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Food Freedom: A Year of Growing and Foraging 100% of My Food
Ten years ago, Robin Greenfield awoke to the destruction of the industrial food system. Since then, he has been deeply exploring the food we eat, often through immersive activism, which led to one of his most burning questions: could he step outside of the food system completely and grow and forage 100% of his food?
In Food Freedom, he shares his adventures of living without grocery stores or restaurants. Nothing packaged, processed, or shipped; not even multivitamins, supplements, or spices. Within the city of Orlando, Florida, he turned lawns into abundant gardens, with a biodiversity of over 100 plant species. He foraged 200
species of plants and mushrooms from nature, experimenting with food as his medicine. Follow Robin on an emotional journey as he explores:
-Growing and foraging to deepen his connection to local food and establish a relationship of reciprocity with the land
-The industrial food system that likely brought you today’s meal
-How communities are taking back control of their food and creating food sovereignty
-How you, too, can grow your own and forage to gain food freedom
The good food revolution is not a lonely path. Millions have embarked on the journey and are waiting for you to join them. Question your food. Uncover the truth. Liberate yourself through relationships with our plant community!
100% of profits, after book distribution, are donated to Gardens of Liberation, supporting Indigenous and Black-led food sovereignty initiatives.
Food Freedom is offered on a donation basis.
Food freedom is available to order via Robin Greenfield's website.
In Food Freedom, he shares his adventures of living without grocery stores or restaurants. Nothing packaged, processed, or shipped; not even multivitamins, supplements, or spices. Within the city of Orlando, Florida, he turned lawns into abundant gardens, with a biodiversity of over 100 plant species. He foraged 200
species of plants and mushrooms from nature, experimenting with food as his medicine. Follow Robin on an emotional journey as he explores:
-Growing and foraging to deepen his connection to local food and establish a relationship of reciprocity with the land
-The industrial food system that likely brought you today’s meal
-How communities are taking back control of their food and creating food sovereignty
-How you, too, can grow your own and forage to gain food freedom
The good food revolution is not a lonely path. Millions have embarked on the journey and are waiting for you to join them. Question your food. Uncover the truth. Liberate yourself through relationships with our plant community!
100% of profits, after book distribution, are donated to Gardens of Liberation, supporting Indigenous and Black-led food sovereignty initiatives.
Food Freedom is offered on a donation basis.
Food freedom is available to order via Robin Greenfield's website.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2024
56 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Robin Greenfield
5 books109 followersRobin Greenfield is a truth-seeker, activist, social reformer and servant to Earth, humanity and the plants and animals we share our home with. His life is an experiment with truth and integrity. At the heart of Robin’s action based philosophy is his dedication to living simply and sustainably as a means of resistance to systems of oppression and exploitation. Through living closely connected to Earth, he is on a path of personal liberation. Through living simply he rejects societal standards of consumerism that contribute to great inequity and injustice.
Robin’s public activism involves dramatic gestures designed to reach the mainstream and to provoke critical thought, self-reflection and positive change. His activism creates nuanced conversations on the critical issues of our time, with a focus on solutions for living in harmony. His activism has been covered by media worldwide and he has been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV and “The Forest Gump of ecology”.
Robin has committed to a set of lifetime vows – to earn below the federal poverty threshold, to resist federal taxes and to keep his net worth and possessions to a minimum. He donates 100% of his media earnings to grassroots nonprofits, with a focus on supporting Black and Indigenous women-led organizations that contribute to healing Earth and humanity, while serving the communities most affected by the dominator society.
What Robin is dedicated to is simple – liberation and basic rights for all – Earth, humanity and our plant and animal relatives. He believes that community, diversity and bio-diversity are central to all true solutions for a harmonious existence as a humanity. In a time when many feel disempowered, Robin chooses to live in gratitude and celebration of life. What keeps him going is his belief that our actions do matter and that as individuals and communities we have the power to liberate ourselves and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Robin’s public activism involves dramatic gestures designed to reach the mainstream and to provoke critical thought, self-reflection and positive change. His activism creates nuanced conversations on the critical issues of our time, with a focus on solutions for living in harmony. His activism has been covered by media worldwide and he has been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV and “The Forest Gump of ecology”.
