Biography
Here’s how Terri McClernon became The Food Fairy.
“For me, a homestead in New York’s Catskills was my Culinary Institute, and a simple Coleman stove was my chef’s station.
“I was a 23-year-old late-blooming hippie. I spent seven years homesteading, building a house, raising our children, gardening, and spending as many as eight hours a day cooking. The land nurtured me, and I nurtured myself by taking advantage of it.
“When I moved to the Triangle in 1996, I appreciated all the area has to offer. And I looked around and saw people doing important and worthwhile things, but needing to be nourished and nurtured with healthy and home-cooked meals. So I’ve become a personal chef, which is almost like becoming part of the family.
“Now I get to make a difference in people’s lives every day. I serve a main course of sunshine – with a side order of happiness!”

When A Prairie Home Companion came to Durham in May, 2009, The Food Fairy was selected to cater meals and snacks (hospitality) both Friday and Saturday - two breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner - for the entire cast, guests and crew. Host Garrison Keillor was moved to say, “A Prairie Home Companion never ate so well as when the Food Fairy fed us backstage at Durham in May 2009
– all fresh and light and healthy – just as we wish our show could be." Read the rest of the story