Board Member Spotlight: Michelle Otten

The Edible Prairie Project is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors made up of seven dedicated members. Each board member brings unique skills, experience, and passion that help guide our mission of bridging the food insecurity gap in Campbell County. We deeply appreciate their time, expertise, and commitment.

In this issue, we’re highlighting Michelle Otten who currently services as our intrepid Board Chair.

What inspired you to join our Board?

I believe that the needs of our community should be handled at a local level. I have followed EPP since the beginning (way back in 2019) and have seen how it has helped the community by producing food and sourcing food from other local producers. When the opportunity to join the board became available, I was excited to be able to be involved in helping serve the community.

What does access to fresh, local food mean to you?

I’ve been on both sides of local food as both a producer and a consumer. I enjoy learning about the variety of vegetables out there and the different ways they can be prepared. I also like knowing that when I buy local, I'm helping local producers stay in business.

What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was a stage manager/roadie for an 80’s cover costume band based out of the Twin Cities. I spent most weekends traveling for shows and festivals.