Robin has committed to a set of lifetime vows – to earn below the federal poverty threshold, to resist federal taxes and to keep his net worth and possessions to a minimum. He donates 100% of his media earnings to grassroots nonprofits, with a focus on supporting Black and Indigenous women-led organizations that contribute to healing Earth and humanity, while serving the communities most affected by the dominator society.
What Robin is dedicated to is simple – liberation and basic rights for all – Earth, humanity and our plant and animal relatives. He believes that community, diversity and bio-diversity are central to all true solutions for a harmonious existence as a humanity. In a time when many feel disempowered, Robin chooses to live in gratitude and celebration of life. What keeps him going is his belief that our actions do matter and that as individuals and communities we have the power to liberate ourselves and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 24, 2024
Food…something many of us take for granted, and many more don’t have enough of. This book will completely change your relationship with what you eat, and your understanding of the impact the “food” industry has on our planet. It is an easy read, and I know this book can benefit all who read it.
For transparency, I had the good fortune to meet Robin during his year living off only what he could grow and forage, and was one of many in the community who got to work with and learn from Robin. The experience truly had a positive impact on my life. This book will do the same for you, and others as well since Robin donates 100% of the profits to Gardens of Liberation, supporting Indigenous and Black-led food sovereignty initiatives.
For transparency, I had the good fortune to meet Robin during his year living off only what he could grow and forage, and was one of many in the community who got to work with and learn from Robin. The experience truly had a positive impact on my life. This book will do the same for you, and others as well since Robin donates 100% of the profits to Gardens of Liberation, supporting Indigenous and Black-led food sovereignty initiatives.
September 22, 2024
This was such an inspiring, resource rich, immersive learning experience into Robin's year of growing and foraging ALL of his own food, seasoning, salt, etc! After reading the book, I am figuring out how to expand my backyard gardens (and hopefully make some front yard gardens) and I have bought some foraging books. I plan to go on a foraging walk soon with the basic knowledge I do have. I want to do more too, but I am starting with those things I listed. Anyways, thank you Robin for your work and for sharing all this wonderful information with us! You are truly a beacon of hope and an amazing example of the radical change possible in this hurting world.
September 25, 2024
Food freedom shocked me. So much hidden Truth. I appreciate Robin divulging his truths and sharing his experiences and teaching us to have more freedom with our food while living a healthy and happier life!
August 28, 2024
Interesting to read about his experience of his experiment and you can learn many things from this book
October 25, 2024
I was torn between giving this book 3 or 4 stars, but I decided to go with 3 based on the fact that my interest in reading the book started to fade about halfway. I felt that it started to get a bit rambly.
As a disclaimer, I am not new to this topic and have read several books/texts on the subject, so I am most likely not the target audience of this book; which may also help explain why it didn't have such an impact on me.
While I agree wholeheartedly with the message, I felt that the entire premise of the book/adventure is a bit too performative. Not that practical, and each topic was covered somewhat superficially so it doesn't work that well as a guide either. Very US-centric, so a lot of the recommendations don't really work as well in other cultures (for example, where I live most people don't have lawns or gardens, and you will definitely not find random fruit/nut trees anywhere public).
My final criticism, although a bit harsh perhaps, is that the whole experience feels a bit privileged and very hard to sympathize with if you are not relatively famous and/or have a huge network of people ready to help you out at a moment's notice. Not everyone can find volunteers to temporarily lend you land, help you build a small house, or take care of your garden for a few months at a time practically for free.
All in all, I think it is a good book to help build motivation to actually be more self-sufficient, or to get to know in general about the problems in our food system and such. I thought that all the references and introductions to organizations were great, even if not really applicable to people outside the US.
As a disclaimer, I am not new to this topic and have read several books/texts on the subject, so I am most likely not the target audience of this book; which may also help explain why it didn't have such an impact on me.
While I agree wholeheartedly with the message, I felt that the entire premise of the book/adventure is a bit too performative. Not that practical, and each topic was covered somewhat superficially so it doesn't work that well as a guide either. Very US-centric, so a lot of the recommendations don't really work as well in other cultures (for example, where I live most people don't have lawns or gardens, and you will definitely not find random fruit/nut trees anywhere public).
My final criticism, although a bit harsh perhaps, is that the whole experience feels a bit privileged and very hard to sympathize with if you are not relatively famous and/or have a huge network of people ready to help you out at a moment's notice. Not everyone can find volunteers to temporarily lend you land, help you build a small house, or take care of your garden for a few months at a time practically for free.
