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:
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.
Hunger Is a Litmus Test—Of Our Values, Our Faith, and Our Future
July 22, 2025
Dr. Jeremy Everett, the founder and executive director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, shares the impact of the Meals-to-You initiative.
Designing Dietary Guidance for Everyone: Q&A with Sameera Talegawkar
July 15, 2025
Dr. Sameera Talegawkar spoke with Priya Fielding-Singh about chairing the first Health Equity Working Group for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.
Michigan’s School Meal Policies Help Keep Children Healthy and Local Farms in the Mix
July 8, 2025
Michigan State Superintendent, Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., shares why universal school meals programs are so important.
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.
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.
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.
Creating a City for Health
June 10, 2025
Kim Norton, the Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, shares how to build a healthier, more equitable community.
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.
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.
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.