Food Heroes

Susan Ungaro Reflects on 11 Years As President of the James Beard Foundation

After 11 years at the helm, Susan Ungaro is stepping down from the role of president of the James Beard Foundation (JBF). Food Tank had the opportunity to sit down with Ungaro ahead of her departure from the Foundation and discuss the elements of her legacy that she is most proud of, the challenges from which she learned the most, and what’s next, both for her and for JBF.

New Video Series Explores Local Food Initiatives Across North America

This 10-part documentary series highlights the work of the farmers, small-businesses, and food advocates that are building stronger and healthier food communities. Read about this filmmaker’s experience of traveling 4,800 kilometers from Monterrey, Mexico, to Toronto, Canada, interviewing the heroes of North American local food.

Winners of the 2017 Food Sustainability Media Awards Announced

The Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition and the Thomson Reuters Foundation have announced the winners of the 2017 Food Sustainability Media Awards. The awards recognize excellent professional and up-and-coming journalists from around the world who have focused their reporting on topics relating to food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition.

U.S. Doctors Are Teaching Themselves About Nutrition

Diet-related illnesses kill more Americans than anything else. Meanwhile, American medical schools don’t prepare doctors to provide comprehensive nutrition advice to patients. A growing faction of doctors is fighting back by teaching doctors to cook.

BCFN Award Recognizes Young Food System Researchers

This year’s winners are researching food security and interventions to improve mother/child health in Lebanon and integrated pest management to lower negative rice production impacts.

13 Soil Scientists to Watch

To celebrate World Soil Day, Food Tank is highlighting 13 soil scientists from around the globe working to better understand soils and promote practices for maintaining healthy, fertile lands.

A Seat at the Table of Austin’s New Inclusive Dinner Series

Austin-based Desert Me Not: Community Dinner series launched in June 2017 to inspire a collaborative effort between the organizations and individuals addressing food inequalities in Texas.

First Ever Food as Medicine Summit Held at Hunter College

The Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center will host its inaugural “Food as Medicine Summit — Bringing Everyone to the Table,” on Thursday, November 30th, 2017.

Young Farmers Conference Emphasizes Equality

The 10th Annual Young Farmers Conference is bringing together more than 300 farmers, chefs, and leaders in the food and agriculture movement to discuss an equitable and resilient way forward for agriculture.

Dr. Robert Graham Trades His White Lab Coat for Chef’s Whites

Dr. Robert Graham is a board-certified physician of both internal and integrative medicine who is a culinary student at New York City’s Natural Gourmet Institute. He is trading in his white lab coat for chef’s whites with the goal of expanding his toolkit both for use as a healthcare provider and as an advocate for a new model of integrative, lifestyle-focused healthcare.

14 Athletes and Dancers Fighting Hunger and Obesity

These 14 athletes and dancers are working to reduce global hunger and obesity and advocating for a better, healthier food system.

James Beard Foundation Announces 2017 Leadership Award Recipients

The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of the seventh annual JBF Leadership Awards, celebrating visionaries who have made an impact in sustainability, food access, and public health.

Screening of “Look and See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry”

“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope,” wrote Berry.

In Aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Celebrity Chef Jose Andrés Is Feeding Thousands in Puerto Rico

Celebrity chef Jose Andrés and the team of the World Central Kitchen are working alongside local Puerto Rican chefs to feed more than 5,000 Puerto Ricans per day in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

Remembering Gus Schumacher: Farm Hero and Food Justice Advocate

Gus Schumacher, food justice advocate and farmers market proponent, passed away at age 77.

Sombra Mezcal Founder Richard Betts on Balancing Tradition with Sustainability

Richard Betts, founder of the sustainable Sombra Mezcal distillery: “Food and drink unite and enliven us, and mezcal is an especially exuberant spirit.”

Kimbal Musk: “Cook wonderfully delicious real food”

Nutrition requires education and access, which Kimbal Musk addresses through outdoor classrooms in underprivileged communities and a chain of restaurants serving local produce.

Remembering Sam Dryden: Global Leader in Food Security and Agricultural Development

Global food security and agricultural development leader and advocate Sam Dryden has passed away at age 67.

Carlotta Mast on Food Access, Industry Collaboration, and Food System Change at Esca Bona 2017

Carlotta Mast, Executive Director of Content and Insights at New Hope Network, discusses food access, food system change, and the importance of industry collaboration in preparation for Esca Bona 2017 in October.

Celebrating 21 Food Heroes for a Lifetime of Work

Food Tank is recognizing a lifetime of work by 21 food heroes. Whether it is developing more sustainable growing practices, feeding the hungry, or mentoring the next generation of advocates, these farmers, advocates, and innovators are working into their older years to building a better food system.