Founder update: How to participate in the food x climate conversation

As Earth Month comes to a close, I wanted to thank you for your kind words and for reading this special series! In my first newsletter, I wrote about a quiet hero of the food system: Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It’s not as glamorous as buzzwords like “regenerative,” but I believe it’s foundational to building a more resilient future. In my second piece, I explored the real-world challenges farms and mission-driven brands are facing today – challenges made all the more complex by the threat of tariffs. I argued for thoughtful, values-driven trade that strengthens connection and honors both tradition and innovation.

Now, I’d love to wrap up the month by tying all this education into how we – as home cooks, shoppers, and eaters – can participate in the crucial food and climate conversation.

It's easy to feel a sense of responsibility – perhaps even overwhelm – when considering the impact of our food choices on our planet. And while individual actions alone won't solve the complex challenges within our food system, understanding the bigger picture empowers us to participate more meaningfully.

Of course, the most profound shifts depend on systemic changes – stronger policies, corporate accountability, and reimagined trade relationships. Only then can we meaningfully scale the tools, resources, and economic incentives farmers need to adopt and expand thoughtful, climate-friendly practices.

That said, this doesn't mean our individual engagement is insignificant! As you probably know if you’re reading, our collective actions can create a tidal wave of change that have the potential to reshape established norms and practices. When we consistently participate – not just with our wallets, but with our time, curiosity, and voices – we send clear signals about the kind of food system we want. This engagement can take many forms. Here’s a quick list inspired by previous blog posts:

• Connecting with nature – Cook a meal from scratch, walk or ride your bike, or compost your food scraps. These small acts remind us that we’re part of nature, not separate from it. (Read more here.)
• Supporting small and diverse farms – Shop at farmers’ markets or try a new fruit or vegetable with your family (and talk about it) to continue to support a rich variety of choices. (Read more here.)
• Planting something (literally or metaphorically) – Whether it's a backyard garden, a few windowsill herbs, or simply a seed of intention, the act of tending to something over time is a powerful reminder of growth and care. (Read more here.)
• Staying curious – Explore the meaning behind food certifications and labels. (We created a handy glossary to help you shop in line with your values!)
• Cooking mindfully – Let food ground you in the present. The simple act of preparing a meal can be a joyful reminder of nourishment, connection, and rhythm. (Read more here.)

Curious for more? You can find all our past educational blog posts right here.

These diverse forms of participation create a powerful synergy that amplifies the call for change. And when we consistently show up for ingredients grown with care and support those doing things differently, our collective actions help cultivate the kind of food system we want to see take root.

In that spirit of curiosity and values-aligned support, I wanted to share a list of standout folks (many of them friends of PB!) doing inspiring work at the intersection of agriculture and climate – going beyond certifications and label language to truly innovate:

• Main Grains
• Row 7 Seeds
• Tamoa
• Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project
• Red Tomato
• Artisan Grain Collaborative
• Burlap & Barrel
• Bluebird Grain Farms
• Kernza® / The Land Institute

I know there are so many more! If you have brands or farms you admire, reply to this email! I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for being here, for cooking and sharing, and for thinking about your role in this big and complex system. It matters more than you know.

Lesley

PS – You probably know by now that we are in a transition. I hope to share an announcement soon about the future of PB and the launch of a new crop. In the meantime, our current inventory is still within its peak and each order helps support the team, the transition, and the creative work to come :)