The New England Produce Council, Inc.
and the Organic Produce Network
proudly announce
Shannon Allen as Keynote Speaker

Burlington, MA (January 23, 2019) – the New England Produce Council (NEPC) and the Organic Produce Network (OPN) announce the first New England Organic Produce Conference scheduled for May 1st at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA. Together for the first time, NEPC & OPN will be presenting an educational event that will feature Shannon Allen as the keynote speaker. 

Shannon Allen is the creator of grown, a first-of-its-kind 100% USDA organic certified fast food restaurant that opened in March 2016 in South Miami, aiming to fill a void in the market with "real food, cooked slow, for fast people™." 

With a focus on delicious, organic, nutrient-dense fare; the innovative concept marries the quality of farm-to-fork cuisine with the convenience of fast food dining. Shannon lives in Miami with her husband, Ray Allen (two-time NBA champion) and their five children. 

The grown restaurant concept evolved from her television show, The Pre-Game Meal (NECN, Comcast SportsNet) and was inspired by 18 years of preparing optimal game day meals for her husband. In 2008, shortly after their middle child, Walker, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Shannon spent a very frustrating evening unsuccessfully driving up and down Route 9 in Wellesley, MA searching for something delicious, nutrient dense, made with 100% USDA organic certified ingredients and with the convenience of a drive thru. That’s when she had her “ah ha” moment and grown was born. With five units in just two years since opening their flagship store in Miami – including locations inside of HardRock Stadium, the Wesleyan University Campus Bookstore (CT) and a WALMART Supercenter in Lake Nona – it’s overwhelmingly evident grown has struck a nerve with busy people who are desperate for convenience without compromise. In keeping with grown’s mission to change the world one 100% USDA organic certified fast food meal at a time; grown will begin awarding franchises in 2019. 

The Allen’s are passionate advocates for organic food, a healthy active lifestyle and research for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes in honor of their 12 year-old son, Walker. Shannon, Ray and their family devote their time and efforts to raise the level of awareness of T1D and its symptoms and are committed with purpose, passion and dedication to prevailing in the fight against this potentially life threatening disease. 

“We are very pleased and excited to invite Shannon Allen back home to New England to share her expertise on organics. Also, we are very happy to be working together with the Organic Produce Network on this event,” said Anthony Sattler, President of the New England Produce Council.

Some other highlights of this event include: Neilson Report, Organics 101 and a 
Retailer Roundtable. “Having Nielson, Tonya Antle, Matt Seeley and Shannon Allen presenting their absolute best as experts in the area of organics in one venue will make this a powerful event,” stated Tom Murray, V.P. Produce Roche Bros. The program was developed in a partnership with Massachusetts-based New England Produce Council, Inc. and California based Organic Produce Network. 

"This will be a do not miss event,” said Matt Seeley, Co-Founder and CEO of 
Organic Produce Network. “Working collectively with the New England Produce Council, Inc. will help increase the knowledge base of all of our members. The program will be first class."

Conference Attendee Registration