Much to Be Proud of
Growing Power is not only growing food, but also growing ideas and rebuilding communities. When asked how he felt being on the forefront of a movement that has inspired so many to get involved in the community, Allen responded with humility. “I didn’t start this work to get accolades. That’s not what’s important because working in the food system and being a farmer keeps you very humble.”
While Allen is the epitome of humble, he has much to be proud of. Growing Power now has 15 retail training centers around the country to provide farmers with the education they need to be sustainable farmers. They are about to start building the first vertical farm in the world to maximize what they can do within the city limits. Growing Power has expanded to include urban farms in Chicago and Madison, and they are hoping to increase the acreage in the coming years.
Photo by: Kendra Dawson
Allen has overcome great obstacles in the 19 years Growing Power has been open. Yet, where many see accomplishments, Allen sees goals. He hopes to “change the dynamics of less than 1 percent local foods to 10 percent local foods over the next couple of years,” says Allen. He would like to see Growing Power cut back on their electricity by 70 percent and receive most of their energy through their solar panels. But, ultimately, he hopes to see the community receive the full nutritional impact from the food they eat.
When Allen met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she told him the next wars would be fought over the necessities in life: food, shelter and water. “We have a responsibility of getting people food that’s good for them and not just giving them a bowl of slop,” says Allen. “That’s not what we would consider having food and sharing food in a cultural way because you know when you eat a good meal you feel good.”
Moving Milwaukee Forward
Much needs to change within the food system to help families like those living in food deserts. Although it would be naïve to say such large-scale problems like food accessibility can be easily fixed with more organizations like Growing Power, it’s a start. Allen is doing all he can and inspiring countless others along the way.
When Allen spoke to the director of Growing Power, Karen Parker, while writing his book, she told him when she started at Growing Power, she considered it to be a safe place for her and her family. Allen had hoped Growing Power would become a safe place for others as well and eventually become much more than just its humble beginning as a roadside stand. Discussing the impact he hoped to have in the community, Allen used a parable about a man who sees a sparrow lying down with its feet in the air.
The man asks the sparrow what it is doing.
“I heard that the sky is falling,” the bird replies, “and I want to hold it up.”
The man laughs at the bird. “You believe that you can hold up the whole sky?”
“No,” the bird says. “But one does what one can.”
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