

The Food Programme
BBC Radio 4
Investigating every aspect of the food we eat
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2023 • 29min
Older Men Learning to Cook
Jimi Famurewa talks to men learning or rediscovering cooking later in life, maybe due to a change of circumstance or loss of a partner, to hear how it's changing their lives.In the programme we meet the participants of the latest Man with a Pan cookery course, run by Community Chef at Lewes Community Kitchen, as well as a weekly class run by Age UK in north London. Jimi also chats to the team behind Men’s Pie Club, which uses food as a tool to help tackle loneliness and social isolation with men, getting them in a room once a week, to make a pie, connect and meet people.Presented by Jimi Famurewa and produced by Sophie Anton for BBC Audio in Bristol.

Nov 12, 2023 • 28min
Mezcal: A Beginners Guide
Dan Saladino explores the Mexican spirit mezcal and the diverse world of agave spirits.Contents include: Gary Nabhan (Agave Spirits book): https://www.garynabhan.com/Agave Road Trip Podcast: https://agaveroadtrip.com/Sin Gusano: https://www.singusano.com/storyKol: https://kolrestaurant.com/El Pastore: https://www.tacoselpastor.co.uk/Produced and presented by Dan Saladino.

Nov 5, 2023 • 28min
BBC Food and Farming Awards 2023: Second Course
Sheila Dillon presents more winners from the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2023, including who was crowned Best Streetfood, Takeaway or Small Eatery and the winner of the Food Innovation Award. We also hear stories of the amazing finalists and winners in the Community Food and Young Countryside Champion Awards. Finally, the winner of this year's prestigious Derek Cooper Outstanding Achievement Award is revealed in recognition of their impact on the UK's food and farming.Presented by Sheila Dillon and produced by Nina Pullman for BBC Audio in Bristol.

Nov 3, 2023 • 29min
BBC Food and Farming Awards 2023: First Course
This podcast episode celebrates the winners of the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2023 including Best Food Producer, Best Drinks Producer, and the new Digital Creator Award. Topics covered include the importance of food and farming, craftsmanship and design of chopping boards, regenerative farming practices, and the experiences of digital creators in the food industry.

Oct 22, 2023 • 28min
Prescribing Fruit and Veg – A New Model for the NHS?
This podcast explores the concept of prescribing fruits and vegetables as a new model for the NHS, prioritizing disease prevention and changing lifestyles. It discusses a pilot public health scheme in south east London that is prescribing fresh fruit & veg to people with chronic disease and mental health conditions. The episode highlights the success of prescribing fruit and vegetables for diet-related health conditions and proposes nationwide implementation of this model. It also focuses on community engagement, preventive care, and finding solutions for health services.

Oct 15, 2023 • 28min
Eating Wild Part 2: Inside the Gut Microbiome
Chef and Arctic explorer Mike Keen and a group of British foragers embark on a wild food adventure and have their physical health and gut microbiomes analyzed. They discuss the impact of an Inuit diet on gut microbiome, surviving in extreme cold, impressive health improvements on a unique diet, and the positive impact of a specific diet on gut microbiome and health.

Oct 8, 2023 • 28min
Kombucha: A Miracle Drink?
In this episode, guests including an expert on kombucha, a researcher studying its health benefits, and a tea expert passionate about kombucha discuss the process of making kombucha, its flavors, and the health claims associated with it. They also explore the slow growth of kombucha in the UK, the rise in popularity in Australia, and the market opportunity it presents. Additionally, they talk about brewing kombucha at home during the pandemic, the transition to starting a tea farm, and the unique approach to brewing kombucha using British tea and homegrown fruit.

Oct 1, 2023 • 28min
Local food – is it working?
Exploring local food in the UK and the challenges it faces, including lack of support from local authorities and COVID-19 impact. A former civil servant's journey into cheese making and collaborating with local farmers. The importance of local food systems, fair prices for farmers, and the negative consequences of globalization. The need to protect local food producers against imports with lower standards and the value of local schemes in inspiring the public.

Sep 24, 2023 • 29min
Abergavenny at 25
Abergavenny Food Festival started 25 years ago to showcase local produce; now a famous event with renowned chefs. The festival engages people in conversations about food chains and localism, and combines policy discussions with food stalls. The festival's emphasis on artisan markets, farming discussions, and community celebration has contributed to its success over the years. The podcast also mentions the involvement of local figures, unique experiences, and Franco's many contacts in the food industry.

Sep 17, 2023 • 28min
BBC Food and Farming Awards: street food finalists
Discover the finalists in the BBC Food and Farming Awards for best street food and small eateries, along with personal stories of past winners. Highlights include sampling traditional Malaysian clay pot cooking at Joli, trying Pakistani naanwiches at Maasi's, and experiencing sustainable and subscription-based takeaways from DabbaDrop.


