Virtual Walk Talk Listen with Chrystal Vasquez (episode 136)

Walk Talk Listen Podcast

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, the spotlight is on Crystal Vasquez, a dynamic community leader and certified chef from Fresno, CA. Crystal's journey is a testament to her dedication to community development, with a particular focus on food, nutrition, and wellness. Her work extends beyond the kitchen, addressing critical issues such as sustainability, inequity, food security, and homelessness in her hometown and beyond. For the past 18 years, Crystal has honed her skills in the culinary arts, becoming a certified chef and a pivotal figure in the food industry. Her passion for cooking has evolved into a mission for community impact, driving her involvement in various initiatives aimed at creating more food-secure communities. Crystal's efforts include participating in workgroups for the Food Policy Council of Fresno County, initiated by Fresno Metro Ministries, where she contributed to identifying gaps in food systems and brainstorming sustainable solutions. Her extensive experience includes leading the production of thousands of meals daily for The Poverello House and the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, significantly supporting those facing homelessness and communities in need throughout the Central Valley. As a member of The City of Fresno’s Review Committee for District 3 and a board director for the nonprofit gogreenlocally.com, she continues to advocate for sustainability and community welfare. Crystal has recently embarked on a new venture, The Spicy Meatball, a family-run business that offers fresh farm-to-table foods, embodying her commitment to quality and community service. A portion of the revenue is earmarked for outreach initiatives and bridging gaps in the local food system. To learn more about Crystal's impactful work and The Spicy Meatball, follow her business on Instagram and check out her website. The songs picked by all our guests can be found via our playlist #walktalklisten here. Please let me/us know via our email [e-mail] what you think about this new series. We would love to hear from you. Please like/follow our Walk Talk Listen podcast and follow mauricebloem on twitter and instagram. Or check us out on our website 100mile.org. We also encourage you to check out the special WTL series Enough for All about an organization called CWS.