If it were up to Will Allen, low-income urbanites would be cultivating fresh
fruit, vegetables, and fish in community centers, in empty lots, even on their
own rooftops. "People don't realize that cities originally produced the food,"
says Allen, an urban-farming expert who has pioneered a local-farming movement.
Rather than bringing people back to the land, Allen's methods of growing food
and teaching urban cultivation are transforming the way low-income families can
get safe, affordable meals.
"Obesity, diabetes, and inadequate nutrition are
increasing at an alarming rate, especially for the poor and people of color," he
says. He considers it a civil rights issue. "I'm interested in creating a more
just food system. How do we get the same food to all
people?"
From FAST COMPANY top 100 Most Creative People in Business 2010