Jul 17, 2019
On episode 87 of Sourcing Matters we welcome the Executive
Director of FoodShot Global – Sara Eckhouse. Launched in Fall of
2018, FoodShot Global is an investment platform aimed at
accelerating food system transformation through an annual challenge
– a call for “Moonshots for Better Food” that will create a
healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food system
worldwide. FoodShot is a global consortium of world-class partners,
including mission-aligned venture funds, banks, corporations,
universities, and foundations. Together FoodShot will award up to
$10 million in equity and up to $20 million in debt funding to
innovative businesses.
As Senior Advisor to Secretary Tom Vilsack at the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Sara Eckhouse focused on local and regional food
systems, organic agriculture, and healthy food access. Sara
launched and managed programs to support sustainable agriculture,
and she has firsthand knowledge of the opportunities and challenges
of combining sustainability with profitability in food value
chains.
During our 45 minute discussion we review the goals and objectives
of this innovative financing forum. We learn of some of the
recipients of funding, and of the Foodshot Groundbreaker award – a
prize pool of $500,000 in philanthropic capital awarded to
researchers, social entrepreneurs and advocates in the regenerative
food space. We hear why Sara decided to take on this role at
Foodshot Global after being an Obama Administration political
appointee who for five years influenced US product
differentiation.
Joining as cohost is Jay Vilar – founder, and a practitioner at
‘Nourish’ – a bespoke consulting company with a mission to educate,
teach, and train people on the benefits of using food to heal your
body and optimize your health. Located in Boston and
Washington, DC – Jay has always been on the forefront of using
optimal health techniques, and bio-hacking his nutrition to achieve
remarkable results in his career.
Tunein to hear what it takes to make food and its production the
next moonshot to save the planet.