Sustainability News

This blog post was written by Arizona State University graduate student Paige Mollen. In addition to studying Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership at ASU, Paige is the Co-founder and President of the Mollen Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.

“Don’t give up” and “never take no for an answer” were words that resonated throughout the office of the Honorable Rosa DeLauro, Democratic Congresswoman representing the 3^rd District of the great state of Connecticut. These words of wisdom from her mother were passed down to ASU Food Systems and Sustainability Leadership cohort during our week-long immersion in Washington D.C. They have served her well.

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This blog post was written by Arizona State University graduate student Brandee Kitzmiller. In addition to studying Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership at ASU, Brandee is a garden educator for the nonprofit Island Grown Schools.

During our time on Capitol Hill our cohort was able to have a meeting with the chair of the Committee on Rules, Jim McGovern. This was our only meeting in the Capitol building and, as our badges stated, it was official business. We rode the connecting tram from Rayburn building into the Capitol and headed to the Committee on Rules.

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By: Kathleen Yetman, ASU Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership Certificate student. 

Just before we left Tempe to tour farms and ranches in Southern Arizona, we were honored to have breakfast with Mark Killian, Director of Arizona Department of Agriculture. Director Killian shared his passion for agriculture, which stemmed from generations of his family ranching in Arizona. He told us his experiences working for the State of Arizona, first for the legislature, then the AZ Department of Revenue as well as the Arizona Board of Regents, and finally as the Director of the AZDA. Throughout his 36-years in public service, he has continued to stay connected to his roots through his family’s ranching operation.

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By: Nakasha Shoyinka, ASU Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership Certificate student. 

The leafy green city of Yuma, AZ was a sight to see and provided so much information about agriculture practices in southern Arizona. The ASU Food Policy and Sustainability cohort was given the honor to have a panel discussion with four amazing individuals who work for the USDA in different capacities. After having a filling breakfast, we had an up close and personal chat with Mike Stevens (FSA), Raney Embree (FSA), Valentino Reyes (NRCS), and Godfrey Hinds (Rural Development). We asked questions and gained insight about the different roles and positions the USDA has on impacting farmers, the land, and conservation.

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By: Katie Poirier, ASU Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership Certificate student. 

On Wednesday December 4th, a couple students and professors of the Food and Farm Immersion branched off during the morning and early afternoon to table at the newly opened Whole Foods Market in downtown Tempe, Arizona. The tabling event took place in the lobby of the market and intended to promote the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems. A high rise sits over the Whole Foods Market and an escalator from the building leads right into the lobby. Many people were in and out with prepared lunches and beverages, as the hours we were there spanned lunch. Students, business people, and families passed through the lobby’s automatic doors, adorned with small pines and holiday wreathes.

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