Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg (by Food Tank)
479: Sam Acho and Karen Washington on Not Succumbing to Fear in Uncertain Times
Mar 19, 2025
In this conversation, Sam Acho, a former NFL player and humanitarian, shares his inspiring journey in transforming a Chicago liquor store into a community food mart, emphasizing humility and support for local entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Karen Washington, a passionate farmer and activist, dives into the challenges of food justice amidst social inequities. They discuss the need for community empowerment, the impact of fear in uncertain times, and the shift from ‘food deserts’ to the more accurate concept of ‘food apartheid,’ advocating for systemic change in food access.
49:51
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Quick takeaways
- Sam Acho emphasized the importance of community engagement and humility in facilitating meaningful change, allowing local leaders to guide initiatives.
- Karen Washington discussed leveraging communal wealth and fighting against the assaults on diversity, equity, and inclusion to navigate uncertainty.
Deep dives
Creating Community Impact through Food Access
The transformation of a liquor store into a food mart in Chicago showcases the power of community-led initiatives aimed at combatting food deserts. Sam Acho, a former NFL player, leveraged his influence and connections as a means to support local efforts by showing up and listening to the community's needs rather than imposing his solutions. Young entrepreneurs from the neighborhood took the lead in designing and running the food mart, known as Austin Harvest, which provided fresh produce to residents who previously had limited access to healthy food options. This collaborative approach emphasized that local voices are essential in creating solutions that foster both community engagement and necessary change.
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