The James Beard Foundation has announced the five recipients of its annual Leadership Awards. The Leadership Awards honor pioneers in the food system that are making positive changes to the food world as a whole.


“We are thrilled to have selected leaders who are shedding light on the important issues that our food system faces, and who are helping to examine, clarify, and resolve major conflicts in the food world,” said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation, in a press release.


The 2013 Leadership Award recipients will be honored on October 21 at a dinner ceremony. The awards presentation will be part of the James Beard Foundation’s fourth annual Food Conference, Paradox of Appetite: Hungering for Change[1] , taking place on October 21 and 22.


Take a look at the honorees below (text courtesy James Beard Foundation):



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  • Hal Hamilton, Founder and Co-Director, Sustainable Food Lab


    For supporting food companies, nonprofits, and farmers to demonstrate and scale sustainability in the global food supply.




  • Cynthia Hayes, Executive Director, Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network (SAAFON)


    For the impact her work has had on the network of African-American farmers dedicated to using sustainable growing practices.




  • Dr. Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor, Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health and Professor of Sociology at New York University


    For her research and writing on how science and society influence dietary advice and practice and the impact it has had on our food system and in improving the way America eats.




  • Ricardo Salvador, Director, Food & Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists


    For his work in academia, philanthropy, and advocacy in support of a healthy, green, fair, and affordable food system.




  • Gus Schumacher, Executive Vice President of Policy, Wholesome Wave


    For his lifelong efforts to improve access to fresh local food in underserved communities.