About the Show
In Left Over, reporter and award-winning journalist Jessica Terrell travels to school districts across the country for a closer look at why and how corporations and politicians are undermining and exploiting the American public school lunch system. Each episode of Left Over dives into the experiences of lunch workers, students, families, caretakers, and community organizers while examining how the problematic views surrounding poverty and unchecked racial inequality are fueling the country’s largest anti-hunger programs. The disruptive series seeks to aid as a resource for those concerned and motivated to take part in reimagining what our foodways in and out of the classroom can become.
Left Over breaks down how our country has moved away from the initial intent of the National School Lunch program, chronicles the everyday actions communities are taking themselves to improve the system, and finds compelling examples of how grassroots efforts can transform the way we support children’s health.
School nutrition leaders like Betty Wiggins, who transformed the school meals program in Houston, have been applying their skills towards successfully creating programs like school gardens and urban farms while teaching kids about nutrition.
With action-oriented solutions and partnerships with organizations already involved in creating change, the Left Over podcast can aid in serving children reliant on school lunch programs the nourishing meals they deserve.
Most school meal plans still don’t center the needs of children. The federal reimbursement rate varies, and at most is $3.68 per meal, which needs to cover everything, from nutritionists and cooks to kitchen equipment, plates, utensils, packaging – not to mention, food.
Juleyka Lantigua, Executive Producer
“As a mother of two boys in public schools, I was at times infuriated by the findings in Jessica’s reporting, and at times reassured by the people in districts around the country who found ways to provide healthy meals to school children despite the endless red tape. But most often I was dismayed by the calculated indifference of corporations and bureaucrats. Being part of this series has changed me as a parent.”
Left Over is an original production of LWC Studios. It was conceived by Mike Dang and Kate Cox at The Counter, a nonprofit newsroom that ceased publication in May of 2022. Subscribe or follow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. For annotated transcripts and all episodes, visit the episodes page and follow the show on Twitter and Instagram @LeftOverPodcast.
