Explore how entrepreneurs are creating sustainable ways to grow and deliver local organic food.

Net Impact Austin invites you to share in a discussion on the problems and opportunites associated with the traditional food production system. The creation of large corporate farms has produced unintended consequences: They are the largest producer of green house gases, susceptible to terrorist attack, reduce nutritional value, increase health problems, and limit local production.

Our panel of local leaders are dedicated to reversing this trend:

Social entrepreneur Mason Arnold from Greenling.com, the regions first local and organic food home delivery business. No stranger to the green movement, Mason founded EarthAction Lawn and Landscape, an environmentally responsible lawn company prior to Greenling. With a degree in Chemical Engineering, Mason understands the science behind the benefits of Organics and the dangers of food chemicals. With that in mind he founded Greenling in 2005. Mason believes we can achieve remarkable economic progress without sacrificing our health and the health of our environment. He believes we must better embrace sustainable living practices if we are to continue to prosper.

Brandi Clark from the Austin Eco Network, a major proponent of community gardens and building organic gardens at home. Brandi is a long time leader in Austin's Green Economy, in fact the Austin Business Journal said, “If Austin had one green ambassador, it would be Brandi Clark.” She is the founder of Citizen Gardeners, a program where people take 10 hours of gardening education classes and complete 10 hours of volunteer/apprentice work along a more seasoned gardener. Citizen Gardeners provide Austin residents an opportunity to grow their own fresh, healthy food while promoting greater environmental sustainability.

Andrew Smiley is the lead staff member on the Farm Direct program for the Sustainable Food Center that offers delivery of high quality local organic vegetables to school cafeterias and major employers throughout Austin. From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment.

Steven Hebbard from Boggy Creek Farm, a local organic farm located minutes from downtown Austin. Steven is also the founder of the Better World Maker’s Co-op, a non profit entrepreneurial and educational Farm and Gardens program for the homeless and working indigent populations of Austin. He is a passionate advocate of local, organic, and sustainable agriculture and the life-transforming power of a well-cared for backyard garden.

Whether you are looking to start a business in local organic food, want to learn more about local organic food options, own or work at a business or nonprofit that would like to eat healthier, or are interested in starting your own gardening effort, come to learn from individuals who are walking the walk.

Snacks and drinks to be provided by Net Impact Austin and Ventana Del Sol.

Door prizes for lucky participants: Net Impact Global Memberships, wine from Rockroom Cooperative, gifts from Whole Foods and more!

Click here to RSVP for the Event  (Admission is free for Net Impact Austin members & low cost for non-members.)

Why we are proud to hold our event at this venue: Ventana del Sol Cultural Center provides a safe place for youth to complete court-ordered community service. Participants achieve food handling certification that helps to secure future employement; provide support at catered events for non-profit and community organizations (an opportunity to meet great role-models, like you!); and, overall, learn that they too can make a difference by contributing to society. Ventana del Soul Café operates out of the ground floor of the Ventana del Soul Cultural Center. The Café serves local foods in addition to providing a children’s reading space, board games and local art exhibits. All Cafe proceeds benefit the Cultural Center. 

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