Prior to partnering with Chef Ann Cooper in Lunch Lessons LLC in 2008, Beth moved to Traverse City, MI in 2006 and founded Local Plates LLC, a consulting firm focusing on implementation of sustainable systems for food service with a special focus on transitioning schools from processed reheat food service to whole food scratch-cooking systems.

In 2006 and 2007 Beth continued as consulting Executive Chef to the Ross School and joined forces again with Chef Ann Cooper in the Berkeley Unified School District in California as part of the tactical support team funded by the Chez Panisse Foundation.

In 2007 and 2008 Beth directed school food service reform for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools in Traverse City, Michigan; a full scale transition from a processed reheat food service to a self operated whole foods based lunch program and multi-faceted wellness approach called the Life Balance Initiative.

Beth extends her work in schools into the broader advocacy work on the subject of food system change, food access, and reestablishing our regional food sheds as a means to expedite access for schools and other institutions wishing to shift their systems to whole foods. Understanding the challenges of federal and state historical practice and policies, hurdles of conventional distribution systems and the rapid degradation of small and mid size food based farming systems nationwide, Beth is passionate about “using it or losing it” in the quest to reconnect our lives and daily practice into a commitment to “real food.” Beth describes herself as a “heavy lifter”. She is well honed at examining existing systems and finding practical and efficient paths to enhance what is there and reinventing the system with whole foods practice and education at its core.