Communities Ariel Zevon ’97
Bringing agriculture closer to home
When she first came to Marlboro, Ariel knew that Vermont was where she wanted to put down roots. She has done this and much more, as the founder of the non-profit Local Agricultural Community Exchange (LACE) in central Vermont.
"Marlboro helped introduce me to a sustainable and independent lifestyle which ultimately led me to seek out a sustainable business and family lifestyle," says Ariel, who also owns the Farm Fresh Market & Café in Barre, Vermont. "The confidence and knowledge that Marlboro helped foster in me is what allows me to take the steps to start, own and run my business today."
Ariel explored several other professions along the way, from waitressing and graphic design to acting, but she always came back to the procurement and preparation of wholesome, local food. She started LACE to help reconnect her community back to local foods and the land by supporting family farms.
"I LOVE food," she says. "Not only the consumption, but the story of good foods. I love knowing where each and every ingredient in every bite my family and I take comes from and who grew or raised it."
Ariel says that her experiences in the small and democratic community of Marlboro encouraged her to pursue her inspirations for LACE. "Marlboro taught me that I have a voice and a say in the way things are, that each person has an impact. I have a choice through my actions to make waves or go with the flow."