New Episode on Universal School Lunch Arrives Amid National Debate on Access to Nutrition

The Charlie Cart Project Launches Podcast Celebrating Community Wins Around Food

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Mindy Fox & Olga Katsnelson | charliecart@postcardpr.com

Marking its recent 10th anniversary, The Charlie Cart Project (TCCP) – a pioneer in nonprof

it food education for kids – has launched a podcast that highlights remarkable stories of everyday food heroes who are nourishing our children and our future through different approaches to food education.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250213569583/en/

Former First Lady Michelle Obama (right) with Donna Martin (left), the Burke County nutrition director whose school meal program helped fuel a championship football team. Their story—including an unforgettable visit from Mrs. Obama to help plant their edible schoolyard—is detailed on The Charlie Cart Podcast. (Photo: Business Wire)

Hosted by award-winning documentarian Kelly Duane de la Vega and executive produced by TCCP’s executive director, Carolyn Federman, The Charlie Cart Podcast demonstrates how schools and communities nationwide are tackling nutrition, sustainability, and food justice.

The inaugural 5-episode series illustrates the power of hands-on food education not only to shape lifelong health but also to empower kids by providing them with nutrition education and cooking skills; helping them form deeper connections with their peers, families, and communities; and enhancing learning in math, sciences, the arts, and beyond.

Federman's aim is to create a ripple effect. “The profoundly positive impact of our Charlie Cart members' success has long fuelled our work. Now with the podcast we are amplifying the work of fellow changemakers to nourish the next generation,” she says.

Duane de la Vega agrees, noting the opportune timing. “Amidst so much upheaval, these inspiring stories offer joy and tremendous hope about the power of food education to uplift and heal communities.”

The latest episode, Universal School Lunch, arrives as lawmakers debate the future of free school meals. It examines the impact of universal meal programs, the policies that work, and what’s at stake for millions of children if access is restricted.

Previous episodes featured: How a school nutrition program helped propel a Georgia public school’s football team to the state championships—and caught the attention of Michelle Obama. And a conversation with Indigenous food leaders, including James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Sherman, on reclaiming Native food traditions.

With new episodes released monthly, listen to The Charlie Cart Podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at CharlieCart.org.

About The Charlie Cart Project

The Charlie Cart Project’s mission is to make hands-on food education accessible everywhere children gather to learn, giving kids the knowledge and confidence to make healthy food choices for life.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250213569583/en/

The profoundly positive impact of our Charlie Cart members' success has long fueled our work. Now with the podcast we are amplifying the work of fellow changemakers to nourish the next generation.