Dr. Gia Grier McGinnis: Loyola University, Baltimore MD

Chad McEachern: Edmundite Missions, Selma, AL

What does it take to fight food insecurity with both compassion and dignity? For nearly nine decades, Edmundite Missions in Selma, Alabama has been answering that question with faith, food, and community. In this episode, President & CEO Chad McEachern shares how the Missions serve over 360,000 meals each year while building deeper solutions to food insecurity in Alabama’s Black Belt. We explore the heart of their work: the Bosco Nutrition Center, where neighbors are welcomed and nourished with meals, community and hope. Chad also dives into the Missions’ farming initiative, which empowers Black Belt farmers to reclaim land, triple their harvests, and create a sustainable local food economy. Tune in and discover how faith, food, and resilience come together at Edmundite Missions to change lives—one meal, one farmer, one family at a time. Learn more about the Edmundite Missions in Selma, AL [https://www.edmunditemissions.org/] Check out the Rumbly Tummy Adventures [https://a.co/d/dyDK5lm] series on Amazon.

Dave McMahon: Dismas House, Worcester, MA

What does it take to truly welcome someone home after incarceration? For more than three decades, Dismas House in Worcester, Massachusetts has been answering that question with faith, community, and compassion. This conversation with co-executive director Dave McMahon explores how Dismas House creates a supportive community that helps formally incarcerated people transition back into society through a unique residential farm program, shared meals, mentorship, and a renewed sense of belonging. We dive into the heart of their work: how the Dismas Family Farm and other services shape their mission and how volunteers and neighbors create a supportive community that helps those navigating the challenges of reentry. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of transformation that remind us that simple acts—like sharing a meal together—can restore dignity and rebuild lives. Tune in and discover how faith, food, and family come together at Dismas House to change lives—one second chance at a time. Learn more about Dismas House in MA: https://www.dismasisfamily.org/about-us/ [https://www.dismasisfamily.org/about-us/] https://www.instagram.com/dismashouseofma/ [https://www.instagram.com/dismashouseofma/]

Kristen Sommerfeld: Farm Church, Durham NC

Farm Church has taken its community, gathering, and worship outside to their farm where they leverage their resources to address food insecurity in their community. Learn more about Farm Church. [https://www.farmchurch.org] Listen to more Food for Thought episodes [https://www.foodforthoughthealthpodcast.com].

Kate Heidinger & Katie Morris: Food Farmacy, Buffalo NY

We talk with Kate Heidinger from Catholic Health and Katie Morris from FeedMore on their unique Food Farmacy collaboration which is using food and education to help food-insecure people at risk of chronic disease in Western New York. Learn more about Catholic Health Food Farmacy [https://discover.chsbuffalo.org/food-farmacy/]. Check out other Food for Thought episodes [https://www.foodforthoughthealthpodcast.com].

Dr. Gia Grier McGinnis: Loyola University, Baltimore MD

We talk with Dr. Grier McGinnis about how the Center for Community, Service, and Justice and the York Road Initiative at Loyola University are addressing the disparities in food access and health outcomes in the Baltimore area. Learn more about the Center for Community, Service, and Justice [https://www.loyola.edu/department/ccsj/]. Listen to more Food for Thought episodes [https://www.foodforthoughthealthpodcast.com].