World Food Prize Foundation Debuts Official Podcast Elevating Global Hunger Conversations

The World Food Prize Foundation announced the launch of its official podcast, hosted by Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack, creating a new global platform for meaningful dialogue at the intersection of food, science and human progress.

Released twice monthly, The World Food Prize Podcast: Dialogue that Feeds The World will go beyond the surface and feature in-depth conversations with leaders from across the global food system, uncovering the stories, breakthroughs and lived experiences driving solutions to hunger, nutrition and sustainable agriculture-amplifying the voices working every day to ensure food security for all.

"Through this podcast, we want to unite diverse perspectives around a shared vision: a food and nutrition secure future for everyone, everywhere," said Vilsack. "Each conversation will provide listeners with a unique window into the fight against hunger and the real-world ideas and partnerships that are shaping solutions across the global food system."

The premiere episode features Vilsack in conversation with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, who shares how her unique upbringing, her personal experience with food insecurity and how her own health journey have shaped her approach to leading Feeding America and addressing domestic food insecurity. Babineaux-Fontenot also discusses current pressures on the domestic food bank network and actions she believes everyone can take to help end hunger in their communities.

"There is not one county or parish in the United States of America that does not have people living within it who are experiencing hunger," said Babineaux-Fontenot. "Hunger is [the entire country's] challenge, it is in every county, no matter how wealthy. When people have a better awareness of how ubiquitous hunger is…then they tend to galvanize and want to be a part of solutions, but unfortunately many do not know that yet."

The next episode will be released on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and will focus on scientific advancements in agricultural production and the business case for identifying ways to more sustainably produce food.

Over the course of the year, in roughly 25-minute episodes, Vilsack will sit down with policymakers, scientists, business leaders, farmers, innovators and other changemakers from around the world, exploring the ideas and actions that are shaping how we feed a growing planet. Examining the impact and realities of global hunger, the importance of science and innovation in solving it, and the need for more people to join the anti-hunger fight will be key themes across the series.

The World Food Prize Podcast would not be possible without the support of The Wellmark Foundation, which recognizes that nutritious food is the backbone of a healthy society.

"Good health doesn't start in the doctor's office, it starts in the home, around the kitchen table," said Laura Jackson, executive vice president of Health Improvement at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and chair of The Wellmark Foundation. "By supporting the World Food Prize Podcast, we are investing in conversations that elevate the importance of access to nutritious food and the role it plays in building healthier families and communities."

The podcast marks the 40th anniversary of the World Food Prize, the preeminent award in food and agriculture. Founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, the $500,000 award recognizes outstanding contributions in any field involved in the world food supply system.

The World Food Prize Podcast is available on the Foundation's website and all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now to hear changemakers shaping the future of global food security.