Growing Together: Reflections from the Utah Farm & Food Conference

The Green Urban Lunch Box recently had the privilege of attending the Utah Farm & Food Conference – Common Ground – a gathering of farmers, food advocates, and changemakers dedicated to cultivating a resilient and sustainable food system. The experience was nothing short of inspiring, and I left feeling more hopeful than ever about the possibilities for our local food community.

The Power of Connection

At the conference, I met passionate individuals and organizations who are deeply committed to stewarding the land, nurturing soil health, and strengthening food systems that honor people and the planet. From workshops on regenerative agriculture to panels on food equity, the conversations were rich with ideas, solutions, and shared values.

One recurring theme resonated strongly with me: the importance of soil health as the foundation of a thriving food system. Healthy soil is more than just dirt – it’s a living ecosystem that sustains us all. It sequesters carbon, retains water, and provides the nutrients needed to grow the fresh fruits and vegetables that nourish our bodies.

At The Green Urban Lunch Box, soil health is at the heart of what we do. Through programs like our Small Farms Initiative, Back Farms and FruitShare, we not only grow and distribute fresh produce but also educate our community on sustainable farming practices that regenerate the earth and feed our neighbors. We’re also introducing Community Classes for 2025, focused on educating and empowering people to grow their own food. 

A Call to Action

The conference underscored a truth we can’t ignore: the future of local food production relies on all of us. Farmers can’t do it alone. Communities, policymakers, and organizations like ours must come together to support regenerative agriculture, fight for food justice, and invest in a more equitable and resilient food system.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Support Local Food: Buy from local farmers, attend farmers’ markets, and prioritize eating seasonal, locally grown produce.
2. Get Your Hands Dirty: Volunteer with The Green Urban Lunch Box or other local organizations to help grow food, tend soil, and harvest produce for those in need.
3. Advocate for Change: Reach out to policymakers and advocate for agricultural practices and policies that prioritize soil health, environmental sustainability, and equitable food access.

Let’s Grow Together

The Utah Farm & Food Conference reminded me that real change happens when people come together around shared goals. At The Green Urban Lunch Box, we’re not just growing food – we’re cultivating a movement. We invite you to join us in this work, whether by volunteering in a backyard garden, donating to support our programs, or simply spreading the word about the importance of soil health and local food production.

Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient food system – one rooted in care for the earth and the communities it nourishes. Let’s dig in and grow something beautiful.

In solidarity and hope,

Rachel Tibolla, Executive Director