CEC is committed to creating a more resilient and just region in the face of climate change. Through our work with the Central Coast Climate Justice Network and elsewhere, our vision includes an end to racial injustices and their resulting environmental inequities.

The Food We Eat

At CEC, we know that the food choices we make as individuals and as communities affect and are affected by climate change. And, food choice is very personal. Depending on where you live, your dietary needs, your work schedule, your cultural origins, your religion or personal ethics, and your financial and logistical realities, the “right” way to eat will vary.

Whatever your realities are, we are here to support you in making food choices that better your health, our climate and our community. Below are some questions and resources to help guide your decisions.

Questions to Consider

For each food item, we encourage you to ask the following:

  • Did the production of this item restore and regenerate local ecosystems?
  • How many miles did this item travel to get to me?
  • How many inputs (fossil fuels, agrichemicals, water, labor) were required to produce this item from start to finish?
  • How many people helped get the food to my plate, and how were they treated in the process?
  • Are the ingredients in this item pronounceable and recognizable?

Educational Resources

For those interested in better understanding and eliminating factory farming and industrial food production, explore the following resources:

  • A Foodie’s Guide to Capitalism, Eric Holt Jimenez (Book)
  • Stuffed and Starved, Raj Patel (Book)
  • Food Rules and Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan (Book)
  • Farmer Jane: Women Changing the Way We Eat, Temra Costa (Book)
  • Food First Publications:

For those interested in a better understanding or adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, explore the following resources:

For those interested in a locally sourced diet, explore the following resources:

  • Food Security for the Faint of Heart, Robin Wheeler (Book)
  • 100 mile diet, Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon (Book)
  • Farm City by Novella Carpenter (Book)
  • See “Local Food Resources” below (Eating Resource)

For those interested in responsible meat production and consumption, explore the following resources:

Local Food Resources

Farmers’ Markets
We are fortunate to have a robust selection of farmers’ markets available in our region, including multiple weekly markets in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For complete schedules, visit:

Local Ranches
There are a variety of local farms and ranches working to build soil carbon and transition to more regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices.
This list is not comprehensive. If there are others you think should be on this list, please let our team know.

Local Fisheries
Local fishermen provide sustainably-caught seafood.

What You Can Do

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