Food First
529 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratings“HUNGER IS NOT BETTER THAN WE ARE, IT IS NOT BIGGER THAN WE ARE, AND IT IS NOT BEYOND US TO SOLVE.”
Featuring innovative leaders from government, industry and nonprofit organizations, Food First is a platform for sharing ideas and, more importantly, solutions to end food insecurity. Dr. Knight is a tireless advocate, believing that Michigan, the nation’s second most diverse agricultural state, can prove that hunger is not better, not stronger, and not smarter than us.
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Episodes
Native/Tribal Landscape Assessment with Mark Ford
April 12, 2024 20:21 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBNative/Tribal Landscape Assessment with Mark Ford by Phil Knight
Food Security Council Report
February 29, 2024 20:41 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBFood Security Council Report by Phil Knight
Paving Your Road to Success
December 08, 2023 19:50 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBPaving Your Road to Success by Phil Knight
Changing the World One Day at a Time
November 17, 2023 21:00 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBChanging the World One Day at a Time by Phil Knight
USDA Report 2022_Never Give Up
November 09, 2023 20:32 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBUSDA Report 2022_Never Give Up by Phil Knight
Leaders see better, before and beyond the rest of us
November 02, 2023 17:23 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBLeaders see better, before and beyond the rest of us by Phil Knight
The Masks of Tradeoffs
October 13, 2023 19:09 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThe Masks of Tradeoffs by Phil Knight
A Matter of Distance
July 27, 2023 19:56 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThere are over 6,500 food deserts in the U.S. These are places where economics and geography make it harder for people to access healthy, nutritious food. While the challenges for those in rural and urban food deserts may look different, their refrigerators often look the same. Michigan’s Food Banks stand is the gap to help meet this need in both the rural and urban food deserts across our state. In Michigan, our network of 7 Feeding America Food banks and their 3000 pantries helps create ac...
FFM 071623 Healthy Things Grow
July 14, 2023 14:02 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB“Healthy things grow, growing things change and growing things change things,” says author Christine Cain. That has been the case at the Food Bank Council of Michigan over the past several years. Our work has expanded, scaled, and changed to help meet the need in the communities across our state. As we have gotten healthier, we are privileged to have earned the trust of our legislature, governor’s office, as well as the community itself. Listen today as Gerry and Phil talk about the journey...
FFM 070923 Dwyer Williams - Hunger is a Solvable Problem
June 30, 2023 14:19 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBHunger has a straightforward solution – access to healthy food on a consistent basis. Food security is a bit different. It is a systemic adjustment to allow people to use and keep leverages to meet their daily, weekly, and monthly household needs. On this week’s Food First Michigan we talk with United Dairy Industry of Michigan CEO Dwyer Williams. She is a problem solver who know there are many obstacles, challenges, and opportunities to help families have access to the food they want and n...
FFM 070223 Poverty In America
June 29, 2023 14:39 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBPoverty in America sounds like an oxymoron. It just doesn’t seem to fit together. Why must there always be a class of people in our country that doesn’t have enough? During this week’s episode of Food First Michigan, hosts Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson examine this question.
FFM 062523 Scott Piggott Consequences of Policy Change
June 23, 2023 14:26 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBOn this week’s Food First Michigan show we are talking with Scott Piggott, CEO of Michigan Farm Bureau, and member of the Food Bank Council Board of Directors, about the consequences of policy change. The recent federal legislation passed surrounding the debt ceiling means the Michigan Milk Producers Association will no longer be able to donate the 350 gallons of milk they have been supplying to the state’s food bank network each day. The money is no longer available that covered the cost o...
FFM 061823 MPC #2 - Relationship Building to Create a Food Secure State
June 13, 2023 13:50 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBIt’s been articulated, and rightfully so, that things only truly change because of relationships. The Mackinac Policy Conference creates an annual opportunity to build and enhance our relationships with influencers across the state. We want them to know, understand about food insecurity, its effect on children and our communities and, more importantly, we want them to grasp the idea that food insecurity can be solved with their help. This year Paula Cunningham, State Director for AARP Michi...
FFM 061123 Mackinac Policy Conference 1
June 09, 2023 15:56 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBPolicy matters and that is why the Food Bank Council of Michigan and members of our organization attended the recent Mackinac Policy Conference presented by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Paula Cunningham, State Director of AARP MI served as guest host. Our interviews from the Policy Conference will be split into two different broadcasts. First up, this week’s episode of Food First Michigan features State Budget Director Chris Harkins and State Representative Christine Morse, Chair of the DHHS...
