TLC Todd-versations

Unless you’re manipulating genetics or inputs, it takes time, patience, and a gambler’s spirit to grow food.

Organic produce is a no-step-skipped discipline, where only the best will do for consumers, growers, and the planet. Listen as Todd chats with Bonnie Poux and Ryan San Jose of Access Organics about the effort they put into bringing us some of the finest fruits and vegetables available.

Their key to success starts with the relationships they forge, oftentimes with only a handshake.

When was the last time you felt this much passion for what you do?

This episode is about a legacy built on trust, loyalty, family, and the aloha spirit. Todd had the pleasure of chatting with Toni Rodosta of Volcano Produce about lessons she’s learned and her commitment to being Nō Ka ‘Oi (The Best in Hawaiian).

As you listen, you will discover why Toni will achieve her dreams.

When will we make children’s nutrition a priority or at least as important as...

...watching the Super Bowl in person, being first in line for the Black Friday Deal, getting 1 million Instagram followers, being the first off from a four-way stop, or whatever you find that motivates you above all the rest?

Listen as Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary and Wellness, Minneapolis Public Schools, talks with Todd about the benefits eating whole, scratch cooked food makes for children. Their information retention, focus, and recall improve. For teachers, maintaining discipline is easier, accelerated learning happens, and as a result, there is more enjoyment all around.

Why are we so afraid of food?

Food is powerful. Food is medicine. It can be an emotional elixir, a tool in your arsenal of healthy living, or a path to a better quality of life. Listen as Todd chats with Barbara Ruhs, The Market RD, about the many ways we can explore the benefits of upping the game when it comes to our food choices.

What is NIFA and what does a National Program Leader do?

Jessica Shade of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is ready, willing, and able to tell us as she chats with Todd on this episode. 

In this role, she directs programs helping food and agriculture stakeholders overcome large-scale challenges.

Jessica is motivated by science-based facts, finding solutions for complex problems, and collaboration between agencies, stakeholders, and other interested parties.

“I don’t ever want us to be preying on people’s hope that we can make a difference. I want to make a difference.” -Ben Gray

Todd and the entire Todd-versations team were inspired by this chat. Listen as Ben Gray lays out what they do, working to change the narrative about food-to-market standards. Why they do it, it’s a massive, almost inconceivable, waste problem. And how they will bring consumers, growers, shippers, retailers, and manufacturers along. It is a tremendous opportunity to change perceptions and lives by working with viable, valuable, and sometimes slightly imperfect food that can make it into the supply chain.

“This is not a shame and blame thing.” -Nancy Easton

Listen as Todd chats with Nancy Easton of Wellness in the Schools. She is on fire about the work that needs to be done to change the trajectory for the future.

It’s about producing a generation that is healthier, happier, and smarter because the food they eat is their path to wellness and the exercise they do fosters healthy bodies, brains, and emotional well-being.

UNFI by the numbers: Approaching thirty billion annually. Thirty thousand independent rooftops are serviced weekly. Over thirty thousand UNFI associates. Twenty distribution centers to deliver fresh. 

Todd chats with Dorn Wenninger about UNFI from its humbler days as Mountain People’s Warehouse out of Auburn, California to where it sits today. They haven’t lost their customer-centric approach, they’ve just found ways to share it with more people. Listen to this fascinating story about providing access and opportunity to better food for a better future for all.

Their joy is infectious.

Just listen to Bianca Kaprielian and CJ Buxman chat about the work they love, the history they honor, and the people that are grateful for their vision and dedication to seeing family farms thrive. Dreams can come true. Hard work is worth the pay off.

Todd and the entire Todd-versation team says Happy 5th Anniversary Fruit World!

Plan for the future. Make changes today.

Educate. Expose. Engage. Establish patterns for good health and change a nation.

Join Todd as he chats with Erin Primer of the San Luis Coastal Unified School District on the inaugural episode of Todd-versations’ Lunchtime Heroes.

Hear about the challenges of enticing finicky eaters to explore new eating choices.

Listen to the exuberance as Erin describes the wins and the changes taking place in the schools, homes, and communities she serves. Like Ann Cooper said, “It’s a win, win, win!”