Mel Bankoff, founder and operator of Emerald Valley Kitchen, for 23 years. Mel has focused on promoting organic agriculture and sustainable business methodologies in the production of healthy ready-to-eat foods. Mel co-founded the Institute of Sustainable Ethics and Economics, promoting sustainability in community, business, and politics. Mel is presently active in the development of the Food-On project working in conjunction with the Lane County Food Coalition to get healthy food into public schools and promoting curriculum to educate and create hands-on experience with the food systems for the next generation.