Bringing environmental stewardship into the kitchen

Where I live. Walking into a grocery store, there will be shelves and displays of foods grown and shipped from every corner of the world. The intention is to captivate attention of consumers with allure, convenience, and appetite seduction in exchange for money. I haven’t had to go hungry very many times in my life and had unlimited access to food as a kid. There was always the aroused curiosity of stories behind each item, how they got there, and the conditions that needed to be met for these foods to be available at a whim where I lived to people who could afford it. Even at a young age, it came off that there is no way this system can be equitable or fair to the world, be it the environment or the global population majority. 

Every food item has a story and origin behind it. I want to dedicate my life to understanding where ingredients come from and what their impact on the world is. Without that intricate system that is a global market there for the benefit of few at expense of many, we are left with our immediate surroundings and a system of climate, weather and seasons. Why can I find fresh Spring vegetables every day of the Winter season? What is the fate of the meat sourced weeks prior to shelving? What does it mean to be a farmer, or a food producer in the 21st century modern world? I didn’t grow up with a background suited to answer these questions. My adult life has been finding answers to these questions, and I have had great teachers, mentors, and co-travelers along the way. I’ve walked across 13 states in my home country, talked to land stewards, visited Native reservations, ecological sacrifice zones, and many food deserts. Most of the information I have to share is not my own, but lent to me, sometimes patiently, and sometimes not so, from people with generational legacies to the land, some with histories of land theft, colonization, and violent brutality. Some stories are not for the light of heart and can feel very personal of an attack. I’ve had the privilege most of my life of having the ugly parts of the machine out of sight. No matter what your relationship to food and the complex land conditions that allow food to be, I am confident that the truth sets people free, even if it may hurt.

My goal is to impart dietary wisdom from my own culture, Judaism, into a code of ethics capable of transforming and deconstructing our habits towards environmental regeneration.

Giving back with Technology and Food

April Cyr has consistently embodied the "People Helping People" philosophy throughout her life, demonstrating exceptional leadership, excellence, and community involvement. Her unique blend of technology expertise and passion for social justice has enabled her to create meaningful connections between individuals and communities.

Throughout her academic journey, April has shown a commitment to helping others. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, she embarked on a cross-country walk for environmental justice. This experience opened her eyes to the struggles faced by marginalized communities and fueled her determination to make a positive impact. Despite facing adversity herself, including homelessness and unemployment, she never lost sight of her goal to help others.

When April discovered Green Opportunities' vocational training program, she seized the opportunity to learn culinary skills and start her own business, April's Apple Chips. By using locally sourced, recovered apples and providing free samples to promote food security, she created a sustainable business model that not only supports her livelihood but also contributes to her community.

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, April has dedicated herself to enhancing access to technology and education. As a HelpDesk Associate at A-B Tech, she provided essential support to students, ensuring they could effectively utilize campus resources. Her fluency in Spanish further bridged language barriers and fostered inclusivity within the student body. Although the HelpDesk position was recently defunded, April remains committed to continuing her contributions to higher education.

Moreover, April's blog, www.aachips.co, serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and promoting awareness around various topics related to her passions. She plans to expand her blog's reach and create an assessment tool tailored to adults on the autism spectrum, aiming to provide valuable insights and resources for those who may require additional support.

April's dedication to helping others extends beyond her professional endeavors. She volunteers extensively with food recovery organizations, securing surplus produce to transform into apple chips and distributing them freely to spread awareness about local food security. Her innovative approach to reducing waste and creating a climate-neutral snack production process aligns perfectly with the "People Helping People" ethos.

April's story illustrates her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it's through her tech-focused initiatives, her socially conscious business practices, or her extensive volunteer efforts, she continues to lead by example and inspire those around her. With her sights set on earning her Web Developer certifications, April looks forward to expanding her impact and contributing even more to her community.

Together, we can create a legacy of care for both our loved ones and our planet.

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