Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams Episode: How We Can Fix Hunger, Food Deserts, and a Broken System (with Chef Tom Colicchio) Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, host Stacey Abrams delves into the pressing issue of hunger and food insecurity in the United States. Joined by renowned chef and health advocate Tom Colicchio, the conversation explores the systemic challenges that perpetuate food deserts and the inadequacies of current governmental programs aimed at alleviating poverty and ensuring nutritional access for all Americans.

Understanding the Scope of Food Insecurity

Stacey Abrams opens the discussion by highlighting the stark reality of hunger in America:

"We live in the richest country in the world, yet food insecurity impacts 1 in 10 families and 1 in 5 children in the US lives with hunger." [00:00]

She elaborates on the multifaceted nature of food insecurity, touching upon persistent poverty, the high cost of groceries, and the prevalence of food deserts—areas lacking access to affordable and nutritious food.

Government Programs and Policy Challenges

Abrams raises concerns about the future of critical government programs managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She references Project 2025, outlining potential cuts to:

• Eligibility for food assistance programs
• Regulations on baby formula
• Access to low-cost lunches for schoolchildren

This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on how these policy changes could exacerbate food insecurity across the nation.

Interview with Chef Tom Colicchio

Background and Advocacy: Tom Colicchio, known for his role on Top Chef and his advocacy work, shares his journey from chef to outspoken advocate against food insecurity. He discusses his documentary, A Place at the Table, which examines the root causes of hunger in America.

"People in this country are not hungry because of droughts or famine or war. They're hungry in this country because of poverty and because that we don't have the political will to make sure everyone in this country is fed." [12:37]

Lobbying and Policy Reform: Colicchio details his efforts to influence food policy through the creation of Food Policy Action. He explains how the initiative developed a scorecard to grade Congress on issues related to food, hunger, farming, and clean water.

"If you have money, you can enjoy healthy food. If you don't, you are going to buy food that's as inexpensive as possible. And typically, those things are highly processed, full of fats and sugars, and not very healthy." [19:30]

He emphasizes the importance of framing hunger not just as a social issue but also in terms relatable to policymakers, such as national security and educational outcomes.

Personal Experiences and Motivations

Colicchio opens up about his personal battles and how they propelled him into activism. He recounts struggles with addiction and how cooking became a lifeline, providing structure and purpose.

"Cooking saved my life... maybe that's it. There's a lot of reasons why I cook. It's not just one answer." [34:51]

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic exposed and intensified existing vulnerabilities in the food system. Colicchio discusses the formation of the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) during this time, which successfully lobbied for substantial financial support to keep restaurants afloat.

"We successfully lobbied the government to give us $48.6 billion to keep our restaurants afloat... The success of it was that, again, being able to talk to both sides." [28:32]

He also touches upon the broader implications of restaurant closures on community safety and economic stability.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Solutions

Abrams and Colicchio explore the role of local communities in addressing food insecurity. They highlight initiatives such as:

• Double Up Food Bucks: Expanding programs that double the value of food stamps at farmers' markets, enhancing access to fresh produce.
• Mobile Produce Trucks: Supporting projects that deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved neighborhoods.

"If you have these skills, if you're an accountant, you can actually give back... there's a lot that you can do." [26:57]

Listener Engagement and Future Challenges

Towards the end of the episode, Abrams addresses a listener question from David Reid about the potential impact of Robert Kennedy Jr.'s appointment on agencies like the CDC and FDA. She reassures listeners about the resilience of these institutions, emphasizing the importance of federal employees who prioritize scientific integrity over political agendas.

"Scientists will always find a way to tell us what they know... these federal employees have a direct effect on state and local policymakers." [36:21]

Toolkit: Taking Action Against Hunger

The episode concludes with a "Toolkit" segment, offering listeners actionable steps to combat food insecurity:

1. Educate Yourself: Watch A Place at the Table on YouTube to understand the complexities of the issue.
2. Support Programs: Visit doubleupamerica.org to see if your state participates in doubling food stamps at farmers markets.
3. Advocate for Universal School Meals: Engage with FRAC.org and healthschoolmealsforall.org to support policies that ensure children have access to nutritious meals.
4. Mitigate Food Deserts: Support the Eco Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project by donating or helping to connect urban farmers with mobile produce trucks.
5. Spread Awareness: Share information about food insecurity and available resources on social media to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Conclusion

Stacey Abrams wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of collective action in addressing hunger and food deserts. She commends Tom Colicchio for his multifaceted role as chef, advocate, and activist, emphasizing that real change requires both systemic policy reform and grassroots community engagement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Tom Colicchio (05:22): "Two peppers for a dollar. Can't beat that."
• Tom Colicchio (05:42): "The dollars that are being used for reimbursements haven't changed since 1973. We need to get better, nutritious foods in school by increasing the amount of reimbursement."
• Tom Colicchio (19:30): "If you have money, you can enjoy healthy food. If you don't, you are going to buy food that's as inexpensive as possible... highly processed, full of fats and sugars."
• Stacey Abrams (20:03): "Calories are cheap, but nutrition is expensive."
• Tom Colicchio (24:21): "Hunger is one of those things where there's no member of Congress that's hungry. Their children are hungry."
• Tom Colicchio (34:51): "Cooking saved my life... there's a lot of reasons why I cook. It's not just one answer."

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams continues to shed light on critical societal issues, blending insightful conversations with practical solutions to empower listeners to take meaningful action. Tune in next week for another episode aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges that impact our communities.