Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Farmer Suzie Dudas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Farmer Suzie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
The biggest and most important purpose of my life was having children, thinking about how I wanted to raise them, what mattered for their health and nutrition, both mentally and physically. I completely changed my lifestyle to provide the best for them. Starting a farm allowed me to grow good food and give my children the freedom to play outside on the land.
Losing them was devastating, and for a long time, nothing else seemed to matter. But as I looked around, I realized there are so many other children and families who want the same things I wanted for my own kids: access to good, healthy food, time in nature, and an understanding of what real nourishment looks like. In many places, especially where we live, farms and land aren’t always accessible, and finding truly healthy food can be confusing.
So, I asked myself: how can I bring all these things together? The answer was to share what I had built. My purpose now is to provide and expose as many people, especially kids, to these ideas and experiences. That’s why I keep going. That’s why I still feel like I have purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Nourishing Food For Thought is deeply personal to me, it was founded in memory of my children and is driven by my passion for sustainability, education, and community. Through this nonprofit, I’ve been able to create a space where people can connect with the land, learn about regenerative agriculture, and develop a healthier relationship with food.
Each year, we welcome nearly 2,000 visitors on educational tours, helping them understand where their food comes from and how they can make more sustainable choices. One of the things I’m most proud of is our youth programs, which have impacted over 200 children through summer camps and school-year activities. Seeing kids develop responsibility, creativity, and a deep appreciation for nature through hands-on experiences with the farm and animals is incredibly rewarding.
Beyond education, community is at the heart of what we do. We engage over 1,000 volunteers annually in projects like our garden program, which not only teaches people how to grow their own food but also helps address food scarcity. Sustainability is a huge focus for us, and one of our biggest accomplishments has been our partnership with Jupiter Medical Center. We’ve helped divert 19,000 pounds of food waste in 2024 alone.
I also love that we’re able to bring people together through events like the Pumpkin Smash Bash and Honeyfest. And I’m really excited about our partnership with Jupiter Creamery, which allows us to offer a farm stand with local products and an event space. In 2025, we’ll be introducing farm-to-table meals, something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. A portion of Jupiter Creamery’s profits even goes back to supporting our mission, which makes this collaboration even more special.
At the end of the day, Nourishing Food For Thought is about more than just farming. It’s about education, sustainability, and fostering a deeper connection between people, food, and the planet. I truly believe that every seed we plant, every lesson we teach, and every connection we make is helping build a healthier, more resilient future for our community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities that have had the biggest impact: a commitment to lifelong learning, a deep appreciation for traditional wisdom, and the importance of setting clear family goals and non-negotiables.
First and foremost, continuing to self-educate and search for knowledge has been essential. The world of farming, nutrition, and sustainability is always evolving, and I believe that to be a good steward of the land and our health, you have to stay curious. Whether it’s reading, attending workshops, or learning from other farmers and experts, I’ve always sought out new information to refine and improve what I do. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay open-minded and always be a student. There is no such thing as knowing everything.
Another major influence has been the teachings of Weston A. Price and ancestral nutrition. His research on the diets of traditional cultures opened my eyes to the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods and how they impact our health. This knowledge has shaped everything from how I run the farm to how I feed my own family. For those looking to deepen their understanding, I highly recommend studying his work and applying those principles in their own lives; whether through sourcing better food, prioritizing gut health, or reconnecting with nature’s wisdom.
Lastly, setting family goals and non-negotiables has been a guiding force in both my personal and professional life. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in distractions, but knowing what truly matters is essential. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, ensuring access to real food, or living in alignment with nature, these priorities help maintain balance. My advice to others is to take the time to define what is truly important to them and their families. Once you establish your core values, making decisions and building a life that reflects them becomes much easier.
At the end of the day, my journey has been about staying curious, honoring the wisdom of the past, and keeping my family’s values at the heart of everything I do. I hope to inspire others to do the same, because when we invest in our knowledge, health, and community, we create a better future for generations to come.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I’ve been significantly influenced by a diverse group of individuals, encompassing both long-standing friends and those who have become close associates through their connection with my story and mission for Jupiter Creamery Farm. These relationships have often organically developed with people who were moved by our vision for regenerative agriculture, high-quality food, and community engagement. Their support has been invaluable, with many stepping forward at crucial times to offer their unique skills, expertise, or connections, helping navigate various challenges. I believe my willingness to be open about my needs and to embrace the advice and assistance of those with specialized knowledge has fostered these impactful collaborations with both familiar faces and those I now deeply value as friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NourishingFoodForThought.org
- Instagram: @nfft_jupitercreamery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishingFoodforThoughtJupiter
Image Credits
Nick Post, Covington Campbell, Shayne Pando
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
