Hope Williams, a student from Kalon Prep Academy, attended the World Food Prize Foundation's Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. Williams presented a research paper on food security issues in Somalia and participated in collaborative activities with other students. The students also attended the Borlaug Dialogue, where they heard from 2023 World Food Prize Laureate Heidi Kuhn. Williams' teacher, Rilee Wold, praised her for embracing the challenge and working on issues that matter to the future. [6d0b00e0]
The Global Youth Institute provides an opportunity for young leaders to engage with pressing global issues, particularly in the field of food security. Through research, presentations, and collaborative activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities around the world. The event also offers a platform for students to connect with experts and laureates in the field, fostering inspiration and mentorship. Williams' participation in the institute highlights the importance of empowering young minds to contribute to sustainable solutions for food security. [6d0b00e0]
Dr. Lila Singh-Peterson, a specialist in climate adaptation and social resilience from the University of Southern Queensland, traveled to Fiji to help the island adapt to shifting conditions and improve food security. She partnered with Fiji National University, the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, and the Sunshine Coast University to train local researchers in qualitative research. The goal was to equip them with the skills to advocate for Fijian communities impacted by climate events. Dr. Singh-Peterson organized a workshop with women from a village that had been evacuated due to a cyclone and extreme rainfall. They discussed food security practices, particularly for the wet season, and identified and ranked food preservation strategies. The researchers learned how to facilitate workshops, conduct interviews, and report their findings to policymakers. [b0bea17f]
The Center for Economic Justice and Action at UC-Santa Cruz is leading the University of California system's participation in the 'End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities' challenge. The program, announced by the White House, has received 141 commitments nationwide. The goal is to reduce food insecurity among UC students. The Center for Economic Justice and Action plans to develop a network of experts to find solutions to food insecurity in students. The University of California aims to advance current and new efforts to help students with essential needs. [ca858304]
Roots of Peace is co-sponsoring the DialogueNEXT event, 'Seeds of Equity: Women Driving Growth and Innovation in Agriculture,' hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation. The event will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 2024. The event aims to address the challenges of global food security and catalyze innovative solutions for a hunger-free world. The inaugural session will focus on the contributions of women in agriculture and will feature a panel of distinguished leaders in the field. Roots of Peace is launching an initiative called 'Women of Roots of Peace' to empower women in agriculture and peace-building. The organization aims to turn minefields into farmland and support victims of landmine accidents. The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity, or availability of food worldwide. Grgich Hills Estate, a family-owned winery, is also involved in the event and is certified as regenerative organic through the Regenerative Organic Alliance. [c689bdf7]
The UBUNTU Movement Inc. launched the 'Seeds for Justice: Peace and Economic Prosperity in St. Lucia Initiative' in mid-2023. The initiative aims to facilitate restorative social justice and healing in St. Lucia, starting with the Vieux Fort community. The collaboration includes the UBUNTU Movement, Citizens for Peace and Prosperity, and Safe Spaces. The initiative has received support from the 100 Hours Volunteer Champions, concerned community leaders, and residents. The author is optimistic that the initiative will bear fruit and suggests that progress reports be provided to the public. The author also proposes actions to prevent youth violence, such as engaging young people as mentors and providing meaningful opportunities for skill development. The author emphasizes the importance of involving various groups and sectors in the initiative, including Parent Teachers' Associations, the National Principals Association, and workers' representatives. The author believes that with determination and community involvement, Seeds for Justice will become a formidable organization in St. Lucia. [98a76bd4]
The Porter County 4-H Junior Leaders placed their first micro food pantry at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso. The pantry was built in December by the 4-Hers and funded by a grant from the Indiana 4-H Foundation. The micro pantry was assembled on a stand on the corner of Sturdy Road and Evans Avenue. The first food donations were made by the Purdue Extension Homemaker clubs. The pantry will be restocked by different 4-H clubs in the community. The project aims to provide food for those experiencing food insecurity. [384f2d47]
