Edible Activist

In this brief snippet, Grandma Catherine and her granddaughter, Melissa L. Jones chow on muscadines and talk about this seedy and tangy fruit that Grandma would forage in Butler, Alabama. She'll make you chuckle! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com

#TheSip has got the juice! Jackson, Mississippi native, Keyah Williams, is the owner of Mama Nature's, a plant-based juice bar in the heart of the capital, along with two other locations. The beginnings of the business not only started with a whopping low personal credit score, which Keyah is completely transparent about, but in the trunk of her car selling juices to customers. Keyah shares an inspiring story in this episode of how she "lost it all" but is now walking authentically in her purpose. The 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year spills her future plans for the business, and talks about supporting black entrepreneurs to help launch their wellness pursuits. Tap in!

Mario Vitalis of New Age Provision Farms took out $200,000 in USDA loans to fund his hydroponics shipping container operation in Indianapolis and now his debts have been forgiven. At the onset of starting his business, Mario made several attempts to qualify for a loan - a process that was wrapped in discirimination and rejection. Receiving encouragement from his late grandfather pushed him to appeal and not give up. Mario's story takes a few detours along the way, one that will bring you to tears, but ultimately it ends in victory with a zero loan balance and a new book in store. Tap in to hear Mario tell his story!

*Since the airing of this episode, black farmers have yet to receive debt relief from the USDA. It is regrettable that these farmers have been left with unfulfilled promises and no assistance. Please continue to support the black farming community by raising your voice and contributing to their work. Our black farmers deserve justice.*

FoodTalksNColor and Edible Activist join Patreon! In this episode, Melissa L. Jones takes us back to 2009, where her food story began and reminds listeners of her 'why' behind the mission of amplifying BIPOC voices in food and agriculture. Listen in and learn how you can help further the mission by joining their Patreon community!

Chrissy Sheffey, former Edible Activist guest and founder of Charismatic Creations says that "the true essence of hospitality is rooted in black people." This week we travelled up 495 to Waldorf, MD where Chrissy's garden-to-table cocktails and amazing experiences come to life. We sat in the middle of Chrissy's warehouse and paid homage to the past, acknowledging the footprint that black people had, and still do, in the spirits industry. Chrissy also shares navigating the beverage space as an independent business, how to finesse a drink on-the-fly, and her latest project: Spirited Soul Garden!

Hey listeners, we took an extended summer break, but excited about the guests that we have lined up and some updates to share. Stay tuned and keep watch for the next episode!

A plant lover and educator, Britt Huggins enjoys being in the garden and gracing green spaces with pollinators. In this episode, the Philly native recounts how agriculture rescued her during a difficult season in her life and attributed the land for her healing. Britt also shares the importance of seed keeping along with some tips on how to organize them. Tap in!

Mario Vitalis is the owner and operator of New Age Provisions Farms based in Indianapolis, Indiana where he hydroponically grows herbs, lettuce and microgreens. In this episode, Mario, who says he's no expert, shares his experience as a Freight Farmer, how access to land was the driver to container farming, and why hydroponic farming will become even more essential to our future due to climate change. Tap in!

Gabrielle Knox, the Professional Neighbor is a Detroiter, farmer and builder. In this episode, Gab talks about activating space for growing food, engaging with neighbors in her Detroit community, creative land use, and the model behind her business, Build Cooperatively. Tap in!