Gerber wins national honor from Real Food Challenge

Professor John Gerber, coordinator of the Sustainable Food and Farming Program, is one of three finalists for this year’s University Ally Award from the Real Food Challenge, a national studentorganization as part of its Real Food Awards.

 

The award recognizes an on-campus administrator, staff or faculty member who displays outstanding leadership in an effort to create a more just and sustainable food system.

 

Under Gerber, the Sustainable Food and Farming Program has grown from five students in 2003 to more than 70. He currently teaches courses relating to sustainability and was instrumental in helping to start student projects such as the Permaculture Initiative, the Student Farm, GardenShare and the Real Food Challenge. He served as associate dean of the former College of Food and Natural Resources and received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2008.

 

Real Food Challenge works to leverage the power of colleges and universities, including the $5 billion spent on food in higher education, to support local, fair, ecologically sound and humane food economies. Awards are given to the finalists with the highest vote tallies in each of six categories: student group or activist, worker leader, food service administrator, producer, university ally, and campaign ally. 
 

"Whether they're standing up for dignity in the workplace, developing new tools for innovation in sustainable food, or showcasing the best 21st century ecological agricultural practices, these finalists represent a new hope for us all," said Anim Steel, executive director of the Real Food Challenge. "Right here is proof that change is possible—and delicious."