MEG BERLIN
Donor, Sustainer, Ambassador

Meg has always had a big heart for those who need help. When she first became engaged with environmental conservation and justice issues in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Meg focused on saving marine mammals. She worked with several environmental groups and at the United Nations following the creation of the Commission on Sustainable Development. But as she learned about agriculture, farming, and the struggles of people trying to live off the land, Meg became increasingly committed to issues of food security.

As Meg’s interests turned towards food security, Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) was just getting off the ground. SHI’s founder Florence Reed was working tirelessly to raise awareness out of an office in her parents’ spare room in New Hampshire, splitting her time between Central America and the United States.

It was during these early years of SHI’s existence that Meg and Flo first met. Their shared values and goals immediately spoke to one another. As Flo told Meg about her plans to use trees to build a better future for subsistence farmers, she was speaking directly to Meg’s heart.

Meg’s mother, Ruth Berlin, was the first to support Flo’s early work in Central America and was happy when Meg followed her lead. In fact, both of Meg’s brothers, Carlie and Bruce, also became two of SHI’s earliest supporters. Bruce remained one of SHI’s most generous annual donors until his passing earlier this year, but his legacy lives on thousands of farms throughout Central America. Now, a third generation of Berlins has taken up the banner of supporting people and the planet as Meg’s daughter, Annick, has grown up with SHI and grown into sharing her mother’s commitment.

The Berlin family’s trust and support throughout the years has ensured 25 years of farming for a just and sustainable future.

A heartfelt letter

After her very first donation, Meg received a handwritten letter from Flo detailing exactly what Meg’s donation helped to accomplish for farmers and their families. This simple gesture brought Meg to tears. “My donation had such a profound impact that I didn’t even imagine was possible,” Meg remembers. “We don’t always get to see that on an immediate, intimate level.” 

Since that first donation, Meg has donated to SHI every month. In addition, she spread the word about SHI’s incredible efforts, bringing many new donors to the organization. And just as Meg learned years ago with her first donation, she is confident her money continues to have a direct, positive impact on farmers and families who need it. “It’s value-added gifts both to the land and the people involved,” says Meg.

From her home in Vermont, Meg supports SHI in many other ways. She’s always looking for ways to raise SHI’s profile, including nominating the organization for several awards. Throughout the years, she’s generously opened up her home, whether hosting house parties for SHI or providing room and board for SHI staff when they’re in the area.

Working for a better future

Meg is involved in many efforts to improve food security, both locally and globally. She gives to a nearby food kitchen and supports a Burlington organization that aids seniors and refugees on a very limited budget. On a global scale, she supports World Central Kitchen and, of course, continues her support to SHI.