Karen Washington of Just Food (All-New Episode)

In an all-new episode, Steve D'Agostino interviews Karen Washington of Just Food and the queen of urban growing. They talk about the business of food justice for all.

On January 12 at Worcester State University, the Northeast Organic Farming Association's Massachusetts Chapter will hold its 2013 Winter Conference at Worcester State University. Karen Washington, the keynote speaker and a workshop presenter has lived in New York City all her life and has been a resident of the Bronx for more than 26 years.

Since 1985, Karen has been a community activist, striving to make New York City a better place for all people to live. As a community gardener and board member of the New York Botanical Gardens, she has worked with Bronx neighborhoods to turn empty lots into community gardens. And as a community advocate, she has stood up and spoken out for garden protection and preservation.

As a member of the La Familia Verde Garden Coalition, Karen helped launched a City Farms Market, bringing garden fresh vegetables to her neighbors. She is a Just Food board member and Just Food trainer, leading workshops on food growing and food justice to community gardeners all over the city.

Karen is also a board member and former president of the New York City Community Garden Coalition, a group that was founded to preserve community gardens. She also co-founded Black Urban Growers, an organization of volunteers committed to building networks and community support for growers in both urban and rural settings.

Professionally, Karen has been a physical therapist for more than 30 years. She continues to balance her professional life with community service.

In the spirit of full disclosure, Steve D'Agostino does public-relations work for NOFA-Mass.