Nourishing Our Future: Eating for a Sustainable Santa Cruz
Eat for the Earth, a dynamic force in Santa Cruz County’s nonprofit landscape, is cultivating a movement driven by a profound truth: what we eat shapes the health of our planet. This powerful organization, selected for the annual Santa Cruz Gives donation drive, empowers individuals and communities to make food choices that nourish not only themselves but also the environment.
Reverend Beth Love, Eat for the Earth’s dedicated executive director, is at the heart of this transformation. A longtime Santa Cruz resident, Love’s passion for sustainable living blends seamlessly with her expertise in plant-based nutrition. Under her leadership, Eat for the Earth has emerged as a crucial resource, equipping individuals, families, and institutions with the knowledge and tools to embrace a delicious and sustainable way of life.
Seeding a Movement
Love’s journey began with a powerful realization: our food choices are intricately linked to the health of our planet. “In 2019, it became clear to me how intertwined our eating habits are with the wellbeing of our environment,” she explains.
The scientific evidence is compelling: industrial animal agriculture, a dominant force in our food system, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution.
Shifting toward plant-based diets emerges as a powerful solution. By choosing plant-based foods, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint, mitigating climate change and securing a healthier future for generations to come.
What began as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a vibrant movement. Led by Love and Dr. Maria Jose Hummel, Eat for the Earth hosts engaging workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community events, creating a space for local residents to learn about the profound benefits of plant-based eating.
Their approach is comprehensive. Recognizing the diverse barriers to dietary change, from cultural habits to economic challenges, Eat for the Earth provides not just education but also practical tools and ongoing support. “Our goal is to create a community where everyone has access to delicious, sustainable food choices,” says Love.
One of their flagship initiatives marks a win-win for businesses and the planet. They partner with organizations to adopt plant-based options in their cafeterias and catering menus. “If we can influence the default food choices in large settings, the ripple effect is enormous,” Love emphasizes. This initiative is complemented by partnerships with local farms and food producers, ensuring access to fresh, high-quality plant-based ingredients.
In just a few years, Eat for the Earth has achieved remarkable milestones. Their outreach programs have connected with thousands of local residents and inspired several organizations to embrace sustainable food policies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they seamlessly transitioned to virtual workshops and online resources, maintaining their momentum even in challenging times. They’ve helped pave the way for over 20 local institutions to implement regular Meatless Mondays, demonstrating the power of small changes leading to impactful results.
For Dr. Hummel, the transformations she witnesses are deeply moving. “Despite many social and environmental factors,” she shares, “with education and motivation, people within marginalized and underserved communities can see amazing transformations in their health. I have seen dramatic improvements in health outcomes that are not commonly seen in clinical practice. This continues to inspire me.”
Hummel emphasizes the growing urgency of this work. “The potential for decreased access to healthcare in the future makes our work even more critical,” she emphasizes.
Love attributes their success to the incredible spirit of community. “This work is only possible because of the incredible support we’ve received—from volunteers, donors, and our partners. It’s truly
What inspired Reverend Beth Love to found Eat for the Earth?
## Nourishing Our Future: A Conversation with Reverend Beth Love
**Host:** Welcome to the show, Reverend Beth Love. Thank you for joining us today.
**Reverend Love:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** You’re the Executive Director of Eat for the Earth, a Santa Cruz-based organization making waves in the world of sustainable living. Can you tell us more about your mission and what inspired you to start this journey?
**Reverend Love:** Eat for the Earth is all about empowering individuals and communities to make food choices that are good for both their health and the planet.
[[1](https://www.eatfortheearth.org/earth-friendly-dining/)]Back in 2019, I had a powerful realization: our eating habits are directly linked to the well-being of our environment. Seeing the detrimental impact industrial agriculture has on our planet—the greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution—I knew we needed to make a change.
**Host:** That’s a powerful realization. So, how does Eat for the Earth empower people to make these changes?
**Reverend Love:** We offer a variety of programs, from educational workshops and cooking demonstrations to community events. Our goal is to make plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We understand that transitioning to a plant-based diet can be challenging, so we strive to provide not only education but also practical tools and ongoing support. We believe everyone deserves access to delicious and sustainable food choices.
**Host:** And Eat for the Earth is currently involved with the Santa Cruz Gives donation drive, correct?
**Reverend Love:** Yes, that’s right. We are incredibly honored to be chosen for this year’s drive. The support we receive will help us expand our reach and continue to empower more people to make conscious food choices that benefit both themselves and the planet.
**Host:** Well, Reverend Love, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion with our viewers. Your work with Eat for the Earth is truly making a difference in Santa Cruz and beyond.
**Reverend Love:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** And to our viewers, for more information on how you can support Eat for the Earth, please visit their website at the link on your screen.
