woman speaking to a crowd while wearing a burnt orange sweater. Behind her is a small outdoor table setup with people eating.

Meet the Greener Pastures Team:

Anna Richardson, Board Member

In this series, get to know the people & faces who make up our team- and why we’re committed to making our food system more humane, sustainable, and just.

Story by Anna Richardson | Photography by Anna Richardson

Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you located?

I'm Anna Richardson. I joined the Greener Pastures Board in August 2022. When I’m not serving on the board, I work at The Good Acre as a the Programs Director. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Why did you choose to work at GP?

I chose to join GP's board because I think it is important that consumers see farming and farmers, and have access to information about how the food they eat is grown and raised. Greener Pastures does a beautiful job of offering that access in a way that is fun and meaningful, and with dignity for producers.

What’s a fond memory that shaped your relationship to food?

My great grandmother immigrated to the US from Italy in the early 1900’s. Every year around Christmas, my grandparents, aunts, and cousins make fresh ravioli together. We have always used a mixing bowl, our hands, and a wooden rolling pin to make the pasta. I think the finished product is a good metaphor for my values around food: It's more beautiful when it has some character, it tastes better when prepared with community, and there should be enough for everyone.

What is a top priority for you in changing our food system?

A top priority for me in changing our food system is that access to opportunities to grow, raise, or produce food are equal across race and legal status. We need producers equipped with resources in every region to ensure a reliable and healthy supply of food for everyone.

Woman sitting outside under blue skies in a backyard while holding a baby. They are both looking at the camera. The woman is smiling.

What are 2 things you’ve changed in your behavior or approach to food in order to push against farming that is not sustainable, humane, and/or just?

I have started to choose locally produced food over Organic. I place greater value in knowing that my food came from close by and that I am investing in my local economy than I do in the USDA's Organic label.
I eat less meat than I used to, and therefore am able and willing to spend a bit more per pound for a higher quality, more nutritious, humanely raised animal product.

woman balancing on one leg with her tongue sticking out. She is wearing a grey raincoat. A rushing river and evergreens sit behind her.

Two people standing together after running a race. Both are wearing athletic wear. They are in an urban environment with trees mixed. Blue sky is overhead. The woman is biting her metal and the man is holding food and a drink.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

I ascribe to the belief that there are many valid values and choices to be made about food - the important thing is that as eaters, we're aware of the impacts our decisions make!