We are pleased to present the following for your enjoyment and education.
Museum building,
1:00-2:30 PM
One of seven kids, Will Allen's childhood on a Maryland farm was about hard work, family pride and good food. His own hard work paid off early — he earned a basketball scholarship and a stint in the American Basketball Association.
Will hung up his sneakers for a suit and tie at Procter & Gamble, but after a decade in the corporate world he realized something was missing: "I needed the farm — it's so real and so satisfying," he says. "Mostly, I wanted that life for my kids." In 1982 Will grabbed the last working farm in Milwaukee and, over the next ten years, invested nearly $1 million.
Today the farm produces over 100,000 pounds of chemical-free vegetables and distributes close to two million more through a roadside stand. Several years ago Will merged the farm with Growing Power, a nonprofit organization and land trust. Through Growing Power, Will has taught farming and food processing to thousands of students and helped launch several urban gardens, some in the poorest U.S. counties.
YouTube has several videos about Will Allen and Growing Power, including a wonderful piece by some teen journalists and a shorter video that conveys the dynamism and diversity at Growing Power. Will and Erika Allen are also featured in Food Fight, a recent documentary by Chris Taylor.
Presentation area of South Exhibitor Tent,
3:00 PM
Since January of this year, Donna has been feeding her family publicly by participating in The Splendid Table's year-long challenge: 15 individuals from around the country are trying to get 80 percent of their food from local, organic, seasonal sources. Donna's insights, experiences and adventures are featured regularly on the Locavore Nation website and in periodic interviews with host Lynne Rossetto Kasper.
Come visit with Donna, our Local Food Celebrity, for a brief presentation followed by Q&A. She'll answer those burning questions: "How did you get involved in Locavore Nation? Aren't you driving around a lot looking for food? Doesn't it cost more to eat the way your family is eating? Are you losing weight?" And more!
Last updated 23 August 2008