appreciate the support of everyone who’s ready to come grow with us!

Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director

 From left to right: Councilman Mike Martinez, Councilwoman Laura Morrison, Constance Dykhuizen, Annette Renaud, Earl Maxwell, Tom Meredith, Lynn Meredith, Jeff Thomas, Linda van Bavel, Sara Bohn, Will Meredith and Ronda Rutledge