Made to Sustain

About Made to Sustain

It’s easy to get lost in the copious amounts of information on sustainable food. Making food choices that are good for you and the planet shouldn’t be confusing. Join Kelly D’Amico, MBS, to on the journey to make sustainable food simple. Kelly runs a food sustainability blog called Made to Sustain, which spreads awareness about the actions that individuals and companies can take to contribute to a more sustainable food system. She creates and shares recipes and food brands that are good for people and good for the planet. Kelly has a Master’s of Business and Science Degree in Global Food Technology and Innovation and a Bachelor’s of Science in Food Science and Nutrition, both from Rutgers University. She holds several certifications in sustainability, including Circular Economies from the University of Cambridge, and has over eight years of experience in the food industry, with a focus on plant-based ingredients. Each episode covers different elements of food sustainability, such as regenerative agriculture, upcycling, and more!

Publisher

Kelly D'Amico

Category

arts · education · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Apr 2024

Latest episode

1 May 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 May 2025

   What is Regenerative Agriculture?

   There's a growing movement of sustainable food experts and enthusiasts advocating for a change in farming practices. The recent shift towards regenerative agriculture practices stems from a few promising studies and an awareness that proves to be superior to conventional agriculture processes. But what is regenerative agriculture? Regenerative agriculture is more than a farming method; it's a transformative approach that aims to revitalize and enhance the entire agricultural ecosystem. This practice prioritizes the health of soil, biodiversity, and integration with natural elements that work harmoniously with the ecosystem to produce food sustainably. Conventional agriculture often relies on synthetic fertilizers and intensive practices that deplete the soil nutrients. Regenerative agriculture seeks to restore organic matter, improve soil fertility, and boost crop resilience. By focusing on soil health and creating an ecosystem, regenerative agriculture not only supports higher crop yields but also mitigates environmental impacts, offering a promising path for the future of farming. One of our top trends (https://madetosustain.com/sustainability-trends-2024/) this year was regenerative agriculture. It's come up in our episode on Juneberry Ridge (https://madetosustain.com/season-1-episode-3/), our trends page, and our podcast. It’s a movement quickly picking up speed as an essential element of creating a more sustainable food system. Explore critical components of regenerative agriculture, the challenges with conventional agriculture, and the future of farming. Follow us @madetosustain

2. 

   6 Sept 2024

   Spectacular Upcycled Sauces: A Conversation with Anna Hammond of Matriark Foods

   In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico discusses food sustainability with Anna Hammond, the founder and CEO of Matriark Foods. They delve into global food waste, the innovative packaging of Matriark's products, and the company's mission to upcycle farm surplus into delicious, environmentally-friendly food products for food service, retail, and emergency food channels. Anna highlights Matriark's partnerships within the food industry and the launch of their food bank program. She also shares personal insights about her inspiration, the importance of upcycling, and the challenges faced in the food sustainability space. 00:00 Global Food Waste Crisis 00:37 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:52 Welcoming Anna Hammond 02:29 Anna's Recent Culinary Experience 04:04 Climate Change Concerns 04:43 Matriark Foods: Mission and Impact 05:41 Product Highlights and Packaging Choices 08:21 Food Service and Retail Channels 20:33 Supply Chain and Scaling Challenges 25:18 Proud Accomplishments and Future Goals 27:04 Food Bank Program and Feeding America 42:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Madetosustain.com Shop Sustainable Brands: https://madetosustain.com/shop-sustainable-food-brands/ Support our sponsors One Step Closer: https://osc2.org/ (https://osc2.org/) Join the Pack Pack: https://packaginginnovationportal.com/consumerpackpact/ (https://packaginginnovationportal.com/consumerpackpact/) Juneberry Ridge: https://juneberry.com

3. 

   16 Aug 2024

   Regenerative Agriculture, Biodiversity, and the Future of Sustainable Food with Joni Kindwall-Moore

