From the Founder
Hi, I'm Sycamore May.
I launched this business in 2024 because I kept seeing the same thing: incredible work happening across the food system — from farms and food businesses to mission-driven nonprofits — but often without the resources, funding, or support needed to take that work to the next level. I started Food and Climate Consulting to change that.
Over the years, I've helped secure multi-million dollar USDA grants to fund climate-smart agriculture initiatives across the country. I've also rolled up my sleeves on smaller, community-based projects that make a big difference, like supporting small farms with the infrastructure they need to scale sustainably, helping fresh food programs store and distribute perishable produce, or working with campuses to provide dignified, ready-to-eat meals to students experiencing food insecurity.
I've worked hand-in-hand with farmers, food entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who are pushing for change in our food system. I bring a practical, grounded approach to every project, shaped by more than a decade of experience in the food industry and a deep commitment to sustainability.
Whether you're just getting started, growing your impact, or navigating the maze of grant compliance, I'll meet you where you are and help bring your vision to life.
Testimonials
"I can't say enough about Sycamore May. As a busy business owner, she did all the heavy lifting by finding applicable grants, helping to build a compelling narrative around our needs, she even went above and beyond by helping us execute grant deliverables and reporting when we won our first grant. I would recommend Sycamore to anyone looking for an exceptional grant writer!!"
— Chris Pulliam, Westchester Mushroom Company
"Sycamore's consulting has been critical to our success this year. The process of applying to grants is a barrier for so many organizations, ours included. Sycamore made the process straightforward, and her work speaks for itself: she won the first grant we applied for together. I can't recommend her services enough."
— Austin Schatz, Westchester Mushroom Company
"Sycamore is smart, quick and well organized — she has been a great addition to Teatown's fundraising efforts."
— Kevin Carter, Executive Director, Teatown Lake Reservation
"Sycamore currently serves as an independent grant writing and grants management consultant for our organization. She is professional, reliable, and organized. Her approach is thoughtful, she is diligent about meeting deadlines, demonstrates a willingness to learn and is committed to producing quality work while supporting the needs of her clients."
— Jean Costello, Development Director, Teatown Lake Reservation
"Sycamore brought valuable strategic thinking to Greyston's LinkedIn presence, building out a content pillar strategy and a consistent publishing cadence, then using performance data to continually sharpen our paid campaigns, including refining our audience targeting so our budget reached the right foodservice decision-makers. She combines strong communication skills with a genuine ability to dig into the numbers and explain what they mean."
— Brad Angevine, Marketing & Special Projects, Greyston Bakery
"Sycamore brings a distinct combination of deep subject matter expertise in regenerative agriculture and the ability to connect research with real-world application and feasibility. Throughout our work together, she was collaborative, thoughtful, and skilled at distilling complex information into practical insights."
— Director of Impact at a National Pasture-Raised Egg Company