In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, Michael Curtin, CEO of D.C. Central Kitchen, explores how food can serve as a catalyst for social change.

As communities across the country confront challenges around food access, workforce development, and economic in equality, Curtin shares a powerful perspective on how food systems can be reimagined to create opportunity. Drawing from D.C. Central Kitchen’s nationally recognized model, he highlights how culinary training, job creation, and community-based food programs can transform lives while strengthening local economies.

Rather than viewing food solely as a service, Curtin reframes it as a tool for systems change—addressing root causes of hunger while building more resilient and equitable communities.

Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, this conversation explores how food, when rooted in purpose, can drive lasting impact across communities.