   In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico interviews Joni Kindwill-Moore about her background in ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology and her current work in regenerative agriculture, nutrition advocacy with farmers, and her brand, Snacktivist. Joni shares insights on the impacts of climate change on agricultural practices and highlights the benefits of adopting regenerative farming techniques. She discusses underutilized crops like millet and sorghum, their role in enhancing soil health and climate adaptability, and their integration into products by her company, Snacktivist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, soil conservation, and the need for farmers to transition away from chemical dependencies. The episode concludes with discussing the potential and challenges of bringing regenerative products to the mainstream market and the broader implications for food sustainability. 00:00 Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture 00:18 Welcome to the Podcast 00:24 Guest Introduction: Joni Kindwill Moore 02:56 Climate Change and Agriculture 03:55 Opportunities in Crop Diversification 07:11 Innovations in Sorghum and Millet 08:40 The Importance of Climate-Adaptive Crops 11:35 Exploring the Benefits of Sorghum 15:11 Joni's Journey into Agriculture and Science 23:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Regenerative Farming 30:34 Holistic Approach to Agriculture 31:54 The Role of Genetic Modification 34:01 Diversity in Agriculture 35:33 Challenges and Solutions in Food Production 37:47 The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture 38:57 Snacktivist and Future Projects 43:28 Consumer Awareness and Food Sustainability 49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links snacktivist.com Madetosustain.com Support our sponsors One Step Closer: https://osc2.org/ (https://osc2.org/) Join the Pack Pack: https://packaginginnovationportal.com/consumerpackpact/ (https://packaginginnovationportal.com/consumerpackpact/) Juneberry Ridge: https://juneberry.com

4. 

   6 Aug 2024

   Exploring Sustainable Swaps with Emma From The Simple Environmentalist

   In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D’Amico interviews Emma Dendler, The Simple Environmentalist. She’s a content creator who specializes in accessible eco and zero waste living. They discuss plastic-free and biodegradable packaging, innovative initiatives by various companies, and the latest trends in the zero-waste movement. Emma shares insights into making zero-waste living practical, accessible, and affordable. She also emphasizes the importance of collective small actions in driving significant environmental change. The conversation also delves into food sustainability, recycling challenges, and the need for accessibility and inclusive policies in the zero waste space. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:24 Meet Emma from The Simple Environmentalist 04:29 Challenges and Innovations in Zero Waste Living 08:08 Recycling Realities and Misconceptions 08:59 Zero Waste on the Road 10:58 The Value of Recycling Different Materials 18:16 Favorite Zero Waste Swaps 22:51 Challenges in Food Safety and Packaging 23:09 Innovative Packaging Solutions 24:08 Personal Care Industry Insights 24:39 Recycled and Biodegradable Options 25:20 Bulk Shopping Benefits 26:28 Favorite Sustainable Brands 28:21 Accessibility in Sustainability 30:28 Intersectional Environmentalism 31:34 Climate Change and Local Impact 33:02 Advice for Brands on Sustainability 37:23 Understanding Food Systems 39:44 Unconventional Zero Waste Practices 41:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Episode Links: Emma Dendler - The Simple Environmentalist https://www.thesimpleenvironmentalist.com/ (https://www.thesimpleenvironmentalist.com/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeECw1lq6yHJjbX1aiSwENA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeECw1lq6yHJjbX1aiSwENA) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simpleenvironmentalist?lang=en (https://www.tiktok.com/@simpleenvironmentalist?lang=en) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimpleenvironmentalist/ (https://www.instagram.com/thesimpleenvironmentalist/) Madetosustain.com Reach out to me! kelly@madetosustain.com

5. 

   17 Jul 2024

   How to Create a Sustainable and Ethical Vegan Cheese with Ali Elliott of Farmer Foodie

   In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico interviews Ali Elliott, founder and CEO of Farmer Foodie. Ali shares her journey from an education director at an organic farm to launching a line of delicious, sustainable, and vegan cashew parm products. They discuss the challenges and benefits of ethical sourcing, the impact of regenerative organic agriculture, and how climate change affects food production. Ali explains the ethos behind Farmer Foodie’s products and their commitment to sustainability, including their partnerships with fair trade and carbon negative suppliers in Benin, Africa. Tune in to learn about the innovative ways cashew parm can be used and the importance of making conscious dietary choices for the planet. 00:00 Welcome to the Made to Sustain Podcast 00:18 Meet Ali Elliott from Farmer Foodie 01:11 Foraging and Climate Change 03:42 The Journey of Cashew Parm 06:41 Scaling Up: From Blog to Business 11:38 Ethical Sourcing and Social Impact 17:32 Challenges in Ingredient Sourcing 21:33 The Importance of Ethical Sourcing 28:29 Consumer Education and Sustainability 32:02 Unconventional Uses of Cashew Parm 33:27 Where to Find Farmer Foodie Products Links: Madetosustain.com thefarmerfoodie.com Find Cashew Parm on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3zIqeBI) Please Support our Sponsors: This episode of Made to Sustain is brought to you with the support of Juneberry Ridge in Norwood North Carolina and there aren’t many places quite like it… Juneberry Ridge is an expansive farm set on the foothills of the Uwharrie Mountains and it’s a farm designed to be a destination to nourish, educate, and build a better future. It’s a place that welcomes guests from all over the country to reconnect with nature, to retreat into cozy cabins, and enjoy farm fresh foods. Every experience at Juneberry Ridge is prepared though a partnership among the land, the animals and farmers who work it, and a culinary team whose mission is to awaken curiosity for seasonal eating and foods grown not by conventional means for size and scale, but by regenerative practices for health and nutrition. Their motto at Juneberry is to let nature lead; I was so grateful to visit this special place in North Carolina, and I think you will be too. Find out more at juneberry.com (http://juneberry.com/). Learn more about Juneberry Ridge Here (https://madetosustain.com/season-1-episode-3-2/)

