Reader Spotlight: Valerie Vande Panne
Meet Valerie Vande Panne, Southwest Florida resident
Work: I’m the Environmental Reporter at WGCU Public Media, the local NPR station for Southwest Florida.
Regular Achievements: I love uplifting solutions-oriented stories and inspiring people to plant seeds of solutions in their own lives and communities.
Ideas about the Future: I am excited to see how we all evolve to make our environment healthier for all our relatives and for generations to come.
Longest-supported cause: I’ve supported ending the war on drugs since I was about 8 years old, and just couldn’t understand why there would ever be a war on plants, which God made.
Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: Natural Awakenings has been my go-to for local health information since 1996. I am so grateful for its localization, consistency and accessibility in health stores nationwide.
Most frequented place for healthy food: The beautiful fruit and vegetable garden that surrounds my home.
How you support your local economy: I love supporting local people and families—especially local small farmers, hunters, fishers, crafters, artists, musicians, independent theaters, small businesses, cooperatives, food pantries, shelters, cyclists, public transit, community gardens and more.
