In this episode, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans Director, Charlotte Steele joins Justine to discuss the transformative power of food education programs that go beyond just teaching nutrition facts, the challenges of implementing these kinds of programs.

This week, we hear how we can transform the lunch room into a place of nourishment, community, and joy with Betsy Rosenbluth. Betsy is the Farm to School Director at Shelburne Farms, a nonprofit organization on a 1400-acre working farm in Vermont.

Farming is the backbone of our communities, yet too often, the hard-working men and women who toil in the fields are overlooked and undervalued. Community to Community (C2C), founded by Rosalinda Guillen, is a pioneering organization that empowers farm workers and immigrant communities to lead the charge in building a more sustainable, equitable, and community-driven food system.

The food we consume is often built upon the backs of a vulnerable workforce struggling to maintain their dignity and basic rights. Gerardo Reyes Chávez is a seasoned farm worker and community organizer who has dedicated over 25 years to advocating for the rights of agricultural laborers.

The wait is over! Season 9 of Essential Ingredients is finally here, and it's the most impactful and eye-opening season yet, and we can't wait to share it with you! Get ready to meet the visionary entrepreneurs, passionate activists, and pioneering innovators who are transforming our food systems in remarkable ways.

From the farmers who nurture the grains, to the millers who coax out their complex flavors, to the bakers who transform these flours into loaves that nourish the soul, these artisans play a crucial role in preserving the unique tastes of their regions.

The wellness industry has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, as consumers increasingly seek natural, holistic solutions to address their health and well-being. Founded by serial entrepreneur Shizu Okusa, Apothekary offers a range of herbal remedies, functional foods, and educational resources to empower people to take a more proactive approach to their health.

Our local markets and farms are brimming with a diverse array of ingredients. Yet, many of us pass them by because of their peculiar appearance or because we may be unsure of how to incorporate them into our cooking.

Exploradora Coffee is a socially conscious coffee roaster co-founded by Wade Johnson, her mother Alison, and her sister, Hollis. By exclusively sourcing from women farmers and reinvesting in programs for coffee growers, Exploradora Coffee promotes food security as well as economic and social empowerment.

Snacktivist Foods is a food innovation company that is transforming underutilized crops into healthier comfort foods using ancient grains and ingredients. Founded by former nurse Joni Kindwall-Moore, Snacktivist's mission is to elevate nutrition and sustainability through innovative plant-based products.

The traditional camping aisle has long been due for an overhaul. Into this space have stepped innovators who understand the modern outdoors person. Poe&Co. is a catering and food products company founded by chefs and partners Jamie Poe and Jayson Poe.

Because of our busy schedules, it's all too easy to rush through meal preparation on autopilot. Aishwarya Iyer’s passion for conscious cooking inspired her to create Brightland, where she strives to elevate people's connection to their food through products that encourage mindfulness.

This week, Justine sits down with Marshall Bartlett, the co-founder and CEO of Home Place Pastures, a fifth-generation family farm in Mississippi that has transformed over the past decade to practice regenerative agriculture through rotational grazing of grass-fed beef and pastured pork.

Founded by Connor Godfrey, Rasāsvāda is a spirit restorative company that creates herbal spirits using traditional Chinese medicinal plants and ingredients. Rasāsvāda aims to help consumers on their lifelong wellness journeys through plant-based remedies without preservatives that promote healing and restore balance.

Conscious drinking is gaining popularity as people recognize that alcohol consumption is a choice where informed decisions matter. Younger generations especially are looking for drinking experiences to satisfy their desire to socialize without sacrificing how they feel.

Led by Jared Damman, WildKind Packaging, a sustainable packaging manufacturer, utilizes innovative digital printing technology to make compostable packaging more accessible and cost-effective. With over 15 years of experience in product development and manufacturing, Jared was inspired to launch WildKind to create a meaningful environmental impact.

Listen in as Justine interviews 6Seeds co-founders, Kate Burns and Andreas Duess to discuss how understanding real customer behaviors through data empowers entrepreneurs to expand their brand beyond initial expectations.

Bread is a simple yet profound food that has sustained cultures for millennia. More than just a vehicle for nutrients, bread represents community, tradition, and comfort. This week, Justine interviews Molly Carney to discuss the time-honored craft of artisanal bread baking and its impact on community health and sustainability.

This week, Justine sits down with James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker and founder of Jeni's IceCreams, Jeni Britton and Michelin-starred chef, Jeremy Nelson, to discuss their new venture, Floura, a company creating high-fiber, prebiotic snacks and ingredients from upcycled produce trimmings.

While we're often told the importance of "eating the rainbow" each day, many struggle to fit those colorful servings of produce into their busy routines. This week, Justine is joined by Amber Benson, the Co-Founder of Ruvi, a company that uses freeze-dried technology to preserve the nutrients in fruits and vegetables while making them easy to enjoy anytime in a convenient powder form.