Faculty Spotlight: Linda Kiltz fosters community through food security
By Morrow Duszynski
October 1, 2024
Photos by Land to Hand MT
At CBSM, the unique ambitions, dreams, lifestyles, and interests of our students, staff and faculty are enough to fill a library. One, two… maybe five books would be filled by Dr. Linda Kiltz, HSEM associate professor and member of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience.
Linda is known for her dedication to service in many different forms. She is a previous U.S. Army officer, has over 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and government sectors, has developed master’s degree programs at multiple universities, and is an organic farmer in Kalispell, Montana with her husband where they raise grass-fed cows, free range chickens, and grow 40 varieties of organic apples.
Alongside professional pursuits, Linda’s latest chapter revolves around her involvement at Land to Hand MT, a nonprofit focused on building a strong community food system that fosters socially just ways of accessing food. Here, Linda and her husband donate apples and beef produced on their farm and spend time packing lunches and weekend backpacks for children. This summer, Linda taught art classes in the community garden to students of ages 5-10 years old.
“Today, many people may feel they do not have the time to be involved in their communities,” said Linda. “However, I have found that in an emergency or disaster, the most important people are my neighbors who are more likely to be the first responders that can assist my family. Community involvement requires us to take a risk, get to know our neighbors much deeper, and be willing to serve others with compassion and understanding rather than judgment and criticism.”
Additionally, Linda volunteers with the Alternative Energy Resource Organization, where she supports sustainable farming and alternative energy solutions; the Citizen Climate Lobby, addressing the impact of climate change on communities; Montana Farmers Union, to advocate for small family farms and sustainable farming practices; Montana Department of Fish and Game as an instructor for the Becoming an Outdoor Woman Program; and lastly, as a board member of Angel Hugs, a nonprofit raising funds to design and develop a home and training facility for adults with developmental disabilities.
“Volunteering has opened many new doors to me and built a network of friends throughout the nation. As a leader in many of these organizations, I am able to serve as a coach and mentor to men and women who are trying to build a career around working in nonprofit organizations.”