All in all, I think it is a good book to help build motivation to actually be more self-sufficient, or to get to know in general about the problems in our food system and such. I thought that all the references and introductions to organizations were great, even if not really applicable to people outside the US.
October 17, 2024
A great resource to refer back to!
It is quite a feat to be so connected to ones food sources and to put so much dedication to the process. I appreciate how he offers up many ideas and resources for others to take action on multiple scales in the Empowerment Manual. It was exciting to follow Robin along on his adventure throughout the year!
He writing is very open and lets the reader into his challenges and successes. Many of the reflections and journal entries evoke Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, except Robin is not Chris McCandless in the Alaskan woods, but instead in a Florida suburb!
While Robin spends time critiquing the industrialized food system in the US (such as monocultures, factory farming, and organic certifications), it is more so a manifesto rather than a thoroughly researched article. If you want citations and in depth research, consider reading other books - but if you want to be energized and inspired, this is the book for you.
It is quite a feat to be so connected to ones food sources and to put so much dedication to the process. I appreciate how he offers up many ideas and resources for others to take action on multiple scales in the Empowerment Manual. It was exciting to follow Robin along on his adventure throughout the year!
He writing is very open and lets the reader into his challenges and successes. Many of the reflections and journal entries evoke Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, except Robin is not Chris McCandless in the Alaskan woods, but instead in a Florida suburb!
While Robin spends time critiquing the industrialized food system in the US (such as monocultures, factory farming, and organic certifications), it is more so a manifesto rather than a thoroughly researched article. If you want citations and in depth research, consider reading other books - but if you want to be energized and inspired, this is the book for you.
October 15, 2024
This book should do some waking of people up. Robin is an obviously positive and principled person which our current industrial(food) society doesn't exactly promote.
Food is everything. Healthy food, healthy people, healthy planet.
Robin goes to great lengths and experiences discomfort (imagine that in these hyper comfort and tumultuous times!) to feed himself from and with the land and its other inhabitants. This book is like a primer for rewilding your soul to experience your food as a communion with Earth.
Robin gives great information on feeding yourself better. Man may continue to destroy every day but nature is still abundantly accessible to feed and nourish.
I read from this book to my family often and will be passing it down a chain of people to read. well done Robin and keep on paring down!
Food is everything. Healthy food, healthy people, healthy planet.
Robin goes to great lengths and experiences discomfort (imagine that in these hyper comfort and tumultuous times!) to feed himself from and with the land and its other inhabitants. This book is like a primer for rewilding your soul to experience your food as a communion with Earth.
Robin gives great information on feeding yourself better. Man may continue to destroy every day but nature is still abundantly accessible to feed and nourish.
I read from this book to my family often and will be passing it down a chain of people to read. well done Robin and keep on paring down!
September 27, 2024
Really interesting story and a huge number of great resources at the end of the book!
October 8, 2024
Robin’s Food Freedom is a MUST HAVE if you are looking to feed yourself with healthy and sustainable foods and not depend on mainstream grocery stores and fast food. His story is so inspiring to me, as I have changed many aspects of my life after reading this book. I already have met Robin through his foraging camp/walks in wisconsin and thought of myself as an environmentalist, but with the help of the countless resources in this book, I really believe I am on the way to becoming self sufficient and removing the connection to the fossil fuel dependent grocery stores.
If you are looking for a go to book with all of the resources you could need in an easy to follow way, this is THE book. My copy is packed with highlights and notes to refer back to. This book is not for sale, but is part of the gift economy which means it’s completely supported by donations, and 100% of profits made from donations go to Gardens of Liberation.
If you are looking for a go to book with all of the resources you could need in an easy to follow way, this is THE book. My copy is packed with highlights and notes to refer back to. This book is not for sale, but is part of the gift economy which means it’s completely supported by donations, and 100% of profits made from donations go to Gardens of Liberation.
October 25, 2024
This book is impactful, stressing the importance of our food choices, personally & globally. Robin Greenfield, the author, gives a heartfelt and detailed account of his year only eating food he has grown or foraged. A unique feature of this book is that it is an experiment in the gift economy, offered on a donation basis.
October 7, 2024
I feel empowered and knowledgeable on how I can make a difference in the world and my life. Food is so important to our bodies, and where it comes from is a huge part of that. I not only liked being able to hear about Robins Journey, I also greatly appreciated a great source of links and books for furthering my education. The directories and links are so valuable just themselves.
January 14, 2025
The systems of control are vast, their roots deep, their machinations hidden beneath the surface of everyday existence. Food Freedom by Robin Greenfield is a challenge to these systems, a rebellion against the constructed dependencies of the modern food empire. Greenfield dares to reclaim autonomy over his sustenance, surviving for a year solely on what he can grow and forage in the untamed wilds of Orlando, Florida. His journey is not merely one of survival but of revelation—a testing of the self against forces that would see humanity docile, bound by convenience and artificial scarcity.
But Food Freedom is more than a manifesto; it is a vision of a different path, one where food is neither commodity nor weapon, but birthright. Greenfield’s choices ripple outward, a disruption in the stagnant waters of consumer culture. He does not simply reject the system—he proves that another way is possible. In doing so, he becomes both prophet and insurgent, a man who walks the space between civilization and nature, reminding us that freedom is not given, but seized.
But Food Freedom is more than a manifesto; it is a vision of a different path, one where food is neither commodity nor weapon, but birthright. Greenfield’s choices ripple outward, a disruption in the stagnant waters of consumer culture. He does not simply reject the system—he proves that another way is possible. In doing so, he becomes both prophet and insurgent, a man who walks the space between civilization and nature, reminding us that freedom is not given, but seized.
January 13, 2025
I unfortunately didn't move into the neighborhood in time to be able to have my yard be a part of Robin's transforming experiment and learn first-hand some of the skills I'd like to develop, so I'm very happy he wrote this book detailing the time he spent here. It's exciting to the point of overwhelm just how much can be done to break free from complete dependency on large corporations and I'm so glad to have some living examples. This tome is well-thought out with guides and instructions layering from the book to the internet to help one dive deeper into whatever area interests them.
I found myself so excited by Robin's vision for the world and the connections he's made and hoping there are still many around me who still feel like moving in this direction is worth while.
I found myself so excited by Robin's vision for the world and the connections he's made and hoping there are still many around me who still feel like moving in this direction is worth while.
April 1, 2025
This book was incredibly inspiring and filled with valuable resources, offering an immersive look into Robin’s journey of growing and foraging all of his own food, including seasonings. I really appreciated how open Robin was about his experiences, sharing his personal truths and what he learned thorough this process. His journey teaches us how we can gain more freedom with our food while living healthier, happier lives.
What I particularly love is that Robin has made this book available for free, so anyone can benefit from the knowledge he’s shared. It is a great resource to look back and reference when needed.
Thank you to Robin for the work he’s done and for offering such valuable information to all of us.
What I particularly love is that Robin has made this book available for free, so anyone can benefit from the knowledge he’s shared. It is a great resource to look back and reference when needed.
Thank you to Robin for the work he’s done and for offering such valuable information to all of us.
November 27, 2024
Food Freedom was a fantastic read to inspire me to continue my foraging and gardening journey! Robin shares the ups and downs in his journey, which felt very relatable to someone who has never grown/foraged 100% of their food before, as he was also new to this when writing the entries for this book. It was encouraging to read that it is doable to eat a very clean diet, one that is local and grown organically, without a lot of experience. This was a book that was hard to put down, I wanted to read it all in one sitting!
January 30, 2025
If you find yourself questioning our modern food system and its affects on mankind and all creation great and small - you will enjoy this book. It is an easy read but an honest reflection of Robin's struggle and success with learning "community sufficiency" in meeting his basic needs for food. I would use the term "self sufficiency" but as he discusses in great detail, his success was still dependent on the inputs of many others who kindly shared their wisdom and experience with him for this beautiful journey he embarked on.
November 4, 2024
Ebook downloaded 2024Nov03 from Robin’s site as ePub so I can read on table and share with interested friends without problems of a certain format found on a site named after a large river in South America. Currently reading, and will update review and rating soon.
Food quote (don’t know if it’s in book): Let food be thy medicine. ~Plato
In that spirit Auntie Jpeg eats low carb, omnivore, whole foods.
Food quote (don’t know if it’s in book): Let food be thy medicine. ~Plato
In that spirit Auntie Jpeg eats low carb, omnivore, whole foods.
January 24, 2025
Firstly, in the spirit of activism, check out The Story Graph and my review there! It's Black woman owned site that has an immensely better user experience than this site and it's not owned by ahorrid company named after a rainforest that's dedicated to destroying our land and water in search of one more buck! https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
That aside, it's very US-centric, but it's an inspiring book as well.
That aside, it's very US-centric, but it's an inspiring book as well.
January 26, 2025
I wanted to use the words "Ground Breaking" or "Earth Shattering" but those descriptors do not seem to resonate with the material. Instead I will use some terms that I made up inspired by these words.
Ground Building and Earth Sustaining material. Beautiful, Revolutionary, and absolute must-read with an sometimes overwhelming amount of resources to get started on your journey <3 Absolutely love it.
Ground Building and Earth Sustaining material. Beautiful, Revolutionary, and absolute must-read with an sometimes overwhelming amount of resources to get started on your journey <3 Absolutely love it.
May 7, 2025
This book seriously changed my life! Robin’s story of a year of growing and foraging his own food was written with authenticity. Robin’s storytelling was easy to read, honest and relatable. Robin shared the successes and the struggles in his experiment, but also gave the tools for people to do the same. I felt empowered when I read his book. I felt like I could actually go out into my community and make change. This is one book that I will definitely read over and over again!
June 29, 2025
Reading this from the spring into the summer couldn’t have been better timed. Robin has inspired me to check weeds in my city through the Seek app for edible options, save the lower fruits for people on foot if you have a ladder, and I now know so much more about composting and in general making the most of land to nourish our bodies and souls amongst community. I hope Robin continues to do the amazing work he has been doing for years.
September 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Reducing my reliance on the industrial food system is a big goal of mine and Food Freedom gives a realistic idea of what that might take to achieve. The empowerment manual is also super helpful - it's a good collection of useful resources, IMO the book is pretty much worth it just for the empowerment manual. But I enjoyed reading about Robin's journey as well.
January 14, 2025
Robin's book inspired me to try foraging more in my life! His diary entries are very precious and felt very truthful – the happiness, sadness, excitement and anxiety is all there. I hope that many more people read it and feel encouraged to make changes in their lives that bring them closer to Nature and to themselves.
January 14, 2025
Splendid human, doing amazing things. When Robin does something, he goes ALL in. I had always fantasized about what it would take to forage and grow all my own food. Robin has done it and shared his experience. Very eye opening and very inspiring. I also love that Robin has taken notes from Charles Eisenstein and offered this book in the spirit of the gift. A very good read.
January 14, 2025
This book is deeply inspiring as well as useful. Robin shares his personal experiences openly, while acting as a model for living in alignment with your values. He is also incredibly thorough in offering a vast range of resources and acheivable ways to get started. It is a start-where-you-are manual for relating to food and food systems in holistic, conscientious, sustainable, ethical ways.
January 14, 2025
Interesting book with a lot extra depth compared to the video log on YouTube. A lot of good tips given.
During the 2nd part there are more cases where Robin goes on angry tangents which I didn't feel added to the book. Instead a dedicated part of a chapter could have been used to address these items.
Overall I do recommend to everyone (and have let friends and family borrow it)
During the 2nd part there are more cases where Robin goes on angry tangents which I didn't feel added to the book. Instead a dedicated part of a chapter could have been used to address these items.
Overall I do recommend to everyone (and have let friends and family borrow it)
January 15, 2025
If you’ve wondered what it would be like to forage all your own food this book gives a realistic view of the joy and difficulty in foraging and storing food. It’s an in depth look at the corruption in our commercial grocery system. Robin has inspired me to be even more diligent in growing my own food and sourcing from local farms.
January 22, 2025
One of the best books I have read recently. Thoughtful, thought-provoking, empowering, and inspiring. Robin lives for one full year on only food that he has personally grown or foraged. This book details an authentic account of his triumphs and struggles.
WARNING: reading this book may make you want you to tear up your lawn and replace it with a flourishing food forest.
WARNING: reading this book may make you want you to tear up your lawn and replace it with a flourishing food forest.
August 28, 2024
What would it take to revive community food resiliance? Robin explores that dream as deeply as possible. He's real. He's emotional. He's successful. And he will have you sewing seeds before the conclusion
November 27, 2024
Reading Food Freedom gave me chills, it’s thought provoking. He is actively living and showing examples of how to live to care for our earth and every being living in it. His caring and selfless acts are so admirable and inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews