As our world continues to struggle to feed a growing population, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2, ending hunger and food insecurity) has never been more urgent. Nearly 690 million people go hungry every night, a statistic that is projected to increase in the coming years. Thus, now is the time for young people to take an active role in the fight against hunger. The voices and ideas of youth are essential for crafting the solutions that can pave the way for a sustainable future that includes everyone.

During my time as a youth delegate at the United Nations, I witnessed the potential that young leaders have to combat hunger and create food security for more people in their communities. Young advocates consistently shared new and innovative approaches to address problems, and their insights regarding food systems, health, and environmental sustainability demonstrated that young people are ready and capable of making impactful changes today.

The Pacific American Volunteer Association (PAVA) World is a youth volunteer group that regularly mobilizes young people across the country to combat various issues, including hunger. Through my involvement with PAVA, I have participated in volunteer work at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, which demonstrates the powerful impact that direct action can have on people‘s lives. The Midnight Mission serves three nutritious meals daily to those in need-a service that is essential for the many individuals in the Los Angeles region currently living without homes. My experiences with PAVA at the Midnight Mission have deepened my understanding of the urgency of this issue and how critical access to healthy food can improve the overall well-being of everyone. Additionally, as part of PAVA’s efforts at the Orange County and Los Angeles Food Banks, I have helped sort and distribute food to those in need, positively impacting thousands of families who often worry about whether they will be able to eat again the next day. Witnessing the impact of these youth- and community-driven efforts in addressing hunger has shown me many examples of true human kindness and generosity that should be experienced by all.

During UN discussions on nutrition, youth delegates emphasized the burden of malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and obesity, as these conditions can disproportionately affect individuals in poverty. Young advocates argued for equitable access to healthy food and the necessity of nutrition education in schools. An important policy created in this context is the School Food and Nutrition Policy, which ensures that all children have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food provided in schools. This policy has improved the quality of school meals and emphasized nutrition education, ensuring that students learn about healthy and balanced eating habits. (Part 3 of 20)

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