An Ivy League dropout on a mission to end single-use plastics. A nutritionist making fast food good food. A farmer and staunch animal-welfare advocate revolutionizing the pork production system. An anti-hunger organization leader stepping up to help food-insecure schoolchildren, the newly unemployed and anyone else needing a nourishing meal during the coronavirus pandemic. These are some of our American Food Heroes this year—10 visionaries who are changing the food world in innovative and meaningful ways. To compile this fourth annual list, we consulted a team of experts, as well as you, our readers. Each of these heroes exemplifies what’s possible—whether you’re a CEO or a citizen—when passion meets action.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, is on a mission to eradicate hunger in the US.
Colin Richie
This registered dietitian is determined to give the well-loved chain a healthy upgrade.
Kremer Johnson Photography
See how one rancher took sustainable pork raising to a macro scale.
Saverio Truglia
Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle & Loop, is creating innovative products to help people move towards a zero-waste lifestyle.
Bill Wadman
President & CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, Briana Warner, is using an unlikely plant to help clean up the ocean and more.
Daniel Orr
Sam Polk, CEO of Everytable, is bringing a unique business plan to his nonprofit to help create access to healthy meals for all.
Kremer Johnson Photography
This couple is putting their money where their mouth is in the fight for a sustainable future.
Kremer Johnson Photography
David Perry, CEO of Indigo Agriculture, doesn't think small.
Lara Woolfson
Justin Whitmore, Executive Vice President at Tyson, saw alternative proteins as an opportunity for the meat producing giant.
Galdones Photography