“Do you believe hunger can be solved? We do, and we’re not alone. Join us as we change the conversation about hunger and food security in Michigan.”
– Dr. Phil Knight & Gerry Brisson
Featuring innovative leaders from government, industry and nonprofit organizations, Food First is a platform to share ideas and, more importantly, solutions to end food insecurity. Dr. Knight is a tireless advocate, believing that Michigan, the nation’s second most diverse agricultural state, can prove that hunger is not better, not stronger, and not smarter than us.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Not all heroes wear capes; some wear scrubs or [...]
The Wait and The Hope
The wait and the hope. People wait in food [...]
Who’s Hungry in Michigan
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a [...]
Childhood Food Insecurity
The level of childhood food insecurity was unacceptable prior [...]
Who Wins & Who Loses?
Who wins when we win? Families, education, businesses, and [...]
Greatest and Most Appreciable Asset
People are an organization’s greatest and most appreciable asset. [...]
Michigan Harvest Gathering: Doing the Impossible
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is [...]
A Better Tomorrow
Vision is the idea of a better tomorrow. During [...]
The Next Level of Food Security
Phil, Gerry, President and CEO of Gleaners Community Food [...]
The Intersection of Health Disparities & Food Security: Part 3
Amid the pandemic, we have all been more cognizant [...]
The Intersection of Health Disparities & Food Security: Part 2
"Health CANNOT be a question of income; it is [...]
The Intersection of Health Disparities and Food Security
Hippocrates said it best, ”Let food be thy medicine [...]
Creating Positive Change
'Anything is possible when you have the right people [...]
The Perfect Storm
The 'perfect storm' is brewing and the 4th wave of [...]
Filling in the Gaps
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of [...]
A Public Health Challenge
COVID-19 has consumed our minds and hearts the last [...]
Farming for Better Health
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking [...]
Dedicated to Service
"I believe that you see something that you want [...]
Recession is opportunity in wolf’s clothing
This is the first episode of a three-part series. [...]
The Long Tail of the Pandemic
This is the third episode of a three-part series. [...]
Small Business: the Backbone of our Economy
This is the second episode of a three-part series. [...]
Waste not, want not
Do you know that Americans waste 133 billion lbs? [...]
Change. Adapt. Learn.
We've said it before and we'll say it again [...]
Spread the Woosah
Tonight we are choosing to spread the woosah. Woosah [...]
Life from a unique perspective
While COVID-19 has taken so much from us in [...]
Navigating Michigan’s Budget Maze
Change is painful. Unknowns are scary. They are part [...]
Unprecedented times. Unprecedented measures.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. Tune in to [...]
Children and Hunger
'The best way to find yourself is to lose [...]
Care-giving for senior citizens
All of us, at some time or other, need [...]
Listening with Our Hearts
In times of stress, the best thing we can [...]
Solving the riddle of COVID-19
Phil and Gerry will attempt to solve the riddle, [...]
Waves of the Pandemic
COVID-19 seeks the most vulnerable and uses the healthy [...]
21st Century Food Banking
The progress will not come by doing what we [...]
Adaptability, not conformity is the key
"You cannot BE the same, THINK the same and [...]
USDA Threshold of Poverty & Self-Sufficiency Standard update
'The best social program is a job.' - Ronald [...]
Waste not, want not
Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving [...]
Building up non-profits
Many are called, few are chosen. Peter Vogel, CEO [...]
Update on 2019’s Farming Hardships
'Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most [...]
Only as strong as our weakest link
This episode features Lou Glazer, President of Michigan Future [...]
An Infinite Game
'Be quick, but not in a hurry.' - John [...]
Everyone counts, so let’s count everyone!
The 2020 Census is right around the corner and [...]
Community Impact
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is [...]
Problem-solvers, not problem-spotters
'History will judge us by the difference we make [...]
The War on Poverty
"Our aim is not only to relieve the symptom [...]
Celebrating Our Champions
"No person was ever honored for what he received. [...]
100 Days of Leadership: Michelle Lantz Hits the Ground Running
Everything rises and falls on leadership - not some [...]
When opportunity meets planning
"Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with [...]
Having an Impact
If you're going to have impact - you must [...]
Tax credits for charitable donations
"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting [...]
Time and Talent are the Treasure
"From what we get, we can make a living; [...]
When faced with a problem, amazing things can happen
People who end up being 'first', don't actually set [...]
Without change, you’re going to get the same results
It's often said that the definition of insanity is [...]
I Love Money
I love money because it gives people options that [...]
Defining the reality of living in poverty
Have you ever heard the phrase, “ignorance is bliss?” [...]
In God we trust – all others bring data!
Join Dr. Phil Knight, Gerry Brisson, and Dr. Dawn [...]
A vision of a better tomorrow fuels us today
Food insecurity is immoral, unacceptable, and beatable. A vision [...]
Crafting a food secure Michigan
A tool is only as good as the craftsman [...]
“Wonky” Policy Conversation
In this episode Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson, [...]
Proving Value During an Emergency
Nobody likes a crisis, but a leader proves their [...]
Driving Hunger Out of Michigan
Everyone wants to drive hunger out of Michigan, so [...]
The impact of infrastructure on agriculture and food banking
As we frequently say on Food First, solving hunger [...]
Three principles of great partnerships
We are overwhelmed with opportunities and the only thing [...]
Being GREAT at food sourcing
Sourcing food is a key paramount practice that we [...]
Solving hunger starts in the field
Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson sit down with [...]
Starve distraction and feed your focus
Every one of us at every level should starve [...]
Food FIRST, not second and certainly not third!
The first of our newly re-branded show, Food First [...]
Change is certain, but growth is optional
Hear the LAST Food for Thought episode! Don't worry [...]
Creating a sustainable difference
'A good plan violently executed today is better than [...]
Hunger and Poverty Cause and Effect
"We cannot solve the problems with the same thinking [...]
Strengthening Relationships with Partnerships
Hear a fresh new perspective from Food Bank of [...]
Food insecurity across college campuses
Some problems are too important to ignore or pretend [...]
A leader must possess the ability to ask the right questions!
Leading an enterprise, organization, movement, team or group doesn't [...]
A framework for the Blueprint to Solve Hunger
Vision is simply an idea of a better tomorrow. [...]
People Are Worth Investing In
People are a community's most valuable asset - this [...]
Leading through Crisis
Tested leaders LEAD and don't shrink in the midst [...]
Unpacking the 3 areas of focus on the future of food security
"Anyone can count the number of seeds in an [...]
The Blueprint to Solve Hunger
When looking back doesn't interest you anymore, you're doing [...]
The impact of food waste and the transformation Forgotten Harvest is making
'We cannot solve the problems with the same thinking [...]
Willful waste makes woeful want
Food waste is an often overlooked issue that has [...]
Choosing to use one handful of life
'A small group of people can change the world [...]
Nothing worth doing is easy
Have you noticed that doing nothing worth doing is [...]
Government Shutdown Effects
When something works well, it's the easiest thing to [...]
The Opportunity Index
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind [...]
Senselessness of hunger fueled by waste
"I do not waste any time. If you're not [...]
Government shutdown escalates, the need for teamwork elevates
As the famous saying goes - teamwork makes the [...]
Government shutdowns and their effects
Let us not seek the Republican answer or the [...]
Solving food insecurity is possible
"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is [...]
Opportunity knocks once, but temptation bangs on your door for years
Opportunity knocks once, but temptation bangs on your door [...]
Who are we giving the power to influence us?
In 2050, there are going to be 9-10 billion [...]
Living conditions health risks and outcomes
The condition in which people live, learn, work and [...]
Listening matters and you should do just that – listen
Listening matters and you should do just that - [...]
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link
A chain is only as strong as its weakest [...]
It takes courage to define reality
It takes courage to define reality and Dr. Fritz [...]
Harambee (pull together)
Harambee (pull together) Harambee is a KiSwahili word that [...]
One of the most rapidly aging states
One of the most rapidly aging states Michigan is [...]
Lunch Shaming
Hunger is ugly and it manifests itself in difficult [...]
Hunger deprives our children of more than just food – it’s a simple fact
Hunger deprives our children of more than just food [...]
Life can happen to anyone
Life can happen to anyone Life can happen to [...]
No one can solve hunger alone
No one can solve hunger alone. No one can [...]
We are all Philosophers
We are all Philosophers Phil’s motto and basis of [...]
How close are we to solving food insecurity?
How close are we to solving food insecurity? Tune [...]
The Blueprint
The Blueprint to SOLVE hunger in Michigan "Of what [...]
Heroes are made not born
August 23, 2018 Heroes are made not born. Dr. [...]
The importance of measuring waste in the field
August 19, 2018 Waste not. Want not. Dr. Lisa [...]
Think better and bigger
August 12, 2018Let's think better and bigger - simple, right? [...]
Every agricultural channel is much more complicated than at face value
August 5, 2018 Ken Nobis - not only is [...]
How the Farm Bill effects everything regarding food
July 29, 2018 Tune in to get an accurate [...]
Your size and your speed are controlled by your systems and structures
July 22, 2018 Tune in to hear from a [...]
Repeat Episode – Data-driven decisions
July 15, 2018 "Hunger is a riddle, wrapped in [...]
The Role Of Advocacy In Our Work
July 8, 2018 To those who do not understand [...]
Iron Sharpens Iron
July 1, 2018 Did you know that Food for [...]
Opportunities and Impact
June 24, 2018 Trend-buster: Kara Ross, the new CEO [...]
One size does NOT fit all
June 10, 2018 Tune in to hear from the [...]
Leaders LEAD and are not absent in a time of crisis
June 3, 2018 Phil and Gerry had the pleasure [...]
Waste not, want not.
