Episode 219: Role of Business for a Better Food System
About the Podcast
In this episode, Clancy speaks with Ertharin Cousin, Managing Director and CEO of Food Systems for the Future. She also served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) from 2012 until 2017. You won’t want to miss their discussion about Cousin’s advocacy in the food systems, how businesses across the food system work to increase the affordability and availability of food, and her definition of food dignity. Listen and enjoy the show!
About Ertharin Cousin
Ertharin Cousin currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Food Systems for the Future Ventures and Impact Investment Fund and as the CEO of Food Systems for the Future Institute, the fund's sister non-profit. She is also a Distinguished Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. From 2012 until 2017, Cousin led the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) as Executive Director.
Discussion Takeaways
- Ending hunger and malnutrition is possible not just through programs but by creating a food system that makes nutritious, sustainably produced food affordable and available for everyone.
- Conflict and climate were the two primary drivers of acute hunger.
- There is a need to promote a business model that can address the challenge in the food system, reduce the cost of the end product for the consumer, and be scalable for the financial return necessary for a long-term business.
- Food safety nets don't end hunger, and address the challenges of malnutrition and challenges of diet-related disease.
- Food dignity is the availability and affordability of a diverse, nutritious basket that every mother can go in, hold her head high, and afford.
#1 tip to improve access to healthy food
A truly resilient food system must balance environmental and human health while delivering financial returns—from farm to investor—so that nutritious food is both available and affordable.
Each week on the Food Dignity® Podcast, the Food Dignity® Movement's Clancy Harrison hosts a wide variety of hunger experts and other people making changes on the frontlines. Join us as we dive deep into conversations that will change the way you think about food insecurity.
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