Ryan Jankoska ~ Co-founder
Lately, I feel as if I am right where I am meant to be -- working with chefs, farmers and institutions to develop a sustainable local food system. For most of my adult life, I have volunteered my time toward cleanup efforts on our local river systems as well as spearheading community projects. I am an active volunteer with the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy and I am on the community advisory group for the cleanup of contamination in the Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers. While assisting in the cleanup of the Kawkawlin River, I was introduced to folks from Saginaw Valley State University whose findings ring true that we need to get a grip on big agriculture practices and revert to more natural and sustainable methods for the health of our bodies and our waterways.
For the past 12 years, I have worked for an electric utility company. I've operated power plants and have worked in distribution. I have earned several professional certifications and learned how systems function. For the past three or so years, I have been lucky enough to work on the Au Sable River system. At the same time, I have worked diligently to form close relationships with our area's best chefs, farmers, foragers and fishermen. I've learned to forage for wild mushrooms and plants -- and I've learned how much chefs value them. My mushrooms have landed me more than one free meal!Those chefs have taught me much about how cooking seasonally and sustainably not only nourishes our bodies and environment but leads to the very best flavors. I've learned that flavor is a telltale sign of quality and care. We look to lead with flavor.
My daughter, Leah, is my driving force. We've tremendously enjoyed our backyard gardening and farming! But, like they say, "It takes a village to raise a child." Even kids who eat from backyard gardens are participating in our community food system, whether at school, a friend's house or while out to eat. Some kids rely entirely on our food system. I feel that we owe it to all of our children to not turn our backs on these issues. Let's celebrate flavor, enjoy our lives and leave this world a better place.Let our area's best show what is possible. We will stay working hard, connecting the dots and making good food easily available for all.
