Growing Forward: Insights for building better food and agriculture systems

Growing Forward

 

The Global Food Institute and Food Tank are proud to present a weekly editorial series by thought leaders that spotlights  innovative approaches to the most pressing food and agriculture system challenges. See all pieces in the series:

 

Carrots showing the importance of food

Together, We Can Build Better Food and Agriculture Systems

May 13, 2025

Read the inaugural essay by GFI's Carbonell Family Executive Director Stacy Dean.

Dion's Chicago Dream

Food Justice Is Economic Justice: How a Box of Produce Can Rebuild Our Food System

July 1, 2025

Dion Dawson, the founder & Chief Dreamer of Dion’s Chicago Dream shares how with his organization, food assistance should be a launchpad—not a lifeline.

Buffalo in field Heather Dawn Thompson Article

Our Fates Are Intertwined: Incorporating Indigenous Values into Buffalo Food Systems and Conservation Work

June 24, 2025

Heather Dawn Thompson of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives in the conversation around buffalo food systems.

Moses Kansanga Postharvest Loss Essay June 2025

Unpacking the Root Causes of Postharvest Loss: Q&A with Moses Kansanga

June 17, 2025

GFI's affiliate faculty member, Moses Kansanga, explains the need to tackle postharvest losses, the role of gender equity, and what he’s learned from farmers.

Equity Eats children eating school meals in classroom

Creating a City for Health

June 10, 2025

Kim Norton, the Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, shares how to build a healthier, more equitable community.

Kofi Essel Food Tank Series

Harnessing the Power of Nutrition: Q&A with Dr. Kofi Essel

June 3, 2025

Dr. Kofi Essel shares his thoughts on Food as Medicine. He is a clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

cherries on vines

The Hidden Costs of Food Misinformation: Visualizing the Consequences

May 27, 2025

Read an op-ed by Dr. Jessica Steier, DrPH, a public health scientist specializing in health policy and program evaluation.

fields and farmland

Financing a Fairer Food System: Q&A with Ertharin Cousin

May 20, 2025

Ambassador Ertharin Cousin shared her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in mobilizing capital to support more resilient, equitable food systems.