"When I left restaurant kitchens to focus on writing, I quickly realized that I am drawn to food issues and the broader implications of what and how we feed ourselves. Sitting on the board of Portland Farmers Market was an excellent place to explore and give voice to those passions. My six-year term was meaningful in many ways, but mostly in giving me a sense that we can all help make a difference in the social, environmental, and economic challenges facing our food system by educating others about them."