Who We Are

Eastern Sierra Farm Fresh (ESFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system in the Eastern Sierra. Rooted in a love for our land and community, we work to reduce food waste, improve local food access, and promote regenerative agriculture by connecting people through the power of food.

Our mission comes to life through hands-on initiatives like gleaning surplus produce from local farms to donate to those in need, food processing and preservation, culinary education, and community composting. These efforts not only prevent food from going to waste—they also create nutritious, value-added products, enrich our soils, and provide learning opportunities for all ages.

At ESFF, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food and that thriving soils are the foundation of a healthy future. By partnering with farmers, volunteers, schools, and local organizations, we’re building a collaborative, grassroots movement to nourish both people and planet.

Together, we’re growing more than food—we’re growing connection, resilience, and a stronger, more sustainable Eastern Sierra.

What We Do

GLEANING & FOOD RECOVERY
We rescue surplus produce to ensure fresh food reaches those in need instead of going to waste.

LOCAL FOOD HUB & PROCESSING
We process and preserve locally grown food, supporting small farmers and building a community-based food system.

COMPOSTING & SOIL REGENERATION
We turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost, improving soil health and supporting sustainable agriculture.

CULINARY EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING
We provide hands-on cooking classes and job skills programs to empower individuals in the kitchen.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION & ADVOCACY
We bring together farmers, businesses, and volunteers to build a resilient, equitable food system.

Meet the Team

  • Stephen Peck

    PRESIDENT

    Stephen Peck is President of the Board of Directors of ESFF. He will use his nearly 30 years of nonprofit experience to help guide the fundraising and community building efforts. Until January of 2025 he was the CEO of U.S. VETS, the nation’s largest nonprofit agency providing housing and services to more than 12,000 homeless veterans each year at 45 housing and service centers in 5 states and the District of Columbia. He was with the agency for 28 years and was elevated to CEO in 2010. Under his leadership the annual budget grew from $24M to $100M, through Federal grants, Foundations, Corporate grants and individual fundraising. Stephen served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam in ‘69-‘70 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. He and Kristine have been hiking in the High Sierra for more than 20 years and live in Aspendell.

  • Kristine Peck

    CULINARY DIRECTOR

    Kristine Kidd brings over 20 years of experience as the food editor for Bon Appétit magazine to her role as Culinary Director for ESFF. A seasoned cooking instructor, she has taught at wellness resorts, cooking schools, and nonprofits serving people in need. Kristine has authored eight cookbooks and maintains a respected food blog. Her responsibilities include kitchen facility development and teaching two types of cooking classes: basic classes and paid cooking class experiences that end with a sit down meal featuring local products. She also develops recipes for local sustainably grown produce to enhance recipients’ enjoyment and creates preserve recipes for sale to support nonprofit operations. Kristine writes engaging content about our initiatives for the organization’s website and other publications. Kristine has a deep knowledge of food, commercial kitchen development, and a commitment to sustainable, community-focused, cooking.

  • Larry Pace

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Larry Pace is the Executive Director of Eastern Sierra Farm Fresh (ESFF), where he leads initiatives in gleaning, food processing, composting, culinary education, and community engagement. He oversees strategic planning, daily operations, and management of staff, volunteers, and contractors to meet ESFF’s mission-driven goals. Larry also builds partnerships with farmers and local organizations, manages grants and budgets, and leads outreach to raise public awareness. With over 30 years as a successful entrepreneur, Larry has built and led teams in wellness, healthcare, food service, and consumer technology. He owns a business in Bishop, CA, and brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience—including service as a Board Member and Audit Committee Chair, and as a fundraiser at Chapman University. His expertise spans business development, institutional fundraising, and community-focused initiatives.