Meet the Greener Pastures Team:
Zora Grace, Culinary Illustrator
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 Kayleen Nagell | Photography by Zora Grace and Sarah Carroll
Q: Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you located?
A: I’m Zora Grace, Culinary Consultant for Greener Pastures’ Farm to Table Activism Dinners. I live in Minneapolis and work as a chef and caterer for Eat for Equity and Breaking Bread. I’ve been working with Greener Pastures for the past ten months.
Q. Why did you choose to work at Greener Pastures?
A: Coming in as a volunteer on the day of the first Farm-to-Table Dinner, I was terrified because I knew so little about sustainability. I basically only knew that composting was a thing that I did at work. I thought I would be really disappointing to everyone who in my eyes are planet superheroes. What I was met with was people who were kind, insightful, and who wanted to meet me where I was at and help me learn in very fun ways. Sustainability used to be a very intimidating thing to me. I didn’t think I would be able to break my “bad” habits but the GP team made it very easy for me to take small steps in a better direction.
Q: What is your food story? How/when did your interest in food become prominent for you?
A: Food was always a creative outlet for me as a child. I cooked with both of my grandfathers and really felt connected with them while cooking. Cooking for people made me happy. I remember making one of my grandpas a meal when he wasn't feeling well and seeing him light up and feel good for a moment while he ate what I made for him. I’ve been chasing that high ever since. Now, I’m always cooking with friends and anxiously waiting for them to gush over whatever it is I made for them. My current favorite things to cook are shallot cream sauce, vegan Mac and cheese, and pizza.
Q: What is a food fact that drives you to make changes in our food system? What does that drive look like for you?
A: Knowing that food insecurity exists really pains me, especially when it’s juxtaposed with food waste. I don't know exactly how to fix either problem but it is on my mind daily. Once upon a time, I had plans to create an organization of sorts that would help people with varying insecurities get on their feet with food and resources that really make a difference.
How would you explain food justice? How can we address issues related to food justice and/or racism in the food system?
A: Food justice looks like every human having equal access to food including knowing how to create it or source it.
What are two 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?
A: When it comes to food justice, I’ve developed a sense of grace. Sometimes surviving on a personal level is necessarily higher on the list of priorities for people. Because of this, not everyone knows how to make a positive impact when it comes to growing, buying, or eating food. I like to remind myself that some people need help with just surviving before they can make time and have the energy to adjust their behaviors.
I try to meet people where they're at and show them that changing our habits around food is not an “all at once” thing. I am still learning but I can help by giving them resources that have inspired me in hopes that it can do the same for them.
Q: What food-related content are you reading, listening to, or watching that you’re excited to share? What do you like about it?
A: I am constantly inspired by cooking videos on the socials/inter webs. I can spend hours watching people from all over the world share their cuisines. I love seeing people blend foods from different cultures to create new and exciting meals.