Local food bank leaders, food pantry organizers, nonprofits, and government officials are coming together to address hunger in Orange County. The Orange County Hunger Alliance, along with Abound Food Care, is hosting a meeting to discuss the results of a $250,000 county-funded survey aimed at identifying barriers to meeting the community's food needs. The survey has been sent to individuals struggling with hunger and organizations working to provide nutritious food. The gathered information will inform the alliance's strategies to fight food insecurity. The survey comes as food banks warn of a potential food cliff due to the increasing cost of food and the end of COVID-19 food assistance. The preliminary findings of the survey indicate a lack of protein in food pantries and a need for language services to reach diverse communities. Additionally, efforts are being made to reduce food waste in the county. The leaders involved are also looking for ways to address the underlying causes of hunger, such as poverty, by advocating for increased wages, affordable housing, and universal healthcare. They also highlight the importance of enrolling more people in the CalFresh food stamps program to reduce hunger. The demand for food in Orange County has remained high since the pandemic, with the OC Food Bank and Second Harvest each feeding about 400,000 residents every month. The food insecurity rate in Orange County is projected to be close to 13.7%. The leaders emphasize the need to find solutions to ensure that people have a place to sleep and food to eat. [38184c4c]
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is bringing back its Summer Lunch program in Sonoma County from June 10th to August 9th. Approximately 1 in 6 children in the county face food insecurity, and the program aims to bridge the meal gap over the summer months. The program will partner with Santa Rosa City Schools to provide meals and will have multiple Summer Lunch sites available throughout the county. Non-congregate meals will also be offered in rural areas. The program not only addresses food insecurity but also promotes better health by providing fresh produce to those in need. [ff84d1fb]
The Unicoi County High School Culinary Arts food truck, funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Education, offers students in the culinary class a chance to explore career options in hospitality and tourism. The food truck serves breakfast and lunch menus featuring dishes like pesto chicken and philly cheese steak sandwiches, as well as apple pie and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. The food truck's design was created by former student Addison Higgins and wrapped by Speedpro, a sign-making service. The truck made its debut at the 2023 Unicoi County Apple Festival. The culinary class also had the opportunity to visit Disney World Resort for the Cook Around the World event at EPCOT Theme Park. The instructor, Rachelle Shurtz, sees positive career paths for her students in the outdoor tourism industry, new restaurant openings, and the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel in Bristol. The food truck will be available throughout the summer in Unicoi County. [1ba465eb]
The Food Bank of Southern Utah provides two summer programs for families in need. The first program is the mobile pantry, which goes to various locations in four Southwest Utah counties throughout the month of June. The mobile pantry provides support to Utahns living in food deserts. Families drive up, provide their name and the number of family members, and receive food until supplies run out. The mobile pantry is staffed by volunteers from local churches. The second program is the Free Summer Meals program, which is government-funded and provides meals to youth up to age 18 who would normally receive food through school lunches. The meals must be consumed on-site and are usually held in parks. The program starts out slow but increases in attendance as the summer progresses, with up to 100 meals per site by the end of the summer. The Food Bank of Southern Utah's mobile pantry and Free Summer Meals program aim to create a fun atmosphere where children feel comfortable and can get all of their needs met. The schedule for the mobile pantry and Free Summer Meals events in different counties is provided in the article.
Cooperatives, especially in the agrifood sector, play a crucial role in fighting hunger and malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean. Undernourishment reached 6.5% in 2022, affecting 7.2 million people in Latin America and 16.3% in the Caribbean. The FAO has identified cooperatives as key allies in this fight, promoting family farming, reducing power asymmetries, and fostering public-private partnerships. The FAO's regional office is working on the cooperative agenda to transform agrifood systems. There are over three million cooperatives worldwide, with 28,000 in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing together six million members. The FAO is collaborating with various organizations to present the Model Law for Agrifood Cooperatives to the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament. The FAO is also renewing a memorandum of understanding with the International Cooperative Alliance to strengthen the cooperative model. The FAO calls for the continued strengthening of alliances to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and fight against hunger. [76cd1c08]
The Focolare community living in the 'triple frontier' between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay is working towards creating a place of integration and unity. The region is known for its cultural diversity and the presence of indigenous peoples, such as the Guaranà people. The community aims to overcome national borders and maintain their cultural identities. The Focolare community in this region is unique and emphasizes unity and mutual love. The region has a shared history of conflict but also common cultural factors. The Guaranà culture, with its connection to nature and respect for traditions, is seen as a valuable asset. The Focolare community in this region promotes events that involve people from the three neighboring nations and fosters inter-regional relationships. The community believes that it is possible to walk together despite differences and that unity is the answer to achieving true globalization and human dignity. Margaret Karram and Jesús Morán, leaders of the Focolare Movement, express their appreciation for the community and emphasize the importance of healing wounds and creating inter-regional relationships. The trip to Latin America has increased their faith, hope, and charity. The Focolare Movement sees hope for all its communities and beyond in the fraternity of the Latin American region. [f62ae5d5]