On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Fred P. Hochberg, Board Chair of Meridian International Center Board of Trustees and former Chairman and President of the Export–Import Bank of the United States, for a wide-ranging conversation on trade and global food and nutrition security.

Spring Gala Tickets and Information: www.worldfoodprize.org/gala

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The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Tom Vilsack speaks with Billy Shore, founder and executive chair of Share Our Strength, about the progress - and the work still ahead - in the fight to end childhood hunger in the United States. Shore discusses the impact of the No Kid Hungry campaign, the importance of meeting families where they are and the value of smart policy and collaboration. Together, they reflect on what food and nutrition security work has taught them and how strong partnerships turn ideas into impact. The conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for anyone committed to helping ensure every child and family has access to nutritious food.

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The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

In this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, Tom Vilsack speaks with Ambassador Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, about the evolving global landscape shaping food and nutrition security. Their conversation highlights the powerful connection between food and nutrition insecurity and conflict, underscoring how protecting access to food can strengthen communities and serve as a form of soft power that lowers the risk of conflict. The episode also explores how positioning food assistance within broader defense and development strategies can help prevent crises and support long-term global stability.

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The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Howard W. Buffett, Chair of the Advisory Board at Holganix and Barrett Ersek, Founder and CEO of Holganix to discuss the role of science and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening global food systems. 

Drawing on boots-on-the-ground work with farmers at Holganix, the discussion examines how rejuvenating degraded soils can boost yields, reduce fertilizer use and improve water-holding capacity. Listeners gain insight into the economic, environmental and conservation benefits of soil health innovation and the ways this innovation can boost food and nutrition security.

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The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, to explore innovative strategies for combating hunger in the United States and beyond. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, highlighting practical solutions and real-world impact in the fight for food and nutrition security. Listeners will gain insight into why food insecurity matters to all of us - and how we can make a difference.

The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.

The World Food Prize Podcast is the official podcast of the World Food Prize Foundation, launched in 2026—the 40th Anniversary of the Prize. Hosted by Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack, the podcast builds on the enduring legacy of World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, advancing the idea that food and nutrition security is a fundamental human right that transcends politics, geography and ideology.

Twice each month, Vilsack sits down with leaders from across the global food system—including scientists, farmers, policymakers, youth advocates, World Food Prize Laureates and global changemakers—to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for nourishing a growing world. Through in-depth conversations, this podcast aims to raise awareness about the global issue of hunger, educate listeners about the work of the World Food Prize and elevate the solution-oriented voices of those driving real-world impact. Each episode offers insight, perspective and inspiration—uniting diverse viewpoints around a shared goal: advancing a food and nutrition-secure future for everyone, everywhere.

Learn more and watch the video version of the podcast here: www.worldfoodprize.org/podcast