Food Sleuth Radio Mark Winne, MS, food justice advocate and author of The Road to a Hunger-Free America: Selected Writings of Mark Winne. (Part 1 of 2)
Dec 26, 2025
Mark Winne, a dedicated food justice advocate and author with over 50 years of experience, shares his insights on transforming our food system. He recounts his beginnings in anti-famine activism and local projects in Maine. Winne emphasizes the importance of building community trust and empowering marginalized voices. He discusses the connection between grassroots efforts and policy changes, offers stories from various communities, and critiques the reliance on food banks, advocating for comprehensive solutions.
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Early Organizing Sparked A Career
- Mark Winne describes starting food justice work in college by organizing co-ops, farmers markets and breakfast programs in Lewiston, Maine.
- That hands-on beginning hooked him and led to a 25-year career running the Hartford Food System and lifelong advocacy.
Make Room For Community Leadership
- Step aside and create space for community leaders to lead once they gain agency.
- Use your skills where needed, such as writing or policy, rather than holding leadership forever.
Policy Is Essential To End Hunger
- Winne learned over time that addressing hunger requires moving from charitable projects to public policy engagement.
- He emphasizes government at all levels must share responsibility for food security, not just nonprofits.