The Hidden Food Crisis: Kashi Sehgal on Saving Farms, Fighting Waste, and Feeding Communities
A better way to go from Georgia farms to table
Kashi Sehgal is Founder & CEO of Retaaza – a B corp focused on fairer food systems through farmers, food waste recovery, and feeding our hungry. She started her first company in 2007 and, since then, has become a seasoned entrepreneur building businesses and nonprofits in sustainability, food systems, ethics, technology, economic development, entertainment, homelessness, and more.
In this episode, I talk with Kashi Sehgal, Founder & CEO of Retaaza, a B Corp working to create a more equitable food system by connecting Georgia farmers with buyers, fighting food waste, and increasing access to healthy food.
Kashi shares how 40% of what farmers produce is thrown out, creating an enormous economic and environmental impact. This problem has been exacerbated recently by trade tariffs and funding cuts to farm support programs. Retaaza addresses this by buying food directly from farmers (paying fair prices even for "rescue" produce), then selling to businesses while also donating to food access programs.
Key moments in our conversation:
How Retaaza started during the pandemic when Kashi saw farmers dumping truckloads of food while food banks had unprecedented lines
Why farmers face massive challenges navigating wholesale pricing, labor shortages, and canceled orders
How Retaaza's innovative "Produce as a Benefit" program helps corporations provide fresh, local produce to employees as a wellness benefit
Kashi's personal connection to Jimmy Carter, who embodied the values of service and humility that guide her work
As Kashi reminds us: our connection to our food is a lost spiritual discipline. When we’re more connected, we make better choices. Understanding where our food comes from not only leads to better personal health outcomes but also supports the local economy and environment.
Enjoy the full episode here: