There are so many people saying so many things about food and how we can all "live our best lives". And sure, food can help you do that. But touting restriction and diet plans in the name of self-care has never worked, and it still doesn't. The dialogue about nourishment needs a shift if we are all to be fed and be well.
Sharing knowledge about food, how it can be accessed, used, remembered, and enjoyed preserves dignity, autonomy, and sparks powerful change in teams, in families, and in communities. We can all be food leaders.
My Values
Bringing Joy Joy from food is forgotten. Bridging the gap between food, its inherent barriers, and wellness needs to be done with joy, not restriction, judgement and privilege. This shows up in my business by ensuring food is celebrated, that cultural food differences are honoured and respected, and that language around food comes from a place of abundance, especially in my teaching and counselling.
Delivering Extraordinary Service If it is my mission to lead people to nourishment, then this is done in service of them and their wellbeing. This looks like offerings that are supportive, regardless of income level, structuring business to channel funds to food-based organizations, serving the community beyond the money making opportunities, and including everyone.
Leadership Food Leadership is evolving. I want to use my own leadership skills to bring people to a place of wellness through food, and they can lead by discovering HOW they are already food leaders. This can be done through training and discussion that facilitates the encouragement of leadership in kitchens (kids teaching kids, peer mentorship etc), in teams, in families, and in communities.
Re-Connection It is food that connects us, both in times of joy and times of grief. This connection has been lost in society as food has become more impersonal and manufactured. Reigniting connection to food in people means understanding where food is grown, cooked, and shared by people of all genders, ethnicities, and ages. It is using language that helps people remember joyful food memories, and it can be taught by showing how food can connect communities when leaders rise to the occasion.
Change Our societal attitude towards food needs a shift. Dignity, justice and sustainability need to be forefront in all our minds as we make food choices. I ignite change by teaching food literacy programming that shifts perception about food, and encourages leadership to seek out food change opportunities within their own communities.
*The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Barb Sheldon, MA, CHNC. The information on this website is NOT intended as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the care of a qualified health care professional. This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases. Always consult with your primary care physician or licensed healthcare provider for all diagnosis and treatment of any diseases or conditions, for medications or medical advice as well as before changing your health care regimen.
