“I grew up spending the summers in East Hampton with my family, back when going to the Hamptons was simply referred to as going to “Long Island,” shares Susan Rockefeller [above].  “Some of my favorite memories from out here are of time spent at the beach, feeling the sun and salt on my body and diving into the waves.”  Rockefeller brings her new documentary film Food For Thought Food For Life to the Hamptons with an exclusive screening at the Southampton Art Center on the evening of July 23rd.  Learn more about her mission in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:

Rockefeller loves to frequent the local farms, and farmstands on the east end.  She grows her own fruits and vegetables in her backyard, uses fresh Hamptons-made salts & honeys from local vendors.  Her film ties in to her work to “Protect What is Precious,” which is particularly active on the East End, and she is also chairing the South Fork Natural History Museum’s annual gala again this year.

KDHamptons: How long have you been coming to the Hamptons? Why do you love it so much?

Susan Rockefeller: I have always loved the Hamptons for their natural wonders from the gorgeous beaches to the fresh local farms. While some people come to the Hamptons for the social scene, and the parties I come here for the beautiful surroundings, to spend quality time with my family and to give my children the same wonderful experience that I’ve had on the East End.

KDHamptons: How would you describe your perfect Hamptons day?

Susan Rockefeller: Much of my day in the Hamptons is spent with family, going to the beach, swimming in the ocean and feeling my inner mermaid, planning for a dinner party and making time to see friends. I relish waking up to the sound of the bird song. Something about nature’s symphony out east always moves me into the mystery of life and our miraculous existence. Cardinals have been nesting on my property for over a decade and I feel a kinship to both bird song and the activities of bird behavior.  I resonate deeply with their nesting instinct.  I love to start the morning with a glass of water and the smell of fresh brewing coffee.  I then take my coffee outside, sit on my patio and catch up on emails and reading, flip through local publications and enjoy some quiet time.

When my schedule permits, I start my mornings with an early Bikram yoga class and afterwards come home and swim in my pool, followed with an outdoor shower.  When my kids are with me, I do Bikram yoga with my daughter or all of us, including my husband, will arrange a Paddle Boarding day with Gina Bradley (of Paddle Diva) and go on an adventure. Afterwards we often make a fun stop for lunch, or will have a picnic outdoors, depending on where we paddle. Also, when we have time, we go sailing with friends out of Sag Harbor!

At the end of the day my husband, children and I enjoy watching the world turn to dusk then evening.  If we are lucky, the fireflies light the night sky followed by the twinkling stars. Finally we go off to bed with deep gratitude for all we’ve been given, and rejoice in the many blessings the day provided.

KDHamptons: Tell us about your new film, Food for Thought Food for Life?

Susan Rockefeller: Our mission is to start a conversation about the food system, bringing everyone to the table to address how we think about, produce, and choose what we eat, and to make lasting changes as individuals, communities, and for our earth as a whole.  Food For Thought, Food For Life, is designed to serve as an educational tool so it comes equipped with its own file of images & posters which you can download at the following link: http://foodforthoughtfilm.com/press-awards/

My documentary educates people about the negative impact our current methods of agriculture have on the earth. In addition to providing vital information, the film gives viewers the necessary tools to make a difference in their own lives. It explores the connection between the planet and our health and suggests that strengthening that connection will only benefit our future.

Susan adds: We want our food fast, convenient and cheap, but at what cost? As farms have become supersized, our environment suffers and so does the quality of our food. Food for Thought, Food for Life explains the downsides of current agribusiness practices, and also introduces us to farmers, chefs, researchers, educators, and advocates who are providing solutions. The film is both poetic and practical; its powerful examination of the connections between our planet and our well-being is accompanied by specific strategies that protect both. With an eye towards a sustainable and abundant future, it offers inspiration for communities that are ready to make a difference.

I have always felt a connection to the world around me. Nature can heal us and provides us with everything we need to thrive. However, we’re putting tremendous pressure on our planet’s resources and I’m aware of the many challenges we face. Serving on the boards of Oceana, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture and We Are Family Foundation are some of the ways I am committed to nurturing our planet, but I know that global awareness is paramount to bring about significant change.