Look and Listen

Biography

I didn't know my biological father or anything about his family until we met when I was 30 years old. Thus, I had long since received a degree in Journalism and Advertising from LSU before I learned that Journalism was one of his family's traits and that I share more similarities and common interests with my two half brothers on that side of the family than I do with the half brothers and half sisters I grew up with. When I was 12 and the oldest of five, my stepfather was paralyzed for life in a highway work zone accident. In addition to many other problems this situation presented for us, food insecurity was high on the list. One of the things I did to help in that regard was plant a back yard garden. Years later, this experience prompted me to become a continuing volunteer for the food bank and a one time board member. In order to put my Journalism skills to work for the food bank as well, I wrote multi-award winning "Patricke Peartree: A Modern-Day Johnny Appleseed," which encourages individuals and organizations to plant donation orchards and/or gardens (edible landscaping) and give all or part of their harvests to the food bank. Visit my web site, www.patrickepeartree.com, to learn more. WARNING: This book is hazardous to indifference toward the plight of the hungry and homeless in America, among whom are millions of children and seniors. Go green and feed the needy!

Inspiration

My own experience with food insecurity as a child provides the empathy which inspires me to do whatever I can to help others who find themselves in a similar situation.