Food Champion Nominees
Entrepreneurs for Sustainability
November 2003

• Albert Hobar
• Kathleen O’Neil *winner*
• Donita Anderson
• Darwin Kelsey
• Tom Dunderman

Champion: Albert Hobar – The Web of Life Natural Foods Market
(Nominated by: Melanie Kintner – Cleveland Green Building Coalition)
Albert continually demonstrates his commitment to sustainability through his business and personal life. Through the Web of Life Natural Foods Market Albert makes locally-produced, vegan, organic food available to the community. Some of the local food is produced on his own organic farm in Avon Lake. The Web of Life also creates delicious original recipes and provides excellent catering. Albert does educational programming on various aspects of healthy eating at the Web of Life. Finally, Albert worked with the Cleveland Green Building Coalition to build a straw bale greenhouse on his farm and consequently hosted the weekend-long straw bale workshop for Cleveland GBC

*Winner* Champion: Kathleen O’Neil – Coit Road Farmers Market *Winner*
(Nominated by: Linda Griffith – Slow Foods)
As omeone who knew the Coit Road Market in its heyday and also in its near-death, I am just astonished by her (Kathleen`s) abilities to nurture, inspire and still administrate. Watching her move about the market, the respect which the farmers have for her is inspiring to those who visit the market. Their faces told me that this is someone they trust, respect and will slog through weeds and dirt...if that is what is necessary to change the course of Coit Road Market. They will also pull weeds in the parking area, make their stands increasingly attractive, and just about anything else it takes to make their director know that they are with her all the way.
I have seen a significant increase in the numbers of market goers just when I am there. They are clearly from the suburbs as well as from the area within easy reach of the market. They are also younger. The people who come, return. I know this from all the buzz that has been posted on www.cleveland.com/forums/food, which I moderate. And there has also been significant positive feedback from an article I wrote about the market for Currents this summer. Kathleen is bringing back the children and grandchildren of the old market-goers. And they, in turn, are bringing new folks with them. In addition, she is helping the farmers to keep these new folks.
Kathleen moves about the market with a smile for regulars and an immediate welcome to a newcomer. She has made us feel welcome and is ready to answer questions...and to offer information. That the sales are increasing is obvious when talking with the farmers. They are already looking forward to next summer and want any and all suggestions for new things we might want them to grow. A "Homecoming" event brought continuing crowds for 4 hours just this past Saturday. A number of farmers made a point of telling me how proud they are to be part of the renaissance she is leading.
This market inspires all of us who are devoted to the cause of farmers markets. The neighborhood is run-down and unwelcoming. Yet the people come...rich and poor alike. Everyone wants the fresh, clean food that is sold here. The prices are reasonable and appealing to everyone. The market is also an equalizer of people. A mother getting some help from WIC and a suburban cook, alike, appreciate the hearty welcome from Kathleen as well as the special hello from Mr. Schultz, or any of the other farmers. The word-of-mouth has reached all parts of the general community.
As a Clevelander for the last 43 years, and as someone who worked in the area shortly after the riots, I am thrilled to see something positive happening in that neighborhood. Especially when it is something that brings together such diverse people.
And as a food writer who has devoted the last fifteen years to encouraging people to support our region`s farmers, I just look at Kathleen O`Neil and feel tremendously inspired and encouraged. She is making a huge difference. In my mind, she has already accomplished miracles. Best of all, she has only just begun.
There could be no one more deserving of this award than she. It is my strong hope that she is honored.

Champion: Donita Anderson – North Union Farmers Markets
(Nominated by: Susan Helper - CWRU)
Donita is a champion of eating local foods produced by family farms. She will only allow products made in Ohio sold at the markets. In addition to the Shaker Square Farmers Market she has expanded to Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, and Parma. Donita understands the connection between sustainability and our urban centers.

Champion: Darwin Kelsey - Cuyahoga Countryside Conservancy
(Nominated by: Kari Moore – Northeast Ohio Foodshed Network)

Champion: Tom Dunderman - Basketeria
(Nominated by: Kari Moore – Northeast Ohio Foodshed Network)