Sonia Kendrick is shown with some of the squash she harvested in 2015. Kendrick was the founder of Feed Iowa First. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
I don’t have the answers anyone is searching for in regards to Sonia Kendrick, best known as the founder of Feed Iowa First, and to her friends, so much more.
A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where Sonia saw people suffering from hunger, she tackled that same problem when she returned to her home state, partnering with churches, community groups and businesses to grow fresh produce to provide to Iowans in need through her nonprofit.
Sonia Kendrick loads squash into her car in 2015. At the time, Kendrick worked 50 hours per week for Feed Iowa First, but received no compensation, as she searched for funding. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
She was one of three women veteran farmers featured in the documentary film, “Terra Firma,” was a Radish Magazine award winner, and was honored in Washington, D.C., as one of 10 Women Veteran Leader “Champions of Change.”
I first met Sonia in 2011 when I wrote about Feed Iowa First and enjoyed covering her efforts over the years. She was open about what she experienced in the military and as a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
As much as I’d like to think I knew Sonia and could explain her death today, I only have those feelings of remorse, for not having done more when a wonderful, truly giving person was still alive and reaching out for help.
So, while I don’t have any answers, I can only do my small part in reminding others – especially those who did not know her personally – of some of Sonia’s accomplishments and extend my deepest sympathies to her family on a life cut short, much too soon.
White House “Champion of Change”
Hitting the road with the Veggie Bus
Sonia Kendrick greets veterans from the Feed Iowa First bus at the Five Seasons Stand Down on Sept. 4, 2015, at Veterans Memorial Stadium. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Wow – so sorry to hear this! What a wonderful Soul, so much caring…
[…] at Homegrown Iowan, Cindy Hadish described Kendrick as “a wonderful, truly giving […]
I love Sonia when she came out to Standing Rock with all those organic vegetables we become best friends just kidding but we did become best friend we did become friends I loved her vegetables I loved her Outlook I love to listen to her talk she was a very genuine giving person had been through a lot seen a lot and had a heart of gold you will not be forgotten Sonia until we meet again
the world was so much better for having her – thanks Sonia for being a friend to our family.
Absolutely heart breaking news. I was just at a seed starting session she did at the library and I kept thinking that she is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. Truly a huge loss to our community.
This is such a great loss. She was so articulate and passionate and was making such progress. I had hoped to work with her for many years to come…this community is now less with her gone.