Frances Moore Lappé

Frances Moore Lappé

Frances Moore Lappé (born February 10, 1944) is an American researcher and author in the fields of food, democracy, and the environment. She is best known for her book Diet for a Small Planet, which has sold over three million copies and has been translated into multiple languages. Lappé is a co-founder of the Small Planet Institute, a collaborative network for research and education on democracy and sustainable living.

Early Life and Education

Frances Moore Lappé was born in Pendleton, Oregon. She attended Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. Her early interest in social justice and environmental issues was influenced by the political climate of the 1960s.

Career

Lappé's career began with the publication of Diet for a Small Planet in 1971. The book challenged the prevailing assumptions about food production and consumption, advocating for a plant-based diet as a means to address global hunger and environmental degradation. Her work emphasized the concept of "food democracy," the idea that individuals can influence food systems through their choices.

Small Planet Institute

In 2001, Lappé co-founded the Small Planet Institute with her daughter, Anna Lappé. The institute focuses on promoting living democracies and sustainable food systems. It conducts research, publishes books, and engages in public education to inspire civic engagement and policy change.

Other Works

In addition to Diet for a Small Planet, Lappé has authored or co-authored over 20 books, including Hope's Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet (2002), Democracy's Edge: Choosing to Save Our Country by Bringing Democracy to Life (2005), and EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want (2011).

Philosophy and Impact

Lappé's philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of food, democracy, and the environment. She argues that the root causes of hunger and environmental degradation are not due to a lack of food, but rather to inequitable distribution and unsustainable practices. Her work has inspired movements for sustainable agriculture, food justice, and democratic reform.

Awards and Recognition

Frances Moore Lappé has received numerous awards for her contributions to social justice and environmental sustainability, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1987, often referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize." She has also been recognized by organizations such as the James Beard Foundation and the Gleitsman Foundation.

Personal Life

Lappé resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She continues to write, lecture, and advocate for sustainable living and democratic engagement.

See Also

• Sustainable agriculture
• Food security
• Environmentalism
• Democracy

References

• Lappé, Frances Moore. Diet for a Small Planet. Ballantine Books, 1971.
• Lappé, Frances Moore, and Anna Lappé. Hope's Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet. TarcherPerigee, 2002.
• Lappé, Frances Moore. EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want. Nation Books, 2011.

External Links

• Small Planet Institute
• Right Livelihood Award