The World Food Prize Foundation's mission is to elevate innovations and inspire action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. More at www.worldfoodprize.org
Howard W. Buffett, Chair of the Holganix Advisory Board and recent guest on the World Food Prize Podcast, shares a lesson he has learned from his grandfather Warren: that leaders surround themselves with people who will push them to do better and to be better.
On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Howard W. Buffett, chair of the Advisory Board at Holganix, and Barrett Ersek, founder and CEO of Holganix, to discuss the role of science and cross-sector collaboration in strengthening global food systems. Drawing on boots-on-the-ground work with farmers at Holganix, the discussion examines how rejuvenating degraded soils can boost yields, reduce fertilizer use and improve water-holding capacity. Listeners gain insight into the economic, environmental and conservation benefits of soil health innovation, and the ways this innovation can boost food and nutrition security.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot from Feeding America explains how hungry permeates through every county in America and what we can do to combat it.
On this episode of the World Food Prize Podcast, host Tom Vilsack sits down with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, to explore innovative strategies for combating hunger in the United States and beyond. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, highlighting practical solutions and real-world impact in the fight for food and nutrition security. Listeners will gain insight into why food insecurity matters to all of us - and how we can make a difference. The World Food Prize Podcast is presented by The Wellmark Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of all Iowans and South Dakotans. By supporting conversations on food and nutrition, The Wellmark Foundation is advancing the role access to nutritious food plays in long, healthy lives and in building a food- and nutrition-secure future for all.
The World Food Prize Podcast is the official podcast of the World Food Prize Foundation, launched in 2026—the 40th Anniversary of the Prize. Hosted by Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack, the podcast builds on the enduring legacy of World Food Prize Founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, advancing the idea that food and nutrition security is a fundamental human right that transcends politics, geography and ideology. Twice each month, Vilsack sits down with leaders from across the global food system—including scientists, farmers, policymakers, youth advocates, World Food Prize Laureates and global changemakers—to explore practical, forward-looking solutions for nourishing a growing world. Through in-depth conversations, this podcast aims to raise awareness about the global issue of hunger, educate listeners about the work of the World Food Prize Foundation and elevate the solution-oriented voices of those driving real-world impact. Each episode offers insight, perspective and inspiration—uniting diverse viewpoints around a shared goal: advancing a food and nutrition-secure future for everyone, everywhere. Learn more and listen to the audio version of the podcast here: www.worldfoodprize.org/podcast
