The Food Foundation Podcast

This episode, presented by Melissa Hemsley, traces how the supper club movement has brought bean-rich food cultures into mainstream British dining. Netflix Chef's Table star Asma Khan tells the story of India's black chickpea — a native pulse long overshadowed by its imported cousin — while Sussex Surplus turns waste food into a 60-guest communal supper with real climate credentials. In Bristol, the Mazi Project uses beans and shared cooking to build trust with care leavers and young asylum seekers.In this episode:● The forgotten story of India's black chickpea● A Sussex farm supper club as genuine climate strategy● The science of why eating together aids digestion and gut health● How the Mazi Project uses beans to rebuild communityFeaturing: Asma Khan, Phil Holtum, Dominique Ludwig, Melanie Vaxevanakis, Irini Tzortzoglou, and Food Foundation ambassador, Grace. Click here for more information on Bang in Some Beans, and here for all the recipes in the series.Click here for both series of Bang in Some BeansProduced by Gilly Smith

Childhood obesity rates in England have reached their highest level in 20 years.Government statistics also show the gulf between young people in deprived areas and more affluent neighbourhoods is widening. Our Executive Director Anna Taylor asks why ministers are dragging their feet on commitments to improve child health in our latest podcast.Click here for more information and here for the Food Foundation newsletter.

This episode, presented by Melissa Hemsley, asks what the world's longest-lived populations actually eat, and finds beans at the heart of every answer. Blue Zones author Dan Buettner explains why beans, are the common denominator of long life, while Pasta Grannies' author, Vicky Bennison and food writer, Frankie Paz introduce the grandmothers whose bean-rich cooking is now inspiring a genuine social media trend. Actor Peter Egan, turning 80 this autumn, shares his plant-based, bean-powered approach to staying active on set.In this episode:● What the Blue Zones actually have in common● The Sardinian family who've eaten the same minestrone daily for decades● Why “nonnamaxxing” is trending with Gen Z● Peter Egan's on-set bean rider, at nearly 80Featuring: Dan Buettner, Vicky Bennison, Frankie Paz, Peter Egan, Francesco Mattana, and Food Foundation ambassador Jani with her grandad. Click here for more information on Bang in Some Beans, and here for all the recipes in the series.Click here for both series of Bang in Some BeansProduced by Gilly Smith

This week, Ana Cuddeford, Head of Investor Engagement at Inside Track tells us about a memo the organisation has published this month from senior food industry professionals on the threats facing supply chains.As climate and biodiversity risks grow, they are concerned that persistent short-termism within food company boards is preventing long-term resilience.Click here for more information on the Inside Track Memo, and here for the Food Foundation newsletter.

Only 4% of UK adults meet their recommended daily fibre intake. This episode, presented by Melissa Hemsley, takes that statistic to the football stadium, where caterer Levy is quietly reworking match-day menus at Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brentford and Manchester United — including a beetroot-and-bean hot dog already winning over fans. Sports dietitian Renee McGregor and Exeter researcher Dr Luciana Torquati unpack the genuine performance science behind beans, while two 13-year-old footballers discover, on air, that beans are a protein source.In this episode:● Why only 4% of UK adults get enough fibre● Inside the stadium kitchens quietly swapping meat for beans● The gut-health science that could change how athletes fuel● Two teenage footballers learn beans are a protein source, liveFeaturing: Susie Crabbe and Adam Fargin (Levy), Jess Miller, Bez, Renee McGregor, Dr Luciana Torquati, Blue and Jackson, Jeffrey Boadi. Click here for more information on Bang in Some Beans, and here for all the recipes in the series.Produced by Gilly Smith.Click here for both series of Bang in Some BeansProduced by Gilly Smith

New figures show 750,000 pregnant women and children in households on Universal Credit are missing out on the government's Healthy Start scheme due to strict eligibility criteria. Our Policy and Advocacy Manager Shona Goudie tells us about a Food Foundation-led campaign, involving more than 100 organisations, calling for the scheme to be urgently expanded.Watch the campaign animation video here, and sign up to The Food Foundation newsletter here.