We recently connected with Sara Stewart and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Over the last three years I have been conducting plant-based, kids cooking/nutrition, and food-styling classes in the local community. Just recently this spring I added Intro to Tower Garden classes. As part of a homeschool co-op class series called “Not your Mom’s Home Ec.”, I taught a 9-week session at Studio 43*19 art studio. During this time, I had a defining moment.

Using a variety of curriculum including my own, Tower Garden, Slow Food, and Edible Schoolyard lessons, we covered so much! They started with a Campaign for Produce where they researched particular produce they would like to grow and voting on them. Then they learned all about the science of aeroponics and sustainable growing (Like NASA), started their crops from seed, held a progressive tasting, learned knife skills, created their own salad dressings, smoothies, salsa, and charcuterie! They not only got creative with food art, but also did pollination painting with their homemade pollinator bee painters! The lessons most important to me were on the importance of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that help us fight disease and grow strong and healthy!) and the concept of traffic light eating. I even dressed up like a traffic light, and they got to watch Mr. Ritz Eats Across the Rainbow with Stephen Ritz and the Green Bronx Machine!

During that nine week stint, it occurred to me that I wanted this for my local community and beyond. This was the defining moment. I saw the joy and accomplishment of these young growers and food artists! Most importantly, I saw clearly the need for people of all ages to consume more plants. People young and old with varying abilities can grow a Tower Garden right in their home or at their business for easy access to the freshest, fastest growing, nutrient-dense produce. No soil or weeding, bending or kneeling required! Many people don’t have the awareness regarding vertical, sustainable growing. Most know about local farms, community gardens and things of that nature, but there are so many future implications for this type of growing. It uses 90% less water and space, grows 3x’s faster, and is picked at peak ripeness retaining all of the nutrients that are often lost due to traveling long distances. This is critical for our health and the health of future generations. Knowledge is power, and It is my passion to educate the masses on how they can increase plant consumption affordably and sustainably.

A quick story that brings this to life is during the time I was teaching the students about year-round growing, a local blueberry farmer lost her crop due to a spring freeze. This was not only an opportunity to educate them about the harsh realities of weather dependent crops, but the positive outcomes from growing inside or out with a Tower Garden. I also took that opportunity to encourage the children and their families to support that local farmer when possible because her contributions to our community are many.

The ultimate goal I have at this time is to have a small Tower Garden Farm of twelve vertical gardens. I would like to continue to hold my educational classes right on site amongst the gardens. This unique Tower to Table concept will be a wonderful hands-on asset as we harvest for classes.

Sara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My motivation to do this type of work is being a wife and homeschooling Mama of 3. My wellness journey started 23 years ago upon entering the field of Health Promotion. I went from fearful to faithful in the process. I was so tired of seeing loved ones suffer from chronic diseases, and fearful that if I didn’t learn strategies to overcome these ailments, I would follow the same trajectory. I knew I didn’t want that for myself or my future family, and wanted to make a difference in the lives of others while giving them hope.

I became a Masters level Plant-based Health & Parent Educator; and soon learned that my DNA is not my destiny, and lifestyle choices could put me in charge. My story is one of faith, and a reflection of how adding more plants can literally CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Those seeds the Lord has given us, have become my purpose in helping others thrive on their wellness journey!

I’m most proud of providing simple solutions for people to get well, and for helping them identify their own abilities to create an easy, beautiful plant-focused lifestyle.

Services I offer are Aeroponic (growing with air and water) workshops, as well as plant-based nutrition, kids cooking, and food-styling classes. Plans for the Tower Garden Farm are in the works, and will be the perfect place to highlight the classes being offered and get the harvest right into the community’s hands! I currently offer plant powders and Tower Gardens that can be purchased and sent directly to my customers. I offer ongoing support for growing to ensure my customers are successful!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m very transparent about this journey because I want others to be hopeful with their own challenges. As I mentioned, I went from being fearful to faithful in this process. My parents were both battling serious health issues back when I entered the field of health promotion. My Dad was pre-diabetic with bladder cancer. My Mom, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthiritis, high cholesterol, fluctuating blood pressure, anxiety and depression. Both were dealing with my brother’s drug addiction, which impacts both physical and mental health. Over time, lifestyle choices contributed to my Dad’s health issues. He ended up diabetic with diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, chronic gastrointestinal issues, had a stroke, has end-stage kidney disease, is on dialysis, and wheelchair bound. It is such a sad thing to watch a parent go through these things, especially under 70 years-old! However, my Mom realized she could have control over her future and has been enjoying healthy living. She stays active and eats lots of plants each day. It is such a blessing that she is able to be a vibrant example to her grandchildren! I’m now coordinating my Dad’s extensive healthcare needs, and it has fueled my passion for helping others even more. My faith and lifestyle have supported my resilience through this difficult time.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Anyone can succeed in this field if they have a heart for helping others and are willing to be teachable. I’m on a lifelong learning journey, and learn from others everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: freshfoodiemama.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/freshfoodiemama
• Facebook: facebook.com/freshfoodiemama