Feeding Rural America: Tackling Food Insecurity Through Cooperative Leadership and Midwest Partnerships

Rural America faces a paradox: three-quarters of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are rural, yet these small farming communities produce much of the nation’s food. Addressing hunger in these regions presents unique challenges compared to urban areas, requiring targeted strategies and collaborative solutions.In this episode of Rooted In Tomorrow, host Kim Olson sits down with Beth Ford, CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc., Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and Allison O’Toole, CEO of Second Harvest Heartland. Together, they explore the complex realities of feeding rural populations across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the broader Midwest, and share how cooperative leadership, nonprofit partnerships, and innovative programs are helping communities access nutritious food.Listeners will gain insight into how rural agriculture, data-driven initiatives, and local engagement are creating sustainable solutions to hunger, strengthening food systems, and supporting rural economies throughout the American Heartland.Something Greater has changed its name to Rooted In Tomorrow. The podcast name change is effective April 2022. Subscribers will not need to resubscribe. Push alerts will remain for those who have subscribed through Apple Podcasts. Search for, "Rooted In Tomorrow" by Land O'Lakes, Inc. on all your podcast platforms. "Something Greater" will no longer be searchable content effective May 2022. Check out Rootedintomorrow.com for more stories of incredible farmers!Follow Land O'Lakes Inc at:Facebook: www.facebook.com/LandOLakesIncInstagram: @LandOLakesIncLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landolakesinc/Follow along with our other businesses. Dairy: www.landolakes.comAnimal Nutrition: www.purinamills.comCrop Protection: www.winfieldunited.comSustainability: www.truterraag.com authenci.com