Our Board
Lisa Freeman is a micro-producer residing in the historically Black neighborhood of Manchester in Pittsburgh. Lisa has a background in traditional permaculture knowledge and indigenous agricultural practices. With dual master’s degrees in social work and public administration, Lisa is also a long-time advocate for the food security needs of the marginalized, medically vulnerable, and senior citizens. Lisa also recently opened her neighborhood’s first Black-owned grocery, Freeman Family Farm Store. The store supports the 18 food desert communities of the Northside of Pittsburgh by providing fresh veggies, fruits, and meats supplied from southwest Pennsylvania farms.
“I’ve been creating and fulfilling the dream of my late husband Wallace to provide food in our food desert community. I have successfully done that. Now I’ve begun transitioning to a mentor role for younger BIPOC urban farmers and acting as a voice most people can rely on that will speak up with unfair treatment of circumstances.”
Lisa says, “It is such an honor to be considered as a Pasa Board Member. I would like to better use my advocacy voice through public administration and public policy and incorporate the power of Pasa with the power of the many collegiate resources here in Pittsburgh as well as grow the capacity to develop a regional economic generator for farmers.” Lisa shares a sentiment close to all our hearts, “Selfishly, it’s always nice to be in the company of other people who like to play in the dirt. Being around those who ‘get it’ is so nourishing for the soul and it’s life-affirming.”
