Meet Sofia Adinolfi | Farmers Market Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia Adinolfi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Manhattan, Kansas and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. Ironically, growing up in Kansas, one of the country’s most bountiful food producing states, I never felt more disconnected from the food system. Most of the people I grew up around were not talking about eating local or the importance of growing food and I don’t think I could have told you how organic vegetables were different than conventionally grown vegetables until college. Perhaps I wish I had more of an appreciation for local food production as a child but looking back I am very grateful I grew up where I did. Being surrounded by large industrial farms challenged me to go deeper in understanding farming in general. It is what sparked my curiosity about the food system and ultimately is what led me to where I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career began at university. I say this, because before I went to college, I could not point in the direction of the nearest farm in my hometown. The disconnect that I used to have from food used to upset me, but now I look at it from a more gracious angle. I was not the only kid that grew up distant from the food system. When I went to college in rural Kansas I met so many people that grew up on a ranch or farm. In studying horticulture production, most of my fellow classmates knew only one type of farming, large scale, monocrop culture. I had always known that health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability were important to me which is one reason that I decided to pursue my studies in horticulture focusing on food production. Even though it was challenging going against the grain by having interest in small scale organic farming, I’m grateful to have studied food production in Kansas where the majority of farms are large scale farms growing only one or a handful of crops. This controversial stance on farming that I had constantly challenged me to develop my own knowledge and opinions rather than succumb to the norm. It was not easy defending my difference of opinion against a majority of students and professors whom all generally supported Big Ag. Because of this, I grew so much in my abilities to research both sides of an argument and remain open minded when listening to others opinions.

I now feel proud that I serve a small part in my local food system as the farmers market manager of the Salida, Colorado farmers markets. I used to get wrapped up in the overwhelming feeling that I was not doing enough to make a difference in what I believe needs to be addressed within agriculture and food production in this country. Through my role at the farmers market, I have found that by starting within your community to spread awareness about things you’re passionate about is enough. By being a part in connecting people to the food that they’re eating and empowering people to learn about where their food comes from is fulfilling to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend in the world came to Salida, Colorado we would make the most it. First, I would begin by suggesting that she visited in the summer because there is no other time of the year like it. The weather is exquisitely perfect with warm temperatures during the day and it gets slightly cool at night, making it perfect for camping. On day one, I would take her rafting down the Arkansas river. It is a once in a lifetime experience because of the remoteness of Browns Canyon and the breathtaking scenery. Not to mention the water itself makes for a thrilling ride. To end the day, we would float right into town for beer and food at any of the local brew pubs. Day two, perhaps we would travel to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. From sledding down the warm sand or splashing around in the shallow creek that runs right over the sand, you could spend all day here. We would most likely bring a big picnic and enjoy our entire day sun bathing in the sand. On the way back to the Arkansas Valley we would stop by my very favorite hot springs, Joyful Journey to soaking in their hot pools with the stunning views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain range in the background. On her last day in the valley, we would spend it by getting a relaxing breakfast meal on the rooftop of the Biker and Baker cafe. The food is delicious and the ambiance is perfect. We would spend the rest of our day hanging around downtown Salida. Shopping at the local thrift stores, grabbing a coffee, and hanging out by the river downtown, it is impossible to be bored in Salida.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my mother for being the most resilient and generous woman that I know and for showing me why long-term health is important. I would also like to shoutout all the farmers, ranchers, and food producers across the globe for doing the work so that people can eat food that is good for our bodies and the planet.

Website: foodshedalliance.com

Instagram: foodshedalliance

Facebook: Foodshed Alliance