TLC Todd-versations

We are shining light on school nutrition and the lunchtime heroes that make it happen!

TLC Toddversations, in collaboration with the Chef Ann Foundation, bring you stories from across our great country on positive changes to the school nutrition landscape Todd-versations Lunchtime Heroes.

Who are Todd-versations’ Lunchtime Heroes? They are the often-invisible school food service teams across our country that work to make district budgets stretch, meals appealing, and fill the gap many families face when it comes to feeding their children.

Do you know that poor diet and food insecurity are stressors for many children?” asks Todd Linsky, principal at TLC, and host of TLC-Todd-versations. “Poor nutrition contributes to behavioral problems, impaired school performance, and multiple health issues. Enter Ann Cooper, founder of the Chef Ann Foundation.”

Chef Ann knows from experience that higher-quality diets and scratch-cooked school meals promote learning. Well-nourished children have better school attendance rates, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, and are more engaged in the classroom. Healthy eating prepares children for long-term success by contributing to brain development, increased energy, and focus.

Starting November 8, 2022, in addition to our regular programming, TLC Todd-versations is releasing monthly Todd-versations’ Lunchtime Heroes.

Markets are constricting. Has organic produce pricing hit a ceiling? What is an Ag Shark?

Tune in to find out the answer to “What is an Ag Shark” and more. Listen to Todd and Matt Seeley of the Organic Produce Network discuss the ramifications of third-quarter reports, both nationally and internationally on the downturn in organic growth. Growers, shippers, packers, and retailers, this story, Ag Sharks especially, is a must-listen!

Todd chats with Matt Seeley of The Organic Produce Network about the upcoming Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, California, from November 30 through December 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Spa.

Been there. Done that.

Chris Romano is a produce rock star. He cut his teeth with Walter Robb of organic fame. Earned his stripes at Whole Foods Market and picked up a trick or two while working at Balducci’s.  

Now he is teaching a whole new generation of produce peeps as the helm of that division at The Fresh Market. He has a lot of wisdom to share with Todd and our listeners. Stay tuned!

What is the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) up to? If you cannot make it to Orlando for the show, listen to this episode.

Todd chats with George Szczepanski about some of the lofty goals the IFPA has in representing growers, shippers, packers, and retailers on multiple fronts, especially organic. We’re looking forward to the impact on behalf of our industry.

“The biggest problem for our planet today is the fact that we don’t tackle enough of them (problems).” -Jonas Jacob Biermann

How many times have you said, “I should do something about that,” and became distracted, overwhelmed, or disinterested before working to bring about changes that could lead to solutions? 

Jonas, Lukas, and Raphael of Plantation shared their determined focus with Todd, “Let’s be positive. Let’s think about solutions. Let’s get started.”  Check them out at www.plantsinrotation.com

“Who’d of thought that the guy that said my idea of produce as a kid was green beans and corn in a can would be feeding the world today at Bolthouse Farms?

-Kevin Fix

Todd loves this quote. 

Listen as Todd shares his thoughts on the discussion document on climate smart agriculture presented by the National Organic Standards Board. Todd has a lot to say about this in a short period of time.

Vertically integrated - Delivering convenience and freshness - Instilling trust and making friends Calavo is a multi-tiered approach to success.

Todd chats with Helen Kurtz and Danny Dumas about the shoes they have stepped in to fill, the community of Calavo, and their vision for the future. They’ve got game folks, and we’re excited to share what they’re all about.

Calavo takes pride in their commitment and investment to delivering fabulously fresh food every day. Learn more about their promise at https://calavo.com

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. - John F. Kennedy

We are fortunate to have the sage wisdom of a longtime, inside-the-Beltway political heavyweight, Randy Russell. He's forgotten more than we'll ever know, and that is just part of why presidents, foreign dignitaries, and business interests seek his counsel.

Todd says this is a lesson on America.

Dr. Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), is a class act. Her life's work ensures the process by which organic standards are vetted and established remains fair and open to debate.

As she spoke with Todd, she shared that her highest value is to serve. We can all take a lesson from Jenny on deportment, keeping our personal opinions in check, listening to understand, and maintaining an environment where dignity reigns supreme.

Brava Jenny Tucker, brava!