contributors
Chris Bedford
Christopher Bedford is President of the Center for Economic Security and has worked for over fifteen years to bring ecological intelligence to the work of business, labor, public health and environmental groups. He created the award winning film, “The Next Industrial Revolution” in 2001 that has become a core document in the worldwide green revolution in business. He has organized campaigns to build ecological sustainability in five states. His work has won over three dozen awards for excellence. He is a graduate of Princeton University. Email Chris here.
Tim Cipriano
As Food Service Director for Bloomfield Schools, Timothy Cipriano is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by buying locally grown vegetables, fruit, and milk for the school cafeterias. Since produce travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to table in the US, buying food from local farms significantly cuts emissions. Tim works closely with local farmers and with students to integrate CT Grown foods into the school curriculum. Catering to the large population in Bloomfield from the West Indies, Tim buys produce such as calaloo, a green native to Jamaica, from Jamaican Farmer Mike Buchanan of Auer Farm in Bloomfield. The popularity of these ethnic meals inspired Tim to create a “Jamaican Me Crazy” themed lunch using locally grown products when available. Contact Tim here.
Debra Eschmeyer
Debra Eschmeyer is the Marketing & Media Manager of the National Farm to School Network and the Center for Food & Justice. She works from a fifth-generation family farm in Ohio, where she continues her passion for organic farming raising heirloom fruits, vegetables, and chickens.Email Debra here.
Sara Franklin
A recent graduate of Tufts University with a double major in African American history and community health, Sara could work anywhere in the world. But yet, here she is, in Amherst, Massachusetts, digging in the dirt. Why? As she says: "I began farming out of a deep sense of compassion for those who are unable to afford or access adequate foodstuffs and out of a love for good, simple food. My background in community health led me to be concerned about nutrition and the rise in 'nutritionism' and the shift away from whole, natural foods. Farming was my way of answering all those calls at once." You can contact Sara here.