6. 

   2 Jul 2024

   Embracing Mindful Eating with Wise Bar: A Conversation with Josh Dominick

   In this episode of the 'Made to Sustain' podcast, host Kelly D'Amico welcomes Josh Dominick, co-founder of Wise Bar. They discuss the journey and philosophy behind Wise Bar—the first functional mushroom bar on the market, incorporating 100% organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Josh shares the inspiration behind Wise Bar, its all-natural ingredient approach, the benefits of functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane and Reishi, and their collaboration with Fantastic Fungi for a new product. The conversation also highlights challenges in production and distribution, mindful eating, sustainability efforts, including partnerships with environmental organizations, and the importance of educating consumers on the benefits of whole food ingredients. 00:00 Introduction to Mushrooms and Mindful Eating 00:32 Welcome to the Made to Sustain Podcast 00:49 Introducing Wise Bar with Josh Dominick 01:46 The Journey of Creating Wise Bar 03:33 Challenges and Innovations in Functional Mushroom Bars 07:20 Mindful Eating and the Benefits of Mushrooms 09:37 Sustainability and Environmental Impact 12:46 Debating Natural vs. Processed Sugars 17:24 Future of Food and Wise Bar's Vision 20:02 Exploring WiseBar's Ingredients 21:53 Challenges in Retail and Distribution 26:56 Sustainability and Functional Foods 31:23 Innovative Products in the Market 33:29 Future of Functional Mushrooms 35:35 Educating Consumers on Functional Foods 38:46 WiseBar's Mission and Community Support Links: Madetosustain.com Wise-bar.com https://madetosustain.com/plant-based-diet-documentary-list/ https://fantasticfungi.com/ Sponsors: Juneberry.com

7. 

   18 Jun 2024

   On the Journey to Regenerative Agriculture with Mike Woronuk of Juneberry Ridge

   On the Journey to Regenerative Agriculture with Mike Woronuk of Juneberry Ridge In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico converses with Mike Woronuk from Juneberry Ridge about the principles and practices of regenerative farming. The discussion delves into the essence of regenerative agriculture, the importance of adapting farming practices to be more sustainable, and the journey of Juneberry Ridge in North Carolina. Mike shares his personal experiences from growing up on a farm in Alberta to developing a role in regenerative farming in North Carolina. He emphasizes the significance of connecting with local food systems and learning about regeneration's multifaceted impact on both agriculture and community. The episode highlights the diverse activities at Juneberry Ridge, including market gardening, livestock management, and agritourism experiences designed to educate and build connections. The importance of understanding the source of our food and the role of regenerative practices in promoting sustainability and biodiversity is a key takeaway. This informative and inspiring conversation showcases the depth and complexity of sustainable agriculture and the ongoing efforts to innovate and educate in the field. 00:00 Introduction to Regenerative Farming 00:40 Meet Mike Woronuk 01:10 Mike's Background and Journey 01:32 Juneberry Ridge: A Special Place 01:57 Welcome to the Podcast 02:18 Interesting Food Experiences 03:36 Climate Change and Agriculture 05:24 Mike's Farming Experience 10:18 The Role of Animals in Regeneration 13:08 Educational and Agritourism Initiatives 16:18 Challenges and Innovations in Regenerative Farming 23:33 Connecting with the Community 27:18 Activities and Experiences at Juneberry Ridge 30:56 Seasonal Farming and Future Plans 38:06 Reflections on Regenerative Farming 43:49 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways Key Links: juneberry.com madetosustain.com

8. 

