Today I sit down at the Kitchen table with Bess Vanzandwyk, a local force in horticultural production. A transplant to the Peace region herself, she has put down roots and is exploring how local communities can be more food secure with the growth of more local food producers.

Bess holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies. Bess and her husband Mike also started Hip Peace Produce in 2015, at the time located at Bear Flats, which unfortunately became the new flood zone for the Site C dam. During her time as a grower, Bess has planted over 100 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs. More recently, Bess and Mike along with their two children found a new farm home in the Rose Prairie area where they are working on building their permaculture property.