FFM 052823 The Power of Food . . .
May 24, 2023 14:12 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBFood is not the solution to poverty. It is, however, the first step toward a self-sufficient life. When hunger comes off the table, the ability to focus beyond the current crisis becomes clearer. When food is available, worry is replaced with comfort. Over 50% of the food our network distributes is fresh and whether it is a box, bundle, or bag it provides hope. That’s the power of food. On today’s episode of Food First, we talk about the power of food and the impact it has on people faced wit...
FFM 052123 Kristen McDonald Rivet Interview
May 17, 2023 18:30 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBImproving Life for Michigan Families Increasing the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System line item is an important investment we need to make in MI farmers and the families who are struggling. The faces of the individuals in need of food are changing. They are often in and out of food security, have enough for most of the month, but need help for a short time. Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet came to Lansing to get things done by passing bills that impact all of us, especially the families serv...
FFM 043023 DianeGolzynski School Meals for All
April 28, 2023 14:34 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBGovernor Whitmer has proposed investing $160M to support school meals for all. Nine states have passed legislation to put in place universal school meal programs. Will Michigan be the 10th? On this edition of Food First Michigan, we talk with Dr. Diane Golzynski, deputy superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education, to get a better understanding of school meals for all.
Conversation is the Gateway to Change
April 14, 2023 12:29 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBIt has been said that change is inevitable, and growth is optional. Leaders love change, expect things to change, and work to create positive change. All change is a critique of the past, has casualties, and needs a champion. This week’s episode of Food First Michigan focuses on how to use conversation as the gateway to change.
From Calling to Career
April 07, 2023 13:59 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBNonprofits and charities across our state have extremely talented people working hard to help their neighbors in need but there are still too few of these individuals in the world. On today’s episode of Food First Michigan, you will hear from Taylor Moore, the innovative director of Food Rescue – Goodwill Northern Michigan, who is investing his life to ensure people in need have access to the fresh food they want and need.
Hunger Deprives Kids of More than Just Food
March 30, 2023 16:35 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBWe have a responsibility to the next generation to give them every opportunity to succeed — which in turn will strengthen our communities and our country. Feeding children facing hunger is a priority of the Food Bank Council of MI and our members. Today’s Food First MI guest understands that investing in children is the right thing to do. Collin McDonough, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, is helping organize the efforts around School Meals for All.
Working Across the Aisle for Food Security
March 24, 2023 14:52 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBHunger for children, food security for seniors is and should always remain a non-partisan challenge. Republican, Democrat, and everyone in between should do what is necessary to ensure the toxic stress of food security is a thing of the past. So put down your partisanship, your prejudices, your bias, your judgements, and join us in creating a food secure Michigan. This week’s episode of Food First unpacks two pieces of legislation that impact our work and the families we are striving to help.
Innovating our way to food security
March 17, 2023 17:07 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBInnovation it is said, is the enemy of efficiency. The Deputy Undersecretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, is an innovator. She is investing her energy in making food more accessible to people with limited opportunities and on this week’s edition of Food First Michigan you will hear from her about how she is innovating processes and programs to help people get the food they both want and need.
Defining the Poverty Challenge
February 24, 2023 15:25 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBOn Food First Michigan we often say a job is the biggest tool in the anti-hunger toolbox, but upon further review lowering the unemployment rate isn’t the cure all to poverty. While the unemployment rate has dropped, the poverty rate has stubbornly stayed at around 10 percent and never dropped below 10 percent. On today’s episode of Food First Michigan Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson talk about the role of work in solving poverty and other social disparities that contribute to poverty in ...
Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries
February 03, 2023 13:54 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBDr. Katie S Martin, a PhD researcher from Tufts University and the School of Nutrition Science and Policy, is the author of Reinventing Food Banks and Pantries: New Tools to End Hunger. Martin has dedicated her career to researching food insecurity, talking with individuals who experience food insecurity, visiting food banks and food pantries, and creating programs that promote health, dignity, and financial wellbeing. Her goal is to create a paradigm shift in the way we address food insecuri...
Not Everything that Comes to Me is For Me
January 26, 2023 17:13 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThe Michigan Health & Hospital Association was the Title Sponsor for the 2022 Michigan Harvest Gathering giving campaign. They have been a long-time supporter of the Michigan Harvest Gathering. Hear from Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association about why they are committed to helping solve food insecurity for Michigan residents.
