What if feeding people with dignity could also build a sustainable and stronger local food system?In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, we sit down with Rhona Bowles Kamar, founder and executive director of Feed Louisville, to explore how one Louisville-based nonprofit is redefining hunger relief with creativity, dignity, and long-term vision.Born out of the food insecurity crisis revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Feed Louisville rescues surplus food and transforms it into nourishing, chef-prepared meals for unhoused and food-insecure neighbors. What started as an urgent response has grown into a vital community force—powered by former restaurant professionals who believe good food is a human right, not a luxury.Rhona also shares how Feed Louisville is thinking beyond traditional nonprofit models through its social enterprise, ZEST—a plant-forward, grab-and-go meal line created by chefs and sold locally. Available at Value Market, Rainbow Blossom, Fante’s Coffee Shop, Billion Cup Coffee, and more locations coming soon, every ZEST purchase directly supports Feed Louisville’s hunger relief work.A former chef and co-owner of the beloved Ramsi’s Café on the World, and founder of Raising Hope Organic Farm, Rhona brings decades of culinary, agricultural, and community leadership to her mission. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including being named a 2025 Partners in Philanthropy Nonprofit Visionary Leader and a Today’s Woman Magazine Most Admired Woman.This conversation dives into food rescue, nonprofit innovation, social enterprise, and what it really takes to feed people with dignity—while strengthening Louisville from the inside out.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Feed Louisville turns rescued surplus food into chef-prepared mealsWhy dignity and access matter in hunger reliefHow ZEST supports nonprofit sustainability through local retail partnershipsThe role former restaurant professionals play in community careWhat it takes to build a mission-driven organization that lasts🎧 Subscribe to The Lou Review Podcast on Spotify and YouTube for more stories spotlighting the people and organizations shaping Louisville for the better.Connect with Feed Louisville:https://www.feedlouisville.orgOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedlouisvi...Connect with host Rosa Hart:https://www.instagram.com/rosaraves/Learn more about The Lou Review Foundationhttps://loureview.com/

Hunger doesn’t stop when the school bell rings - and in Louisville, thousands of children feel that gap every weekend.

In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, host Rosa Hart talks with Kim Holsclaw about the life-changing work of Blessings in a Backpack, a Louisville-founded nonprofit fighting child hunger and food insecurity. Kim shares how the organization began in 2005 and grew into a national program now serving children in 46 states and Washington, D.C., ensuring kids have access to shelf-stable food when school meals aren’t available.

The conversation highlights why community support, volunteers, and local partnerships are essential to feeding students in need - especially in Louisville, where nearly 80,000 children qualify for free or reduced lunch. Kim explains how Blessings in a Backpack delivers food directly to children, how the nonprofit collaborates with schools and organizations, and how listeners can volunteer, donate, and get involved locally to help end childhood hunger.

Learn more at: https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

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In this episode of The Lou Review Podcast, Rosa Hart interviews Dr. Peter Swanz, a naturopathic doctor who also pursues stand-up comedy. Peter shares his journey into comedy, what drew him to the stage, and how humor serves as a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and personal growth. The conversation highlights the courage it takes to step into creative spaces and the unexpected ways different passions can complement one another.

Rosa and Peter also explore Louisville’s vibrant comedy scene, the importance of networking, and the behind-the-scenes work of writing and refining jokes. Peter discusses the challenges of building a sustainable comedy career, the value of flexibility, and the unique “flow state” performers experience on stage, offering insight into the discipline and dedication that comedy requires.

Connect with Dr. Peter Swanz

Find a place to laugh in Louisville: Louisville Laughs

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Connect with Rosa Hart