May 13, 2018 Waste not, want not. Did you [...]
Pure Reinvention: creating sustainable change
May 6, 2018 Tune in to hear from the [...]
Repeat Episode – Data-driven decisions
April 24, 2018 "Hunger is a riddle, wrapped in [...]
People are an organization’s greatest asset
April 22, 2018 The sum is greater than the [...]
The Farm Bill
April 15, 2018 Simplicity has a clarifying quality to [...]
Data-driven decisions
April 1, 2018 "Hunger is a riddle, wrapped in [...]
WE can make an impact
March 25, 2018 YOU can make the different in [...]
The work of creating food security cannot be done by one person
March 18, 2018 'Together we are not simply adding, [...]
Ordinary doing the extraordinary
March 11, 2018 'Ordinary doing the extraordinary' - this [...]
Health is related to the quality of life
March 4, 2018 Health is related to the quality [...]
Choice is a precious commodity; a powerful influencer, and too often, a scarcity
February 25, 2018 Alisa Craig, Administrator for the Wellness [...]
You can’t solve a problem if you don’t think it can be solved
February 18, 2018 "We live life moving forward, but [...]
Food waste: from the field to the restaurant
February 11, 2018 Tune in this week to hear [...]
Unemployment is low, but people are still struggling
February 4, 2018 "Values are the stable long-lasting beliefs [...]
There’s no prerequisites to care
January 28, 2018 Tune in to hear from the [...]
Does food insecurity cause poverty or vice versa?
January 21, 2018 Hunger is not bigger than we [...]
The 5 reasons why food insecurity can be solved
January 14, 2017 Today marks the one year anniversary [...]
Food insecurity is SOLVABLE!
January 7, 2018 Vision is often described as a [...]
The impact of MSU Extension’s work
December 17, 2017 Did you know that MSU Extension [...]
The impact that Food@MSU is creating across Michigan
December 10, 2017 Tune in to hear from the [...]
The cyclical problems that manufacturer workers face
December 3, 2017 This week's show is one of [...]
The impact of the Farm and Tax Bills
November 26, 2017 Tune in this week to hear [...]
The work the food bank network does matters
November 19, 2017 Food for thought: Life is very dynamic [...]
The impact of farming and agriculture
November 12, 2017 Did you know that 10 out [...]
How do we structure the benefits to reward work?
October 29, 2017 Hear from the oh-so-talented Markell Miller, Director [...]
Food First
October 22, 2017 FOOD FIRST, not second, and certainly not [...]
2017 Michigan Harvest Gathering
October 15, 2017 "We make a living by what we [...]
When you’re hungry, you only have one problem
October 8, 2017 "I found myself at a point [...]
There is no face for food insecurity
October 1, 2017 Do yourself a favor and tune [...]
Not just talking the talk, but walking the walk
September 24, 2017 As always, the lineup for Food for [...]
How does work in the charitable world impact manufacturing?
September 17, 2017 How does work in the charitable world [...]
The Self-Sufficiency Standard Report for Michigan
September 10, 2017 It's here, it's here! The Self-Sufficiency Standard [...]
Feel Good Sunday
September 3, 2017 Tune in to hear about several [...]
Who wins when we win?
August 27, 2017 Who wins when we win? Tune [...]
Childhood experiences’ tremendous impact
August 20, 2017 Rick Murdock, ACE Initiative Grant Coordinator [...]
The Self-Sufficiency Standard
August 13, 2017 The Self-Sufficiency Standard You can't solve [...]
No one likes a crisis
August 6, 2017 Liana Bennett and Joe Wald’s [...]
Food is medicine
July 23, 2017 Dr. Robert Bouvier “Let food be [...]
Have you ever been lost?
July 9, 2017 Dr. Stephen Borders and MI Mapped [...]
Food First
July 2, 2017 When you're hungry you only have [...]
Food insecurity
June 11, 2017 This week's conversation is with Dr. [...]
The Mackinac Policy Conference
June 9, 2017 This week's line up is jam [...]
Progress is impossible without change
May 28, 2017 This week you get to hear [...]
Leaders see better, before and beyond
May 14, 2017 This week features Vic Verchereau, VP [...]
Leadership is defined by influence
May 7, 2017 'Leadership is defined by influence - [...]
Flint Water Crisis
April 30, 2017 This week's line up is remarkable! [...]
Change is inevitable
Apr 23, 2017 Gordon Wenk, Chief Deputy Director of [...]
Why not us, why not now?
March 26, 2017 Ken Nobis, president of Michigan Milk [...]
Work together to complete, not compete
March 19, 2017 This week's "Food for Thought" guest [...]
4 Big Tools in the Anti Hunger Toolbox
February 26, 2017 This week's 'Food for Thought' guest [...]
Food Insecurity is everywhere and anywhere
February 19, 2017 Be sure to catch this week's [...]
Michigan Mapped
January 15, 2017 On this week's show, Dr. Stephen [...]