Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg (by Food Tank)

A recent luncheon on Capitol Hill highlighted critical issues like food access, food as medicine, and food waste prevention. Key speakers discussed the impact of federal nutrition programs and potential strategies for improving food equity. Collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders are making strides in tackling food insecurity. The conversations also emphasized the importance of local voices and grassroots movements in shaping food policy. Additionally, the health consequences of food insecurity, particularly in marginalized communities, were a focal point for potential solutions.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Dr. Veronica Womack, the inaugural Executive Director of the Rural Studies Institute at Georgia College & State University and a Professor of Political Science and Public Administration. They discuss the reasons behind the underdevelopment of the Black Belt in the American South—and the resilience that has persisted in spite of it; the storytelling that is essential to amplifying people's voices and connecting one another; and how Womack is working to use the resources of her institution to encourage rural development, support entrepreneurs from farmers to food businesses, and best meet the needs voiced by the community. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

U.S. Representative Jim McGovern discusses food policy in the US, highlighting efforts to combat hunger and improve nutrition security through programs like SNAP. The conversation covers misconceptions about SNAP benefits, promoting nutrition-based approaches for well-being, and the need for advocacy to address food insecurity as a political condition.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a member of the Hopi Tribe in Northern Arizona, and an Assistant Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. They talk about the spiritual and cultural importance of seeds and the process of their rematriation, the challenges of securing resources for Indigenous communities, and the importance of data sovereignty. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Catherine Piccoli, Curatorial Director for the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) in New York City. They discuss how exhibits can inspire curiosity in eaters about where food comes from and how they experience it, why our understanding of food cannot be divorced from historical context, and the collaborative process behind MOFAD's recent exhibit African/American: Making the Nation's Table. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Christine White, Chief Program Officer for the National FFA Organization. They discuss how the organization is connecting students with career paths that span the agriculture industry, the factors contributing to a shortage of teachers in U.S. schools as well as opportunities to support educators, and why it's important to provide a setting that allows students to fail forward. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Edward Mukiibi, President of Slow Food International, and Bilal Sarwari, the interim Executive Director of Slow Food USA. They discuss what happens when a food system is designed on fragility, the biodiversity that creates the foundation of the world's food and agriculture systems, and why they both feel hopeful in spite of the many challenges we face. This interview is part of a series of live conversations, which feature a special Q&A segment not included in the episode, available only to Food Tank members. To access these virtual events and have the chance to ask your own questions to changemakers transforming our food and agriculture systems, head to foodtank.com/join and find a membership level that works for you. New members also receive a special gift from Food Tank when they sign up. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

Leah Garces, CEO of Mercy for Animals, discusses the harm of industrial animal agriculture, the emotional toll of witnessing factory farm conditions, and the impact on animals and communities. Solutions include sustainable farming transitions and innovative approaches to support farmers and advocate for farmed animals.

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Alex Amouyel, the President and CEO of the Newman's Own Foundation. They discuss the model of the Foundation, which utilizes 100 percent of the profits from the sale of Newman's Own products to transform the lives of children who face adversity; how the Foundation's Food Justice for Kids Prize is being used advance Indigenous food justice and improve nutrition education and school food; and the value of peer- to-peer learning. This interview is part of a series of live conversations, which feature a special Q&A segment not included in the episode, available only to Food Tank members. To access these virtual events and have the chance to ask your own questions to changemakers transforming our food and agriculture systems, head to foodtank.com/join and find a membership level that works for you. New members also receive a special gift from Food Tank when they sign up. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

Esthrella Penunia, Secretary General of the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development, discusses the importance of small-scale farmers to global food security, challenges faced by women food producers, and the need for innovation in the face of the climate crisis. Topics include the role of regional organizations in supporting small-scale farmers, challenges and successes of small-scale fishers in the Philippines, empowering family farmers for a sustainable future, uniting small-scale farmers for sustainable food production, and the vital role consumers play in supporting small-scale food producers in Asia.