Five Year Anniversary Show
January 19, 2023 14:53 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBHappy five-year anniversary to Food First Michigan! Take a look back at some Best of Food First episodes and celebrate with us!
Creating a Food Secure State Beyond the Holiday Season
November 23, 2022 15:39 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBWith the holidays upon us, we are seeing an even greater need for food need families across the state of Michigan. The Farm Bureau family of companies is committed to serve the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s mission of creating a food secure state in this season of Thanksgiving and beyond. Check out this week’s episode of Food First Michigan where we are talking with Michigan Farm Bureau CEO Scott Piggott about the potential for partnership, policy change, and the procurement of food for t...
Creating Positive Change - Joe Tate - November 20 2022
November 18, 2022 17:32 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBChange has come to Michigan that hasn’t come in a generation. Specifically, political change. The executive office and both houses of the MI legislature will all align under the leadership of Governor Whitmer, Senator Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and our guest this week, the newly elected Speaker of the House, Representative Joe Tate. Rep Tate is a true leader, who believes in us, our work at the Food Bank Council and most importantly he believes in the families across out state that struggl...
Value of Work and the Heart of Giving
November 10, 2022 19:28 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThe value of work is still important today and as is a heart of giving. It is the unique combination that can propel a family struggling with monthly bills to find financial peace. While work is important, necessary and the biggest tool in the anti-hunger toolbox – in many cases it is not enough. Our work at the food banks across MI needs good policy that supports work for people and families. We also need generosity from our community to help those who need help. On today’s show we talk wit...
October 30 2022 Food First
October 31, 2022 13:19 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBJoin us for this week's show to learn more about the three hottest topics in the world of food insecurity -- Michigan Harvest Gathering; the upcoming election and why it matters; and the current state of food insecurity in our state.
Lisa Hamler Fugitt White House Conference
October 21, 2022 14:16 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThis week Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, CEO of the Ohio Association of Food Banks joins Food First to talk about the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years. Dr. Phil Knight and Lisa Hamler-Fugitt were amongst a handful of hunger leaders from across the nation to attend this important event. Listen in to hear how the White House plan will address taking food insecurity off the table for all Americans.
FFM 100622 FULL
October 11, 2022 13:21 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBThe latest episode of Food First Michigan is focused on the effects of food insecurity on children from health to educational outcomes. Food insecurity amongst children is a “we” problem to solve because if a child is not well fed, they are not well read. Today’s children are tomorrow’s workforce, so we need to work together to address food insecurity amongst Michigan’s children. Today’s guest is Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Market Executive, Citizens Financial Group. Listen in to learn more a...
Data Driven Decisions
September 23, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBData Driven Decisions by Phil Knight
September 25, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 23, 2022 16:01 - 54 seconds - 1.26 MBSeptember 25, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 25, 2022 - Monologue
September 23, 2022 16:01 - 2 minutes - 2.9 MBSeptember 25, 2022 - Monologue
Change Has Changed
September 09, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB“Change has Changed” is a book by my friend Samuel Chand. Sam is not wrong, this world looks vastly different than it did 3.5 years ago. Change isn’t the only thing thats changed, so have we as both individuals and organizations. Sometimes change is painful, it hurts but is necessary as we evolve and grow into the leaders and organizations that are equal to the task we’ve been entrusted to accomplish. Otherwise, “when you interpret your pain as bigger-more important, more threatening, more co...
September 11, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 09, 2022 13:04 - 1 minute - 2.28 MBSeptember 11, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 11, 2022 - Monologue
September 09, 2022 13:03 - 2 minutes - 3.26 MBSeptember 11, 2022 - Monologue
The POWER of food is Immeasurable
September 03, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.” - George Washington Recently, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Senator John Boozman, opened the Farm Bill 2023 with a Field Hearing at Michigan State University. The Farm Bill is the single most important piece of legislation that effects food in our entire system – from beginning to end. During the Field Hearing Senator Stabenow asked Dr. Phil to testif...
September 4, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 02, 2022 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBSeptember 4, 2022 - Food for Thought
September 4, 2022 - Monologue
September 01, 2022 00:00 - 1 minute - 2.42 MBSeptember 4, 2022 - Monologue
Policy Matters
August 26, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBElection season is in full swing across Michigan and I know many of you are already tired of the brand of politics that includes name calling, endless mailings and lots of bickering. But our unique America political process offers us the opportunity to influence policy, priorities and the people who want to govern even before they are elected. Anna Alamaza, director of policy for the Food Bank Council of Michigan, a Lansing insider who is leading our work of influencing the candidates curren...