In this inaugural episode of The Dark Side of Dining, host Kenny Mears chats with Danielle "Dani" Nierenberg, co-founder and president of Food Tank, a leading organization dedicated to food system change. They dive into the complexities of our global food supply, from the struggles of small-scale farmers in Ethiopia and the impact of climate change in Europe to the surprising simplicity of how we can all become "citizen eaters" and make a positive impact in our own kitchens. Dani shares her personal journey from a small town in Missouri to becoming a leading food policy expert and offers actionable advice on reducing food waste by challenging "best by" dates and getting creative with your cooking. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and discover that knowledge truly can taste good.

Key Takeaways

• Food Tank's Mission: Learn about this research and advocacy organization that highlights stories of hope and success in food and agriculture systems globally.
• Global Food Challenges: Discover the pressing issues facing farmers today, including climate change, lack of investment, and the dismantling of aid programs like the U.S. Agency for International Development.
• The Power of the "Citizen Eater": Find out why every single person has a role to play in shaping a better food system and how simple actions like reducing food waste can make a significant difference.

Resources Mentioned

• Food Tank: Visit their website at foodtank.com or find them on social media to learn more about their work.
• Food Recovery Network: A great resource for those interested in getting involved with food waste prevention, especially on college campuses. Find more info at https://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/

Guest Information

Danielle Nierenberg is the co-founder and president of Food Tank. She has been named one of the 20 most influential people in food by the Huffington Post and has received numerous awards for her work in the food and agriculture sector.

Follow Dani and Food Tank:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodtank?igsh=cDY3azN3Nmg5OWFv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8Ekws9mR/
• X: x.com/daninierenberg?lang=en https://share.google/EIEUII8sJAxiawfuc

Follow The Dark Side of Dining:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarksideofdining?igsh=cGkwdXp1MWRuN2tp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G88ZywYK5/