About
Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to reconnect with the land, the food they eat, and one another by revitalizing urban spaces and fostering a resilient, inclusive food culture. We are dedicated to creating a future where access to fresh, healthy, and sustainably grown food is a right, not a privilege.
Through hands-on programs, such as urban farming, food rescue, and community education, we work to transform neglected spaces into thriving hubs of food production and community connection. We believe that by nurturing the land and building strong, supportive networks, we can tackle food insecurity, reduce waste, and create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families.
Our mission extends beyond food access; we are committed to fostering a culture of food justice, where everyone has the opportunity to grow, enjoy, and share food that is grown in harmony with the earth. By engaging people of all backgrounds and abilities, we strive to create a more equitable food system, rooted in sustainability, regeneration, and mutual respect for the environment and each other.
Vision
We envision a strong network of communities centered around the cultivation of fresh, healthy food.
At The Green Urban Lunch Box, we envision a thriving, interconnected community where everyone has access to fresh, healthy food, and where urban spaces are transformed into sustainable food hubs. Our vision is to cultivate not only food, but also connections – between individuals, neighborhoods, and the land that sustains us. We believe in a future where local food systems are resilient, regenerative, and equitable, empowering people of all backgrounds to take part in growing, sharing, and enjoying food that nourishes both the body and the community.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to food justice, we strive to create a world where food is grown with care for the earth, where no food goes to waste, and where everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive. By building a diverse and engaged network of farmers, volunteers, and supporters, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy future – one where the power of food unites us all.
Rachel Tibolla, Executive Director (she/her)
Rachel has a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and community building, and is excited to join a team that is making a real difference in the lives of people in Salt Lake City. In her own words, ” The Green Urban Lunch Box isn’t just about growing food – it’s about growing relationships, creating opportunities, and building a stronger, more connected community.” She’s eager to continue the work that GULB is known for, and help the organization grow and thrive in new ways. With over 15 years of finance and nonprofit experience, she hopes to enhance partnerships and operational efficiency by combining leadership, strategic financial initiatives, effective networking, and community building skills. When people are connected and engaged, they achieve remarkable outcomes.
Contact: rachel@gulb.org
Soni Scheig, Small Farm Initiative Coordinator and Farm Co-Manager (they/them)
Soni’s interest in the food system began in college in Southwest Colorado while working with their school to offer more local, sustainable, fair trade, and humane foods in the cafeterias. Soni’s areas of interest in the food system involve almost all aspects of it—growing food, cooking, waste management, and so on. They believe that the connection food brings to people in a community is extremely important. To learn more about the food system, they pursued an internship on an urban farm in St. Paul, MN which sparked a huge passion for connecting with community by growing food. Years later, Soni is the farm manager of GULB, teaching the next generation of farmers, running the CSA, and connecting community to our local food.
Contact: sfi@gulb.org
Jessica Collette, CSA & Distribution Coordinator and Farm Co-Manager (she/they)
Jessica has been interested in working at the junction of sustainable farming and food justice since spending a few years living in a rural midwestern community that was both a haven for organic farms and a food insecure region. She has worked in various settings, from a food pantry in northern Wisconsin to a homestead in mid-coast Maine to an educational garden in Moab, but her path eventually led her to Salt Lake City to work with the Green Urban Lunch Box. She has spent time working with most of GULB’s programs, but really found her place within Back-Farms. If you find yourself in one of Jess’ gardens, she’ll probably try and convince you that the most exciting garden delicacies are radish seed pods, okra, and nasturtium leaves.
Contact: markets@gulb.org & info@gulb.org
Our Board
- Matt Mulligan, Chair
- Shawn Kintaudi, Treasurer
- Mary Ann Powles, Secretary
- Lorena Castellanos
- Emily Ingram
- Natalie Kane
- Anna Maki
- Sarah Puzzo
Contact our Board of Directors at board@gulb.org!