Tonight’s dining experience, a creative collaboration between The Locavore and Chef Thomas Zacharias, is a celebration of the extraordinary women behind our food. Their commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation has not only enriched our menu but also our understanding of the true value of what we eat.
These narratives highlight not just the ingredients but the people behind them, emphasizing our collective journey towards a more sustainable and equitable food system. This evening, as we savor each bite, we pay homage to their work and the powerful stories they share.
The Manduva Project
Usha Sarvaraylu and Neha Alluri at The Manduva Project honor family recipes by transforming them into a celebration of culinary heritage, ensuring that the flavors of the past continue to inspire future generations.
Tillage
Saloni from Tillage has embarked on a mission to reintroduce millets and forgotten flours to the Indian table. Her work in promoting these nutrient-rich grains is not just about preserving culinary heritage but also about advocating for sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and our health.
Earth Story Farms
Senjuti Mahato co-founded Earth Story Farms with a vision to sustain Bengal’s native flavours through local cooperatives and women artisans. The story of their kasundi is a testament to the power of community, tradition, and women’s roles in preserving culinary heritage while fostering sustainability.
OOO Farms
Shikha from OOO Farms stands at the forefront of sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra, championing profit-sharing practices that ensure the welfare of indigenous farmers. Her dedication to organic farming and the revival of traditional crops like millets highlights the importance of equitable and sustainable agricultural practices.
Spirit of the Earth
In Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu, Spirit of the Earth is a beacon for heritage rice preservation, led by Dr. Nandita Krishna. This initiative champions the cultivation of over 200 heritage rice varieties, emphasising the importance of biodiversity and nutritional richness in our diets.
But these inspiring women are just the beginning. We’re thrilled to share more stories of women-led initiatives that are pivotal in shaping a sustainable future through our culinary practices.
Umrani Farms
Nestled in Sangli, Maharashtra, Nina Patil of Umrani Farms has transformed challenging terrain into fertile grounds for indigenous raisin production. Her journey is a narrative of resilience and the pursuit of sustainable agriculture for future generations.
Black Baza Coffee
In Bengaluru, Arshiya Bose of Black Baza Coffee pioneers a model that protects biodiversity while ensuring the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Her work extends beyond coffee beans to embody a holistic approach to sustainable coffee production.
Forest Post
Manju’s commitment at Forest Post in Kerala bridges community-led conservation with the marketplace, turning wild forest produce into sustainable livelihoods. Her dedication reflects the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
Aamra by Nari Shiksha Kendra
Under Jaya Bajaj’s leadership, Aamra celebrates the culinary expertise of local women in Ghaziabad, turning traditional recipes into treasures that carry the essence of North India’s rich food culture.
Purvina
In Malappuram, Parvathy Avanoor and her mother, Jaya, of Purvina, revitalise traditional coconut oil processing methods, ensuring the legacy of Kerala’s oil-making traditions continues to enrich lives.
Last Forest
The team at Last Forest, including the indigenous women of Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, champions forest-based livelihoods, melding traditional agriculture and crafts with sustainability and self-empowerment.
Tani Naturals
Tanuja BK and Prarthana Nagaraj of Tani Naturals in Karnataka are dedicated to preserving traditional oil extraction methods, supporting local farming communities, and promoting natural farming practices.
Dongaon Local
In Maharashtra, Neeraja Dhorde and her mother, Anita Dhorde, founded Dongaon Local to share their family’s ghee recipe and empower local women farmers to join their enterprise.
Our journey through tonight’s menu is a journey through the stories of these remarkable women and their contributions to a more sustainable, equitable, and delicious world. By choosing to dine with us, you’ve embarked on a path of discovery, learning about the impact of your food choices and the power of supporting women-led initiatives in agriculture and beyond.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of women, food, and technology. Your engagement doesn’t end with this meal; it’s the beginning of a conscious journey towards a better understanding of the true value of food.
