You can’t poison the poor in the name of feeding the poor.”
Robert egger
Have you ever wondered why hunger in America is such a persistent problem, despite all of the volunteer hours, money, and yes, food, that nonprofits throw at it every year?
If so, this episode will drop some much-needed knowledge on you. Robert Egger is a nonprofit icon, speaker, and activist who founded DC Central Kitchen as well as LA Kitchen. He has won a Humanitarian Award from the James Beard Foundation, been named one of LA Weekly’s People of the Year, as well as an Oprah angel, and one of the ten most caring people in America by the Caring Institute.
In this candid, passionate, and far-ranging conversation we cover his decades-long career in the food nonprofit space. We discuss why charities so often fail to make lasting change and how we can finally break out of band-aid solutions to poverty and hunger and create real and lasting positive changes that help everyone.
A Note From Imperfect: As a friendly heads up, this episode contains a fair amount of profanity, so be advised if that’s not your thing or you’re listening with young children.
Episode Show Notes:
- Learn more about Robert Egger on his website and his more current and NSFW home base fuckingshitup.org.
- Check out his book, “Begging For Change.”
- Robert referenced the classic James Brown song “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing.”
- Even though the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act actually encourages businesses to donate food, many businesses still worry they’ll be liable if someone gets sick after eating donated food.
- Robert is a huge fan of José Andrés and his work with World Central Kitchen.
- Robert admires Paula Daniels, co-founder, and chair of Good Food Purchasing.
- Robert’s go-to karaoke song is “Wild Thing” by the Troggs.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn about some other amazing food nonprofits, please listen to our interviews with the CEO of the Oregon Food Bank and Matt Jozwiak, founder of Rethink Food NYC.
