From foodie to environmentalist

Lorrie Heber became the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice director during the spring of 2014.

If you know how to cut up a whole chicken, grow your own vegetables or ever watched Julia Child’s cooking show you might have something in common with the new director of White Violet Center (WVC).

Lorrie Heber is a foodie, but don’t expect her to have a snobbish attitude about it. She wants to share her love of food with everyone! She is passionate about where food comes from, how it’s prepared, and nutrition and health.

“Being a foodie has made me an environmentalist,” she said. “I think that if you care about what you consume, you have to be mindful of the condition of our Earth on which it’s grown. I believe that carefully grown whole foods are the very basis of health. My greatest joys in life come when preparing and sharing great food with loved ones.”

One of her first tasks as director was working with the staff to create the 2014-2015 events schedule. For those who like food, there are some classes you won’t want to miss.

Since becoming the WVC director in the spring the days have flown by.

“It really shouldn’t surprise me but I’m pleasantly surprised at the number of people who seek us out every day!” she said. “We have people touring the grounds, students on field trips, pilgrims, seekers, interns, volunteers, sisters and other men and women religious, and folks who just pull in off the road. It’s wonderful!”

Lorrie has been involved in sustainable living projects in the Terre Haute area for several years. She is the president of Our Green Valley Alliance for Sustainability. The members of this grassroots non-profit organization work to advance environmental sustainability in the Wabash Valley and beyond. She is also a board member and marketing director for Terre Foods Cooperative Market, working with many others for the development of a cooperatively owned grocery store featuring local and organic whole foods in Terre Haute.

She is a master gardener through the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and a member of the Indiana State University Community Garden. She is also a board member of Riverscape and Trees, Inc.

Lorrie first moved to Terre Haute as a child in 1968. Though she’s lived in a few other communities since then, she has lived in Terre Haute with her husband, Tom, for the last 22 years.

Lorrie’s goal is to make WVC the “go-to” resource — a destination — for healthy, sustainable living. Watch for future articles on the White Violet Center blog and website from Lorrie as she offers ideas of how everyone can participate in getting more connected with the food they eat and the food they feed their families.