Welcome back to another stirring installment of The Hot Dish, where we unwrap the complex layers of issues that hit close to home for America's heartland communities. In this timely episode, we tackle the poignant issue of food insecurity in areas often dubbed the country's breadbasket. We bring together the voices of advocates and policymakers who are at the frontline of this challenge.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small joins us with a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to action. She sheds light on the pressing need for a robust farm bill that provides certainty to our farmers and addresses the sting of food insecurity many feel. Through our conversation, listeners will gain an appreciation for the importance of programs like EQIP and rotational grazing, especially for the smaller farm units striving to survive and stay intact.

We also welcome Zach Rodvold from Second Harvest Heartland, diving into the startling levels of food scarcity in rural communities and the critical role federal policies play. Our discussion will reveal the staggering statistics and the human stories behind hunger in the Midwestern landscapes, where the soil is rich, but the tables can be sadly bare.

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp bring a personal touch to the episode, sharing their family experiences with food assistance, from a pastor's reliance on SNAP benefits to distributing government cheese. The duo will not only make you feel at home with their down-to-earth banter about cooking liver and deer sausage, but they also drive home the point that providing school meals should be as fundamental as supplying books.

Listeners can expect a balanced plate of discourse, from the hearty successes of past farm bills to the potential roadblocks that might delay the next one. Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasizes opportunities for all farmers, the need for both efficient and resilient markets, and the USDA's role in rural development, encompassing energy, housing, and infrastructure.

So, stir the pot with us as we delve into these heartfelt stories and discuss the vital connections between nutrition, healthcare, and agriculture. You'll leave with a greater understanding of the administrative focus on implementing laws like the Inflation Reduction Act while navigating the complex fabric of federal farm policies.

This episode of The Hot Dish is informative and invites you to reflect on the convergence of policy and the dinner plate. Remember, your feedback is as welcome as a hot supper on a cold day, so tune in, think, and talk back. We'll be simmering on these thoughts and returning in two weeks to serve more food for thought.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. For more information, visit https://onecountryproject.org. Save the data for the 2024 Rural Progress Summit, June 4-6. Send your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas to [email protected].