Two San Fernando Valley Moms on a Mission to Change the Way We Eat

My friend Deep Silver and I first crossed paths through the delightful chaos of playdates with our kids at Children’s Circle Nursery School in the San Fernando Valley. Little did we know that our shared love for food, sustainability and farmers’ markets would blossom into a transformative mission.

Our journey began with discussions fueled by our passion, evolving into a commitment to create the kind of world we want our girls to grow up in. We attended events by Slow Food USA, which served as the catalyst for our ambitious endeavor.

In 2019, the spark that fueled our mission ignited amid the bustle of food companies presenting at the Fancy Food Show. Our aim to explore culinary collaborations took a turn when we noticed a significant absence of representation from women and people of color, predominantly overshadowed by large industrial food companies.

This revelation gave birth to The Foodocracy, a grassroots nonprofit in Sherman Oaks with a mission to champion a more sustainable and independent food system. Our organization also supports the good-food movement, a democracy for our food system that embraces everyone involved, from the growers to the consumers.

Our belief in the power of an independent food system extends beyond the realms of culinary innovation. We recognize its pivotal role in environmental, health and social change, challenging the current reliance on a handful of corporations for our entire food chain. The profound economic impact on rural communities underscores the urgent need to fortify independent systems that empower farmers and local producers.

Current global-scale food production, characterized by mass-produced ingredients without consideration for nutrient density or environmental impact, further compounds the issue.

Astonishingly, nearly 75% of the world’s food originates from just 12 plants and five animal species, contributing to the alarming disappearance of plant species. The ripple effects of declining biodiversity extend beyond ecological concerns, echoing the impact of climate change and air pollution.

Astonishingly, nearly 75% of the world’s food originates from just 12 plants and five animal species, contributing to the alarming disappearance of plant species. The ripple effects of declining biodiversity extend beyond ecological concerns, echoing the impact of climate change and air pollution.

The year 2020 presented an unexpected challenge: a pandemic that laid bare the fragility of our supply chain. Responding wholeheartedly, Foodocracy initiated free webinars for struggling farmers and family-owned businesses, offering a platform to navigate the rapidly changing landscape. Our online community became a haven for sharing information and fostering connections, a lifeline in a world grappling with uncertainty.

Understanding the need for an alternative marketplace, we established Shop Foodocracy—an online platform designed to preserve the independence of small farmers and artisans. Teaming up with organizations like Slow Food USA, we raised both awareness and funds to sustain the independent food system during these challenging times. Since its inception, Foodocracy has been a lifeline for over 100 small farmers and independent makers in the United States.

In 2021, our focus shifted to supporting BIPOC farmers through targeted programs, ensuring they could continue their vital work of educating and nourishing local communities. In 2023, the generosity of donations and proceeds from our online store empowered us to fund a pilot educational program for Indigenous communities, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and equity in the food system.

We also launched the Heirloom Bean and Grain Project, which holds a special place in our hearts. It’s about more than just strengthening local food systems, promoting biodiversity or providing sustainable income to family-owned farms; it’s about changing the way we eat from plow to plate.

Our Heirloom Bean and Grain Project supports small, independent farms across the United States. The cornerstone of the project?

An Heirloom Bean and Grain Subscription Box, delivering the delectable benefits of supporting local farms directly to eager consumers.

By sourcing directly from small, family-owned farms and paying more than double what they would get from distributors, we’ve created an economically viable solution for small-scale bean farming. Plus, because beans are a vital part of regenerative agriculture, we’re also nurturing soil health and supporting the well-being of our entire planet.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable food practices, Foodocracy remains steadfast in our dedication to fostering positive change.

Our journey from the Fancy Food Show in 2019 to where we are today is a testament to the collective power of individuals committed to reshaping our food systems for a healthier, more equitable future.

You can be a part of this change: Support small, independent farms and makers. Together, let’s make independent and sustainable food practices the reigning champions.

• You can support Foodocracy through ShopFoodocracy.com or TheFoodocracy.org.