Meeting People Where They Are:
A 2025 Vision for Food Sustainability and Nutrition
As we enter 2025, my theme is simple yet profound: meeting people where they are. This is not just about understanding others’ perspectives—it’s about embracing that we are all on a journey regarding food sustainability and nutrition. Some are actively engaged, while others may not yet recognize their role in this journey. Regardless of where we are, one thing is clear: we all need to shift our paradigm from consumer to caretaker—of our planet and bodies.
A Year of Challenges and Reflection
The past year was a stark reminder of the urgency of this mission. With 2024 breaking records for natural disasters, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of a changing climate. But these events also highlight an opportunity: the chance to come together, learn, and grow. How we approach food—what we eat, how it’s grown, and how we consume it—plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.
Yet, as important as these conversations are, no one wants to feel confronted by a preachy climate activist or an uncompromising vegan advocate. This approach alienates rather than inspires. It’s not productive to ask people to abandon deeply ingrained habits or cultural traditions without understanding their starting point. Real change happens when we build bridges, not barriers.
Embracing Diversity and Shared Responsibility
We all come from different cultural, social, and educational backgrounds, each shaping our relationship with food and the environment. What works for one person may not resonate with another, and that’s okay. The key is to create a shared understanding that sustainability and nutrition are not about deprivation or sacrifice—they’re about living with intentionality and purpose.
Too often, sustainability is framed as “giving up” something: meat, convenience, comfort. But what if, instead, we reframed the narrative? What if the focus was on what we gain—better health, stronger communities, and a thriving planet for future generations? By educating ourselves and others, we can make informed choices that are both impactful and practical, meeting people where they are while guiding them toward where we all need to go.
A Collaborative Vision for Change
Real change is collaborative. It’s about working together to find solutions that respect diverse perspectives while moving us toward common goals. Whether it’s choosing more plant-based meals, supporting local farmers, reducing food waste, or educating ourselves about the environmental impact of our choices, every small step matters.
The relationship between sustainability and nutrition doesn’t have to feel like a tug-of-war between what’s “right” and realistic. With the right tools and understanding, we can create a food system that nourishes people and the planet without forcing anyone to abandon who they are.
Moving Forward
Meeting people where they are means showing grace, empathy, and patience as we navigate this journey together. It’s about recognizing that progress, not perfection, is the goal. By shifting from consumer to caretaker, we can all contribute to a future that honors the interconnectedness of food, health, and the environment.
In 2025, let’s commit to leading with understanding, education, and intentionality. Together, we can create a world where food sustains our bodies, planet, and communities.