Will Allen—son of a sharecropper, former professional basketball player, ex-corporate sales executive and now an urban farmer—is a leading voice on agriculture and food policy. Allen is founder and CEO of Growing Power Inc., a farm and community food center in Milwaukee that believes all people, regardless of their economic circumstances, should have access to fresh, safe, affordable and nutritious foods at all times.

Allen has received a McArthur Foundation “genius grant” and in 2010 was one of Time magazine’s “100 World’s Most Influential People.”

The talk will be followed by a panel discussion and a Farmers Market in the Theatre’s lobby. Tickets for the lecture and panel discussion are $35. VIP tickets that include a 6-7 pm reception—featuring local chefs with local food, drinks and music by Bluegrass Outfit—are $100.

Information and tickets are available at the Paramount Theatre Box Office, online or (512) 474-1221.

The evening is part of Edible Austin’s “Eat/Drink Local Week,” with proceeds benefiting the Paramount Theatre, Sustainable Food Center, and Urban Roots. Doors open at 7 pm and the event begins at 7:30 pm, with the Farmers Market at 8:45 pm.

Location: Stateside at the Paramount, 719 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701