Episode 11: Feeding Futures with Heidi Kessler Artwork

Changing Plates

Hi! We’re Allison Pigatto and Bianca Mercouffer, two nutrition experts and food enthusiasts on a mission to transform the conversation around food. Tired of the negativity and fear-mongering, we created Changing Plates -- a forward-thinking podcast spotlighting fresh perspectives and impactful work.

Each episode features leaders, innovators and disruptors shaping the future of food. Together, we discuss challenges facing our global food system and transformative solutions paving the way forward.

Ready to discover the brighter side of food? Tune in for bi-weekly episodes!

All Episodes

Changing Plates

Episode 11: Feeding Futures with Heidi Kessler

July 16, 2025 • Allison Pigatto & Bianca Mercouffer • Season 2 • Episode 3

In this episode of Changing Plates, Heidi Kessler, Deputy Director of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), joins us to discuss how school meal programs are transforming health, education, and local economies around the world.

Heidi shares insights from GCNF’s Global Survey of School Meal Programs©, highlights the impact of home-grown school feeding, and explores how these programs support gender equity and community resilience. We also touch on Japan’s Shokuiku model of food education and look ahead to the future of school meals following the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum.

Tune in for a hopeful, thought-provoking conversation about how nourishing children today helps shape a better tomorrow.

Episode links

Website: gcnf.org
Global Child Nutrition Forum: gcnf.org/events/forum/
Newsletter: bit.ly/GCNFNewsletter

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!