December Cream of the Crop: Jen Underhill & Julie Kessell

by Beth Settle Jen Underhill and Julie Kessel are December’s “Cream of the Crop” volunteer nominees. When it comes to innovative approaches to education and advocacy around issues of promoting clean food, Jen and Julie set the bar high. A few years back, Jen and Julie wanted to spread the word about the impact of food choices on our bodies, our community, and our environment. They proposed the idea of an action team dedicated to this. Initially called “Plant Power”, the Food Politics Team has become one of the most active groups in the St. Petersburg Area League. From food tours dedicated to highlighting the amazing vegan restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, to lectures and workshops, to film screenings and food festival field trips, Jen and Julie have expanded the knowledge of many league members about nutrition, Big “Ag,” food forests, urban farming, vegetarianism, the farming/climate-change connection, and more. As a result, many of us have been encouraged to move toward a plant-centered diet. Additionally, these leaders advocated for those residing in big swaths of St. Petersburg where no grocery stores exist to have more accessibility to nutritious food choices. Thanks to Jen and Julie’s efforts, LWVSPA has a seat on the St. Petersburg Food Policy Council. Hats off to these amazing leaders!