As an undergraduate at Brown University working on her thesis project, Louella Hill begins asking questions about our local food system. She’d noticed a disconnect between local farmers and eaters in our region, and wants to address it. With help from her advisory committee — including key community stakeholders like Virginia Dunleavy, Ken Ayars, Skip Paul, and Nicole Vitello — Louella establishes the Sustainable Food Initiative.
The initiative makes an impressive impact, sending students out to help local farmers and increasing locally sourced foods served by Brown Dining Services. Thanks to funding from the Rhode Island Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency, Louella is able to continue her work after graduating from Brown — kicking off what is to become the popular “Monday Market” local foods market in downtown Providence’s Kennedy Plaza.