   11 Jun 2024

   The Future of Upcycled Foods with Lydia Oxley from Renewal Mill

   The Future of Upcycled Foods: A Chat with Lydia Oxley from Renewal Mill In this episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico welcomes Lydia Oxley, president of Renewal Mill, to discuss the innovative world of upcycled foods. Lydia shares insights on the mindset shift within the food industry toward using upcycled ingredients, the mission and successes of Renewal Mill, and the role of organizations like the Upcycled Foods Association. The conversation also covers the various challenges and opportunities in incorporating upcycled ingredients into delicious and nutritious products. Lydia highlights the importance of re-evaluating food waste and turning it into valuable commodities within the food system. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how upcycling contributes to a more sustainable food industry and the exciting developments happening in this space. Explore More at MadetoSustain.com Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Choices 00:28 Guest Introduction: Lydia Oxley from Renewal Mill 00:43 Podcast Overview and Topics 01:52 Welcoming Lydia Oxley 03:21 Lydia's Role and Renewal Mill's Journey 04:16 Understanding Upcycling and Its Benefits 07:25 The Process of Upcycling Ingredients 12:28 Surprising Upcycled Ingredients 16:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Upcycling 19:17 Building Trust with Manufacturing Partners 20:04 Challenges in the Oat Supply Chain 20:54 The Value of Upcycled Ingredients 21:37 Consumer Perception and Education 28:18 The Role of the Upcycled Food Association 32:58 Creating a Sustainable Food System 35:26 Innovative Uses of Upcycled Ingredients 38:30 Final Thoughts and Mission 39:45 Conclusion and Farewell Shareable Quotes “Wasting less is just about seeing a lot more value, beauty, and, deliciousness where other people haven't even looked yet.” ”There's a big tendency right now, especially within media, to have kind of like clickbaity articles or even like titles of different things that allude to a Trash to Treasure Narrative. For us, it's really the opposite, and Really every other upcycled brand. I know, it truly is the opposite because if you're going to be upcycling from within the manufacturing industry, you are working with the cleanest facilities ever because they're already producing food that we eat every day. , so the side streams, waste streams, waste does not necessarily mean dirty. There is no food waste, only wasted food. So we are really touching like pristine premium sources of nutrition that we're able to work with in this manufacturing.” “We're using everything in the food system. And what a joy it is, to figure out unique ways to use something. And so I think that's really how we, we view the system as being just a little bit more digestible for us.” Episode Links: Shop Renewal Mill (https://www.renewalmill.com/?ref=9qrPW) https://refed.org/ (https://refed.org/) Imperfect Foods (https://www.imperfectfoods.com/?redirect=true&promo=IF240550X1) www.MadetoSustain.com (http://www.madetosustain.com)

9. 

   4 Jun 2024

   Making Sustainable Food Choices: Sustainability Trends to Watch in 2024

   In the inaugural episode of the Made to Sustain podcast, host Kelly D'Amico explores the critical sustainability trends to watch in 2024. With over eight years of experience in the food industry, Kelly delves into regenerative agriculture, upcycling, biodegradable packaging, traceability, and the importance of sourcing local ingredients. She emphasizes how these practices contribute to a healthier planet and more nutritious food. The episode also tackles heavy topics like human rights and deforestation, ending with a discussion on mindful consumption. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips to make sustainable food choices. Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Food Choices 00:29 Meet Your Host: Kelly D'Amico 01:40 Key Sustainability Trends for 2024 02:06 Regenerative Agriculture: A Farming Philosophy 04:07 Upcycling and Circularity: Reducing Food Waste 05:19 Biodegradable and Plastic-Free Packaging 06:37 Traceability and Transparency in Food Sourcing 12:16 Human Rights and Ethical Sourcing 13:53 Addressing Deforestation Concerns 15:16 Mindful Consumption: A Holistic Approach 16:50 Conclusion and Future Episodes The Made to Sustain Podcast 🎧 Listen to Episode 1 Now to Learn the Trends! 📲 Subscribe to the Made to Sustain Podcast and never miss an episode! 🌐 Visit my website, madetosustain.com for more resources and blog posts on sustainable food choices. Join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference, one meal at a time. 🌿 Happy listening!

10. 

    22 Apr 2024

    Made to Sustain - Trailer!

    Join Kelly D’Amico, MBS, (https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/t2sMCDkY05ij8NmV8FW-g_X?domain=linkedin.com)to on the journey to make sustainable food simple. Kelly runs a food sustainability blog called Made to Sustain (https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NQXwCERZP5f1ZVGDZHw1QGO?domain=madetosustain.com), which spreads awareness about the actions that individuals and companies can take to contribute to a more sustainable food system. New episodes coming out every week, starting in June! Make sure you follow along on the blog at madetosustain.com and @MadetoSustain on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for updates!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

221,834

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

97

YouTube

82

Engagement

60