Batch and Scale: the Healthy Food Financing Podcast

Bridging the Food Divide: Investing in Equitable Access

Batch and Scale: the Healthy Food Financing Podcast

Show Notes

In this sixth and final episode of Batch & Scale, we're bridging the food divide by investing in equitable access. We are thrilled to close the series on healthy food financing with three guests rooted in real-world solutions. [00:01:49] Segment 1: Our first guest is Nancy Matsumoto, author of Reaping What She Sows, who offers insights on building resilient food systems based on cooperation and women-led initiatives. We discuss:

Why women have historically been central to these models

What makes a food system resilient

Short, transparent supply chains as the key to sustainability

[00:29:24] Segment 2: Geoff Gilbert of Beloved Community Incubator discusses how community-led initiatives are confronting food inequality and economic disparities. We cover:

Worker-powered co-operatives

Organizing local initiatives directly impacts access to healthy food

[00:45:11] Segment 3: Dreaming Out Loud Executive Director Chris Bradshaw gives us a tour of the newly opened Marion Barry Avenue Market. We've followed this project from concept to completion. Now, experience the market that was built with dedicated entrepreneurs, innovative financing, and strong community support.

All six episodes, along with show notes, resources, and links are available now. Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the financial recipe for a healthier future!

More from Batch and Scale: the Healthy Food Financing Podcast

Dec 1, 2025

The path to opening a grocery store in a food desert is not easy. While our healthy food financing featured many voices, the thread throughout was the high-stakes journey of Dreaming Out Loud's realization of their Marion Barry Avenue Market Experience their story start to finish: from battling financial roadblocks to securing crucial funding to the joyful moments of community building and the triumphant opening. This is a unique opportunity to listen to the full story of their struggle and success. It proves that with focused, collaborative work, a dedicated organization can transform a community. Hear the story of how one organization won the fight for food access.

Oct 14, 2025

In this fifth episode of Batch & Scale, we're giving you the recipe to serve up change: The Future of healthy food financing – seeding the system and harvesting the capital. We’re talking about the simple fact that for every exciting new food trend on the market, there's a complex financial framework that determines whether it can thrive. We explore the systemic shifts needed to unlock capital for the next wave of healthy food entrepreneurs. [00:03:13] Segment 1: We’ll start with a conversation with a pioneering institution that is dedicated to increasing food access. Our first guests, Alison Powers and Catherine Frazier from Capitol Impact Partners, part of the Momentus Capital family of organizations. How using innovative models fuels the growth of good food

Oct 7, 2025

In this fourth episode of Batch & Scale, we're jumping right into the trends that are remaking our plates: The Future of Food: Trends and Innovations. We’re talking about the huge financial bets being placed on food trends and how food finance is innovating. [00:02:07] Segment 1: Our first guest is Caroline Howe, Director of Food Policy at the DC Office of Planning. The Food Policy Division conducts research, engages with residents, and collaborates with other DC agencies to create a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. We discuss:

Sep 30, 2025

In this third episode of Batch & Scale, we are focusing on a vital link that connects local farms, food and employment to our communities: food hubs. We'll explore how food hubs are changing the landscape of food distribution, making it easier for small and mid-sized farmers to thrive while providing communities with access to their own local bounty. [00:02:02] Segment 1: Our first guest is Alex Moore, Chief Development Officer of DC Central Kitchen, non-profit social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty in Washington DC. We discuss: Cooking and distributing food, and also empowering individuals through job training

Sep 23, 2025

In this second episode of Batch & Scale, we're following the journey of food entrepreneurship and celebrating the innovators and passionate people who are shaping the future of healthy food. We'll uncover what it takes to build a successful food business in today's market. [00:02:25] Segment 1: Our first guest is Amir Mostafavi, the visionary behind South Block, a company that has revolutionized healthy smoothies. He'll share his personal story, branding secrets, and the challenges he faced along the way. We discuss: How to turn a simple idea into a great brand.

See all episodes →