George Washington Carver

 George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of products using peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans. He also advocated for food justice, accessibility, equity and inclusion for all people. He believed that it was man’s duty to interact with nature and produce food to help feed growing and impoverished populations.

His philosophy on food justice was based on his belief that nature provides abundant resources for human needs, and that humans should respect and protect those resources by using them wisely and sustainably. He also believed that food was a basic human right, and that everyone should have access to nutritious, safe and affordable food regardless of their race, class or location. He advocated for food sovereignty for Black farmers who faced discrimination and land loss.

Some examples of his advocacy for food justice are:

• He taught Black farmers how to grow their own food and diversify their crops to improve soil health and prevent pests.

• He created hundreds of products from peanuts, sweet potatoes and other plants that could be used for food, medicine, cosmetics, dyes and more.

• He published bulletins that shared his methods for crop preservation, food preparation and nutrition with the public.

• He founded the George Washington Carver Food Research Institute to address social determinants of health through food.

Learn more about the man himself and his fight for food justice.