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Shelly Roche, co-founder [the geek] Hi. My name is Shelly, and I love food. As the daughter of a fourth generation farmer, I'm innately drawn to things that grow. As a libertarian computer nerd, I'm fascinated with using technology to create better systems for connecting people with the things they love. A few years back, I was Director of IT for Comcast HQ up in Philadelphia, where I quickly realized the corporate lifestyle wasn't for me. I now live a much freer life on the Eastern Shore of MD... where I've become involved in economic development and revitalization efforts for my local community. Somewhere along the way, I realized how pretty much everything in life connects back to food. I've become a little obsessive about the whole "real foods" thing - just think how much better our lives will be (myself included - I'm eating a twinkie as I write this) if we start supporting our local farmers, eating healthier and feeling better? |
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Kyra Pincheira, co-founder [big ideas] I'm Kyra, and if we were meeting in person, this is where I would give you a hug. I have always loved the power food has to bring people together, but since the birth of my daughter, I have also become incredibly grateful for the tangible opportunities food gives me each and every day to support people, ideas, and a vision of the future aligned with my values. Professionally, I consult with organizations to develop innovative programs with objectives ranging from arts-based community revitalization and economic development to restoring and protecting the oceans. And I paint. And while I worked hard for years not to be my job, with Plenticulture I'm discovering the delicious irony of how life becomes your work when you find something that you are truly committed to, as I am to achieving "plenty for all" through food. If we do have the pleasure of meeting in person, please invite yourself over for dinner so we can talk about how we can work together to change the world. |
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Tony Geraci [the game-changer] Anthony Geraci is the Director of Food and Nutrition for Baltimore City Public Schools. He recently relocated to Baltimore from New Hampshire where he was the developer and Executive Director of First Course; a culinary training and job placement program for people who are developmentally disabled or recovering from substance abuse or mental illness. Tony is also a chef, a food service consultant, and the former food Service Director for the Con-Val School District in southwestern NH. He has been an enthusiastic supporter, practitioner and architect of the National Farm-to-School movement. Tony is a native of New Orleans and a third generation restaurateur who did a traditional apprenticeship with four-star hotels and restaurants throughout the U.S. More recently, he has worked with food service directors throughout the country; streamlining their operations for purchasing, introducing local products to their menus, and incorporating vocational training. He was also featured in the film “Angry Moms,” a documentary about the national school lunch program. His New Hampshire program was cited as a “Best Practices” example of one of the most innovative approaches to school nutrition in the nation. Since his arrival in Baltimore this summer Tony has increased the breakfast participation in the schools from 8500 breakfasts per day to more than 40,000 breakfasts served each day. His department has taken over a city-owned (but abandoned) 33 acre farm( The Great Kids Farm) which is now being used for vocational training and organic food production for Baltimore City’s schools. Tony’s focus is on nutrition and vocational training in the hospitality industry for the kids of Baltimore and the children of the world. |
Roadmap:
We're currently developing our technology framework, and are planning to release our various betas starting this spring/summer. At this time, we're reaching out to partners to get them plugged in. If you see yourself fitting in anywhere, please let us know!
