the obstacles she has faced in her efforts to create sustainable production of pork. In a direct, yet self-effacing style, with a dash of humor, Ganzler’s point was clear and unmistakable. And it was controversial. The online presentation led to Ganzler being pummeled by negative comments. Her loudest critics, however, were not from the conventional food industry but from the vegan community, the purists, who believe there is no such thing as a humane meat industry. Ever the realist, she acknowledged 78 South Bay Accent At Church Brothers Farm in San Juan Bautista, Ganzler (center) inspects cosmetically-challenged spinach that Bon Appétit may purchase for its Imperfectly Delicious Produce program. the comments and rolled with the punches. Ganzler acknowledges that the pork industry is not going to change easily. “I’ll take it one step at a time,” she says. “I’m not giving up.” To get it to change, the first step was to have Bon Appétit phase out use of all pork from animals raised in gestation crates, a common, some say inhumane, practice. She set a target date of 2017 for the phaseout. The timeframe, however, was not soon enough for her boss. The rambunctious Bauccio moved the date forward to 2015. “Realistic is not his highest priority,” she says. Around the Bon Appétit offices, Ganzler says she and Bauccio are sometimes described in terms reserved for Star Trek’s Capt. Kirk and his first officer, Mr. Spock. The pair went into their Kirk and Spock routine when Ganzler, in logical Spock mode, didn’t miss a beat when her insistent captain changed the timeline. Ganzler’s, response was “to start calling people.” Ganzler has developed key relationships within the food and related industries, including the Humane Society of the United States. She understands how to leverage BAMCO’s growing clout. “She demands quality and rigorous information, and I admire that about her,” says Kemmerly of Seafood Watch. The issue of humanely raised pork is by no means over, yet Ganzler can point to companies including McDonald’s and Oscar Meyer that have signed on to the cause. Their goals are much less ambitious, with compliance dates of 2022. “Maisie truly is an unsung hero in the food movement,” says Sanjay Rawal, director of the 2014 documentary film, “Food Chains.” “Most of us who consider ourselves food justice advocates are really working from the outside. We work to illuminate critical issues and create ways for consumers to make meaningful change. Maisie is the rare activist who sits in a position of direct influence. Through her advocacy, BAMCO is honestly committed to providing not just the highest quality products but ones that ensure the most equity within the food system.” STUDENTS WILL OFTEN APPROACH HER ABOUT STARTING THEIR CAREER AT BAMCO. SHE TELLS THEM, “GO GET A JOB AT GENERAL MILLS.” THAT’S WHERE THE IDEALISTS ARE NEEDED, WHERE THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
South Bay Accent - Aug/Sep 2015
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