Outreach & Sustainability

Pro Bono Food Coaching

If you are in need of food/health coaching but your household income is currently lower than 250% of the federal poverty level, contact me to see if we can arrange pro bono (free) coaching for you.  Be prepared to explain your situation and offer proof of your income.  I coach six people/families pro bono each year–one every two months.

Donations

I donate at least 5% of my fees to nonprofits that confront malnutrition and/or promote sustainable methods of eating.  If there is a particular food-related nonprofit that you think does an excellent job, please share their information with me!

Volunteering

Since I’m someone who spent the first part of her career in nonprofit work, I suppose it’s not surprising that I believe we all have a responsibility to engage in the community around us.  Beyond helping take care of people I already know, this is how I currently give back (and gain a lot, too!):

Several times a month, I help cook dinner for a transitional housing organization in Santa Monica.  I come away with a profound respect for people’s ability to bounce back from hardships, a deeper appreciation of the options within my life (even choosing my meals!), and a better perspective on what actually matters in life.

I volunteer with an agency that utilizes at-risk teens to train shelter dogs using positive reinforcement, so that the dogs can successfully join loving families. Due in part to the financial crisis in the US and how it’s impacted families locally, LA shelters are putting to sleep enormous numbers of dogs in need of homes.  Meanwhile, the teens at alternative schools often need to develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Sustainability

I’m devoted to creating as sustainable a business as I can–from an environmental standpoint as well as an ethical one. For retreats and classes, I purchase local and organic foods where it is possible.  I purchase only organic or local, grass-fed/pastured (etc.) meats.  I avoid the use of disposable items and packaging. I minimize driving. I support local businesses, focusing on ones who pay their employees decently and/or offer benefits.  Any assistants that I contract with, I pay a living wage. I purchase carbon offsets for all of my business travel. (Suggestions for ways to take this further? Please let me know.)