Avid gardener Traci Hildner loves the Pacific Northwest’s climate and soil because it allows affectionatos like her to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, all filled with fabulous taste and nutrition. But Traci also was interested in keeping as much of the crop as possible and not wasting much, if any of her bounty. And so, she began researching the preservation of our great variety of foodstuffs and has become a leading expert on the subject. So much so she started her own business to teach and encourage others to share her passion for revering the food harvest and making sure it all was consumed. Her company, The Lucky Larder, LLC, takes a bit of explanation. The word lard may conjure up visions of clogged arteries, but the word larder actually translates to pantry; the storage of food for off season, hard times or even emergencies. Traci started her company in early 2015 after years of self-tutoring in the art and science of canning and preserving. That education came with the purchase of she and her husband’s first home, which led to the planting of her first garden. Excited after the harvest of her first year’s crop, Traci expanded her garden for the next harvest. That move led to an oversupply of fresh food and Traci was faced with the reality of throwing away the unconsumed portions. Then around 2013, she went through Oregon State University’s Master Food Preservation program and her certification became the foundation for the business. This same extension program reaches out to all families to assist in helping them stretch their food supplies. And they can be reached via phone or email by the general public. Part of the key to Traci’s success with The Lucky Larder is the business is built on teaching and that is a big part of her background. She taught high schoolers for 15 years and loved it. In fact, if she had not gotten dissatisfied with the “larger system” she would still be there. But it gave her a background in handling a class and measuring their progress. Her classes are mostly hands-on, as Traci feels that is the best way to reinforce learning and drive it to the visceral level. Her classes have been given in the university and college campuses around the state and she does private classes as well. Traci puts on special events and signing up can be done easily on her website. Her exciting news is hopefully she will be moving into a bricks and mortar space soon, which will allow her to offer more classes at a consistent location. Traci’s personal garden grows more fruit and vegetables than can be listed here but suffice it to say her variety and range make her imminently qualified to assist any gardener anywhere. Follow Traci’s two Instagram accounts: @luckylarderpdx and @kitchenculturepdx.

#119 No Need to Go Hungry - Traci Hildner, The Lucky Larder, LLC

Meaningful Marketplace Podcast