Editor’s note: Carlee Leonhard joined Petaluma Bounty as a Farmers Market Ambassador in the summer of 2023. Carlee was already working closely with the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market management as a vendor and marketing consultant and was a natural fit for the position. Now, Carlee has stepped up into the role of Farmers Market Ambassador Coordinator. She shares her background, passion, and vision in this blog post reintroducing herself.
Hello, Petaluma Bounty community!
My name is Carlee Leonhard, and I’m excited to share my journey as the new Farmers Market Ambassador Coordinator with Petaluma Bounty. Alongside my role as the ambassador for the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market, I’m now overseeing our incredible team of ambassadors and managing our social media for Our Farmers Market LIFE.
Professional Chef and Mushroom Business Owner
A bit about me: I’m a professional chef and a Culinary Institute of America graduate. As a vegan who loves to garden, I believe eating locally is one of the healthiest choices we can make, whether growing our own food or shopping at local farmers markets. Quality food is vital to our well-being, as it nourishes both our bodies and our communities. Local ingredients, especially those grown in organic soil, are rich in nutrients and support a healthy microbiome. I’m passionate about planning meals with the best local ingredients to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
I also run Sporgy Mushrooms, where our mission is “Making Mushrooms More Attractive.” We create delicious mushroom teas and extracts by balancing flavors with locally grown fruits and herbs, offering the health benefits of mushrooms without sacrificing taste. Additionally, we make fun, at-home grow kits that allow people to have a hand in growing their own food at home.
Hitting the Market Ground Running
Stepping into this position has been a whirlwind of fulfilling activities and meaningful projects. One of my first initiatives was coordinating the distribution of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) checks. Ensuring that eligible seniors can access fresh, locally grown produce is a cornerstone of Petaluma Bounty’s mission. Seeing the gratitude and joy on the seniors’ faces as they receive their checks in July will be incredibly rewarding.
To further support our community during SFMNP distribution, I helped tailor heat illness prevention plans for the farmers markets. The safety of our ambassadors and the seniors we serve is paramount, especially during the hot summer months at the markets. These plans ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our farmers markets.
Promoting farmers markets and its benefits
Managing our social media presence has opened up new avenues to connect with our community. Through the Facebook and Instagram Our Farmers Market LIFE accounts, I share updates, highlight events, and showcase stories from our local farmers and vendors. Social media is a powerful tool to encourage people to explore new markets, stay informed about events, and understand which markets accept CalFresh and participate in the Market Match program. This not only supports our farmers but also promotes sustainable and healthy eating practices.
Advocacy in support of the food insecure & small farms
Beyond promoting markets, alongside the other ambassadors, I actively collected testimonials, conducted surveys, and advocated for the Save Market Match campaign. This campaign was crucial as it addressed the threat of California’s proposed 2024-25 budget cuts, which could have ended the Market Match program. Market Match, funded through the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), is a lifeline for food-insecure families and local farms. By providing matching funds for CalFresh purchases at farmers markets, it ensures access to fresh, healthy food and supports the sustainability of our local agriculture.
Our advocacy in support of CNIP is vital for maintaining food security and supporting our farming community. For months, the Save Market Match Coalition pressed state legislators to reject these cuts and fully fund CNIP — and our efforts made a difference. The legislative budget proposal restored CNIP funds and in late June, the governor signed into law the final 2024-25 California Budget with CNIP funding intact.
Healthier lives through strong community presence
This all being said, I strongly believe in the Blue Zone effect — the concept of living longer, healthier lives through community engagement and healthy living—and the importance of a strong community presence. Being part of Petaluma Bounty and facilitating its programs is deeply fulfilling to me. My journey with Petaluma Bounty has been enriching, and I’m eager to continue supporting our community, promoting healthy eating, and advocating for sustainable practices.