#46. Nourishing Humboldt: Carly Robbins and David Reed's Journey with Food for People and Community Connection

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How does a small community food bank manage to make a colossal impact? This episode, we sit down with Carly Robbins and David Reed from Food for People, Humboldt County's dedicated food bank, to uncover the secrets behind their extensive efforts to combat food insecurity. From the challenges of rural food distribution to innovative programs tailored for children and seniors, Carly and David share the transformative journey of their roles in the organization, demonstrating just how adaptive and impactful their strategies have been.
Food for People isn’t just about handing out food—it’s about fostering community spirit and offering dignity. Hear Carly's and David's insights on the organization’s multifaceted approach, including the story of an unexpected half-million-dollar bequest that came at a pivotal moment. This windfall not only facilitated the reconstruction of their facility but also secured future operations, demonstrating the powerful, often unseen connections within the community. We delve into the diverse demographics that rely on food banks and the efforts made to erase the stigma around seeking help, highlighted by the welcoming experience at the Eureka Choice Pantry.
Facing high living expenses and the economic volatility of local industries, Humboldt County's residents find a vital lifeline in Food for People. Carly and David discuss the economic realities and the community’s role in supporting these efforts, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, food rescue, and summer volunteer opportunities. As we wrap up, we lighten the mood with personal anecdotes about favorite local eateries and reflect on the legacy they hope to leave, underscoring the heartwarming community spirit that defines their mission. Tune in to be inspired and learn how even small contributions can lead to monumental change.

Ever wonder how a high school dropout becomes a leading voice in local journalism? Meet Hank Sims, the editor of the Lost Coast Outpost, who takes us through his transformative journey from the alternative print scene of Mendocino County to shaping the media landscape in Humboldt County. We kick things off with lighthearted dad jokes and musings about the unpredictable weather before diving into Hank’s fascinating backstory, including his diverse educational path through Humboldt State, San Francisco State, and UC Berkeley. Along the way, Hank shares personal stories about raising a family in Humboldt and why this vibrant region captured his heart.
As the conversation unfolds, Hank provides an insider's look at the Lost Coast Outpost, a digital newspaper that's become indispensable to the community. He reveals how it all started with just a computer and a server and evolved into a media powerhouse integrated with local radio stations. Tackling the challenges and opportunities of digital journalism, Hank emphasizes the Outpost’s mission to document the daily life of Humboldt County and maintain journalistic integrity in an era dominated by social media giants. With tales of internet trolls and the struggle for meaningful engagement, Hank underscores the crucial role of local journalism in preserving community narratives.
From dining gems and local culture to the broader challenges of promoting Humboldt amidst a changing economic landscape, our discu...

Chapitres

1. Food for People Executive Directors Interview (00:00:00)

2. Connecting People With Humboldt County Needs (00:08:10)

3. Removing Shame From Asking for Help (00:11:10)

4. Challenges of Affording Living Expenses (00:25:09)

5. Supporting Humboldt County Through Advocacy (00:36:33)

6. Favorite Foods and Legacy Discussion (00:46:25)

7. Summer Volunteer Opportunities and Food Donations (00:53:57)