Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Allgood.
Erin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved food and this love eventually led me to pursue a Master’s degree in nutrition at the University of New Hampshire. I finished my Master’s degree at the height of the Great Recession and ended up working for a few years in a corporate job that didn’t quite fit. During that time, I spent many hours volunteering with organizations that were focused on local food. In 2013, I completed a certificate in Leadership for Sustainable Food Systems through the University of Vermont. The week that I spent on campus, surrounded by other passionate food activists, gave me the final impetus to launch Allgood Eats Local.
Since its inception in 2013, Allgood Eats Local has evolved. I originally started offering cooking classes and healthy eating tips and transitioned to doing more project-based work on various food system topics. Most of my work now is centered around helping organizations, coalitions, and individuals understand how they can create change within the food system.
At its heart, Allgood Eats Local is the embodiment of my deep love of food, sustainability, and social change.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think that many people like to share the polished story of how they launched their business or how they realized their life’s purpose. There were many false starts for me – I had so many ideas for what I wanted to do, but never felt confident enough to take the next step. Finally, I just made up a business card with my name on it and called myself a consultant. The very first time I handed out that business card led to my first real project.
Over the years, I have refined my services to better align with how I want to create change in the world and where I want to put my energy. I have been fortunate to work with great people who also share my vision. I have also been lucky enough to work with people who didn’t share or understand my vision. Those individuals caused me to doubt myself but ultimately helped me dig in and recognize the talents that I have and the belief in the work that I do. I would also say that building my consulting business is an ongoing process – as I grow and change so does my business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Allgood Eats Local – what should we know?
My consulting services mirror my mission to create a sustainable, just, and equitable food system. I support communities, organizations, and individuals who are also looking to make a difference in the food system and beyond by helping them gain clarity, create change, and develop their skills. Specifically, my services include coaching, assessments, strategy, project management, facilitation, event planning, and training.
One project that I am particularly proud of is the Compact for a Hunger Free New England. I worked alongside anti-hunger advocates to help draft the Compact. This project took over a year to come to fruition and was incredibly rewarding. I am excited to see how the Compact can be used as an advocacy tool in the fight against hunger.
What sets me apart is my depth of knowledge of the food system, my strategies for creating social change, and my ability to always listen and learn from others. It’s a niche that I have carved out for myself as a food system consultant.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many incredible people who have helped me along the way. My husband has been a big advocate of mine and pushed me to start the business. My dear friends Jen and Renee deserve a big shout out for their help. There are many community organizations in which I have worked, volunteered, or of which I have been a member that have informed my thinking about food systems and social change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allgoodeatslocal.com
- Phone: 603 953 5765
- Email: erin@allgoodeatslocal.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allgoodeatslocal/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/allgoodEL
Image Credit:
Michael Sterling Photography, Alexandra R Morrow
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