In the spirit of the Farmarazzi campaign, Real Time Farms is sending a food army to document our food system – we have called this program “Food Warriors.” Armed with cameras, pencils, and dedication they are visiting farmers markets and farms all over the country. From age 18 to age 61 our 18 Food Warriors are stationed in New York City, Boulder, Los Angeles, Seattle and throughout the state of Michigan.

Food Warriors photograph vibrant fruits and vegetables and share stories of the farmers they meet at farmers’ markets and while visiting farms and food artisans with videos and blogs. All information is shared with the world on Real Time Farms, giving consumers unfiltered access to the information.

Not only are the Food Warriors educating the public by sharing what they learn with the world it is an educational opportunity for themselves as well. By documenting producers at work and the fruit of their labor at markets, Food Warriors are working to excite consumers about the stories behind the food they are buying and eating. Meanwhile, they, themselves, are learning a tractor load (ha!) about food production and distribution and compiling that information in a way that can be made easily accessible and attractive to people throughout the country. They are educating the public as they educate themselves!

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned so far is to really appreciate how much effort it takes to grow anything. It makes me value what I buy more…I now try even harder not to waste food” says Julie Tasche, Boulder Food Warrior Intern.

Real Time Farms’s Food Warrior Program is asking the questions of your farmers that you do not have time to ask. We all deserve to know where our food comes from. If you agree, consider attending or donating to our Rooftop Farm Dinner and Dancing Fundraiser Event to support this summer’s Food Warrior Program.

Fresh out of college, I feel incredibly fortunate to have come across a job that allows me to be so closely integrated with the national and local food systems and to directly enable and guide others to work on something they are passionate about. There have been numerous occasions on which I have left the office at the end of a long day of Skype meetings and emailing with enthusiastic Food Warriors and felt like shouting ecstatically, “I LOVE MY JOB!”

Stay Fresh,
Lindsay Partridge
Kernel Colonel: Food Warrior Program

(Thanks to Food Warriors: Danielle Blake and Emily Saltz for their photos of Balthazar Bakery, Davey Monzón for his photos from Underwood Family Farms, Gina Buccolo for her photos from LA’s Monrovia Farmers Market, Danielle Blake for photos from Summit Farmer’s Market, and Jess Halter for her photo of Blue Moon Fish.)