A Radical Dream Born in the Kitchen
It started with a daydream. In 2020, I imagined myself living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place I had always felt drawn to. At the time, it felt like a far-fetched fantasy — moving during a pandemic, leaving behind the familiar, and starting fresh. But within a week of that daydream, I was packing boxes. That vision became a reality faster than I could have anticipated, and it taught me something profound: dreams are not just lofty ideals. They’re the blueprints for change, waiting for action to bring them to life.

Fast forward to today, standing in my kitchen, I find myself dreaming even bigger. This time, my vision isn’t just for me — it’s for all of us. I see kitchens becoming the epicenters of activism, places where every ingredient, every meal, and every decision has the power to reshape the world. Welcome to the movement. Welcome to Kitchen Activism.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Power of Dreams
On this MLK Day, I’m reminded of the timeless words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Delivered 61 years ago, it remains one of the most profound calls to action in history. Dr. King taught us that dreaming is not passive — it’s revolutionary. It’s the act of envisioning a better future despite the odds and daring to make it real.

Inspired by his legacy, I ask you to dream for our planet, our communities, and our food systems. As environmental protections are rolled back and corporate interests dictate much of our food chain, it’s easy to feel powerless. But here’s the truth: the power lies with you. Your kitchen can be ground zero for change, one small decision at a time.

A Vision for the Future: Dreams for Our Food System
What would it look like if we dared to dream big for our planet? Here’s what I envision:

1. 99% Organic Agriculture
   Today, less than 1% of U.S. farmland is organic. Imagine reversing that statistic. Picture fields thriving with regenerative agricultural practices that rebuild soil, capture carbon, and heal the planet.
2. Dignity for Food Workers
   From farmhands to factory workers, the people who feed us deserve fair wages, safe conditions, and respect. I dream of a system that values their labor as much as it values the food itself.
3. Nutritious Food for All
   Right now, over half of the calories consumed in the U.S. come from ultra-processed foods. I dream of fresh, chemical-free options being the norm — not a privilege — for everyone, everywhere.
4. Regenerative School Cafeterias
   Imagine students eating lunches sourced from local regenerative farms, learning the connection between their meals and the planet. In my community, programs like the Pesticide-Free Soil Project are already making this happen. Why not everywhere?
5. Clean and Abundant Water
   Agricultural runoff and untreated waste have poisoned too many waterways. My dream is rivers and lakes so clean you could drink from them — sustaining ecosystems and communities alike.
6. Environmental Justice as a Human Right
   Clean air and water shouldn’t be privileges. They are basic human rights. I envision a world where bold leadership ensures this for every person on the planet. 

Your Turn to Dream
What are your dreams for the future of our planet, your family, and your community? Pause for a moment to envision them. Then, take that first small step. Whether it’s swapping a conventional vegetable for an organic one, or starting a compost pile in your backyard, each action matters. Together, our kitchens can become catalysts for world-changing momentum.

To help you start, I’ve created a meal plan template that’s mindful of the planet and your budget. Find it linked in the show notes. Let’s turn dreams into reality — one meal, one action, and one dreamer at a time.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider reviewing my book, Eat Less Water, or sharing this blog. Together, we can amplify the message and inspire more kitchen activists.

Link to purchase a copy of my award winning book Eat Less Water:

https://www.florenciaramirez.com/book/

Link to The Kitchen Activist Podcast episode this blog was based on:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1997290/episodes/16472333-activism-is-dreams-made-visible