3 Squares: Dishing On the Food Industry

From college classrooms to Whole Foods shelves! On the June edition of CFI’s 3Squares Live! hear from Eli and Grace, the founders of Absurd Snacks. They share how a senior year project became a thriving snack business, complete with sleepless nights, cross-country supply runs, product pivots – and plenty of persistence! Join us for a conversation about food innovation, consumer trends, allergen-friendly foods and the realities of building a food brand from the ground up.

Why do food prices feel higher than inflation reports suggest? In this episode of CFI’s 3Squares Live! economist Ricky Volpe breaks down the real drivers of food inflation, from labor shortages and energy costs to supply chain pressures. Listen in for a data-driven look at what’s behind the prices you see at the grocery store.

What do condiments have in common with cereal? More than you’d expect.In this episode of 3Squares Live! from The Center for Food Integrity, the conversation explores how changing lifestyles are reshaping the way we eat and why condiments are becoming a major force in the food system. From convenience and flavor to private label, digital retail and brand influence, the discussion looks at what’s driving this shift and what it means for the future of food. Plus, grow your gardening knowledge with Kevin's food quiz!

What does trust look like in a world of AI, influencers and information overload?In this month’s 3Squares Live, we dig into how consumer expectations around food and agriculture are evolving, from ingredient transparency and sourcing to the rise of personalized digital discovery.Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ joins us to explore what’s driving these shifts, how trust is being redefined across generations and why more information doesn’t always mean more clarity.Listen in as Sherry shares insights on where trust is headed and what it means for food and ag leaders today.

Charlie, Susan and Kevin sit down with John “JP” Parrish, Chief Commercial Officer of Oats Overnight, on the Friday, Feb. 27, edition of 3Squares Live! Hear how one man’s dream to make breakfast better has caught the attention of more than 2.4 million customers.

Crystal ball not required! Tune into the Dec. 19 edition of 3Squares Live! as our insightful and witty hosts break down what’s ahead for food and nutrition in 2026 – from shifting consumer expectations and policy debates to technology’s growing role in how we eat and shop. Charlie, Susan and Kevin – along with special guest Janet Helm, MS, RDN, founder of Food at the Helm – serve up some surprises! Register for 3Squares Live! – brought to you the last Friday of each month!

A storyteller and marketer at heart, Back to Nature Foods CEO Jennifer Jorgensen knows what it takes to turn legacy brands around. Register for the Fri., Nov. 21, edition of 3Squares Live! to learn about her career, which was built on transforming and growing some of the biggest names in CPG. Jennifer will bring fresh insights on innovation, brand distinctiveness and what it takes to reinvigorate brands through unique and disruptive strategies

Join us for 3Squares Live! October Edition with Bryan Malenius of Chick-fil-A!