Sustainability Advocate Michel Nischan Is The James Beard Humanitarian Of The Year

We're obviously big fans of Michel Nischan here at Food Republic. Back in 2012, we devoted an entire week to stories deemed important enough by the Westport, CT-based chef, who is widely regarded as a pioneer in the sustainable-food movement.

Now, we're happy to report that another organization is duly celebrating Nischan's important work. On Monday, the James Beard Foundation named Nischan its Humanitarian of the Year for 2015, citing his "over 30 years of experience advocating for a more local and regenerative food system." Nischan will receive formal honors during the foundation's annual awards celebration and gala reception at Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 4. For a closer look at the man, his trailblazing work and his apparent affinity for roadside asparagus, among other things, read a few of these stories: