Alan Shannon has worked in the areas of food access, nutrition programs, the intersection of nutrition and health, and local sustainable food systems for nearly 40 years.

As public affairs director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Midwest, he led communications and event-planning and founded four networks which focused on support for local food systems, food as medicine, excellence in school meals, and nutrition security. He retired from USDA in 2025, and now provides consulting services for businesses and organizations interested in food as medicine, nutrition assistance, and excellence in school meals, including robust farm to school programs.

He has written about food, restaurants, sustainability, and travel for Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times publications, Viva Magazine, AAA Living and many other publications..