you have the power to help change the food system

Power, strength and courage typically comes from a place deep within because of life’s circumstances and experiences. These are the circumstances and experiences that give us the power to help change the current food system.

Every single one of our voices counts, and this became evident at the Shiftcon Media Conference our team attended from October 2-4, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA.

Shiftcon is the very first international social media conference focusing on wellness, health, and the environment. According to Shiftcon Founder and Creator, Leah Segedie,

ShiftCon was born out of the idea that together we can create a profound impact on the world around us. We can literally shift how we eat, raise our families and our impact on the environment.

Robyn O’Brien’s power was born out of the love for her sick child (check out her TED Talk about “how one person really can make a difference”).

During her keynote, she posted an image titled, “Love is a Rocket Fuel.” The slide contained those words + her picture + a heart + a bottle of Roundup.

Vani Hari’s power was born out of her own illness. She regained her health through researching food and ingredients and changing her lifestyle. She made it her mission to share this information with the public. During her keynote she stated that the motivation for this work is so: “….that when you die, you matter.”

Changing the food system isn’t just for Robin O’Brien and Vani Hari. It’s for you, for all of us.

We asked a few people who attended the conference, “What did Shiftcon mean to you?” Here is what they said:

Shiftcon gave me hope for a future where we can actually make an informed decision about what goes in our bodies and on our tables. I also felt like I wasn’t the only one fighting for that informed decision. I left Shiftcon energized, excited and secure in the knowledge I’m not the only one. (Honey Rowland)

It’s possible to have delicious, healthy food at a conference and together we can change the world. (Lori Alper)

I LOVED connecting with like-minded power women (and men) who wholeheartedly believe in what they are doing to make a difference. It was powerful to meet with brands who also believe in the mission of making convenient and healthy foods and products for us who live in this fast-paced world. That there are more organic and healthy options makes my heart sing! It also motived and empowered me to continue to do the work I’ve been doing for the last several years. (Jasmine Jafferali)

Throughout the course of the weekend, we soaked up information via sessions like, “Slowing Down Fast Food: How the Fast Food Industry Targets Kids & What You Can Do About It,” “Why Are We So Allergic,” “The Future of Labeling GMOs” and “Living the Waste Free & Plastic Free Life.”

But in the end, it all came down to one overpowering message:

You have the power to help change the food system.

We want to hear YOUR story: How are you helping change the food system, and where does your drive come from?