At Veracity Studios, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire action. Over the past five years, we’ve worked extensively in the food equity space, partnering with organizations like Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) to document the real impact of their work. Our latest project with PHA was not only a continuation of that mission but also a major milestone for us—it marked the first time one of our pieces was narrated by a nationally respected leader, Michelle Obama.
This rebrand video was designed to do more than just inform—it was meant to move people. From the opening scene on a farm to moments with families in grocery aisles, every shot highlight the passion and determination of those working to make Good Food for All a reality. And with Michelle Obama’s voice guiding the story, the impact was even stronger.
Q & A From the Team
PHA wanted to modernize their brand and create a cinematic video to share their story. Because they work behind the scenes—like partnering with the Chicago Housing Authority—their impact often goes unnoticed. Our challenge was to highlight their quiet but powerful role without overshadowing the grassroots organizations they support.
We focused on showing PHA as a collaborative partner, not the hero, which can be tricky in traditional branding. The final script struck that balance, and they loved it, so much so that Michelle Obama, who founded PHA, agreed to do the voiceover. Her team made a few tweaks but kept most of our words.
The result was a powerful piece that spotlighted PHA’s behind-the-scenes work in providing nutritious food to communities, with Michelle Obama’s voice adding meaningful credibility.
What made this project stand out from other work we’ve done in the food equity space?
Joe: What made this project stand out was the national scope. Unlike our previous food equity work, which focused on single events or locations, this allowed us to tell a broader story. We filmed in D.C. and Chicago and included work from Philly and other cities, capturing the full reach of PHA’s impact. They really appreciated our approach to showing their work on a larger scale.
What was it like hearing Michelle Obama’s narration for the first time?
Joe: BALLER! It’s Michelle Obama. We’re talking about one of the most articulate leaders in the country. Getting to help shape her words and tell a story she’s personally connected to was such an honor. I’m incredibly proud of our team for becoming trusted partners with PHA throughout this process.
What’s the biggest lesson Veracity Studios took away from working on this film?
Joe: We often tell stories around food insecurity and nutrition, but this was the first time we could do it on a national level, rooted in local work. I’m proud we created a film that told two stories: the importance of PHA’s mission and the vital role of their local partners. We elevated their national brand while honoring their community roots.
What creative choices did you make to ensure the video felt authentic to the communities being represented?
Claire: We prioritized filming b-roll with the individuals we interviewed, rather than using professional talent. With PHA’s help, we were able to include real partners and clients—people comfortable sharing their stories on and off camera. Having a clear script in place ahead of time allowed us to be efficient and intentional during our time with them, keeping the focus on authentic voices.
What was the collaboration process like between Veracity Studios and PHA during scripting and production?
Claire: It’s always been a great experience working with the team at PHA. This was a project we’d been thinking about for a while, and we were excited when the right opportunity came along to bring it to life. The collaboration process was thoughtful and fluid. PHA came to the table with partners they wanted to highlight, and we worked closely to write and refine the script during pre-production. Once Michelle was confirmed as the voiceover talent, the language was fine-tuned to match her grounded and warm tone, which ultimately elevated the final piece.
How did you approach visual storytelling in a way that honored the work of PHA without overshadowing the partner organizations on the ground?
Claire: We were mindful to balance the spotlight. Visually, we framed the narrative around community action, using close-up, human-centered footage that emphasized the hands-on work of PHA’s partners. The goal was to show—not tell—how PHA enables grassroots impact, letting local organizations shine as the heart of the story. Jonah’s cuts of the various interviewees allowed us to tease what was to come and show the full scope and diversity of it’s partners and clients.
Were there any moments during production that surprised or moved you personally?
Claire: One moment that stuck with me was meeting Fatima from Sanad. After noticing I hadn’t had time to finish lunch, she took me by the hand to the fridge and packed bags of leftovers and pita bread for me to take home. Later, I shared that meal with a friend in Chicago. Her generosity reminded me of my grandmother—caring, instinctive, and never confined by boundaries. It was a beautiful reminder that the spirit of service doesn’t stop when the cameras do.
Were there any key takeaways from working on a nationally-focused, mission-driven project like this?
Claire: Budget is always a consideration—regardless of the nonprofit’s size or reach. From the outset, it wasn’t clear if we could capture everything within the available resources. But through honest conversations and a shared commitment to the mission, we found a solution: prioritize key interviews now and plan to complete additional edits as more funding becomes available. It was a great reminder that flexibility and trust are essential for making ambitious projects work. I’m excited to continue showcasing the impactful work and strong partnerships PHA has cultivated.
What was your favorite moment from shooting this project?
Jonah: I loved getting to explore Chicago. Our shoot locations were in residential neighborhoods, so it felt like we got a really authentic Chicago experience. It’s definitely a city I want to go back to.
This was one of your first travel shoots—how did that change your experience?
Jonah: I was just grateful to be there. Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve ever gone to Chicago otherwise.
How do you approach capturing real, unscripted moments in a documentary-style project?
Jonah: I’m not quite sure. I just try to be as invisible as possible and hope that what’s happening in front of the camera comes through naturally.
What did it mean to you to work on a project that featured Michelle Obama’s voiceover?
Jonah: It was amazing. We actually had no idea that would be happening until the post-production phase. I’m lucky to say I’ve gotten to “work with” both Obamas now.
How would you sum up your experience working with PHA on this project?
Jonah: Working with PHA was such a pleasure. There’s something truly special about doing work that directly supports the community. Meeting the people on the ground and hearing their stories was incredibly inspiring.
It was also only my second time traveling for a shoot, and I think travel shoots might be my favorite. It’s the perfect mix of meaningful work, meeting new people, and getting to explore new places, all while doing what I love.
Through close collaboration with PHA and their partners, we were able to tell a story that honors the unseen work happening in communities every day. From capturing real moments of generosity to hearing Michelle Obama narrate our script, every step reminded us why we do what we do: to amplify voices, elevate missions, and create stories that resonate far beyond the screen.
To learn more about Partnership for Healthier America, visit www.ahealthieramerica.org. and check out our case study for details about the project at veracitystudios.com/case-studies/partnership-for-a-healthier-america/ .
If you’re looking for a team to help bring your story to life, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at hello@veracitystudios.com.
