Putting advocacy into practice at the Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit
The fourth annual Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit, held July 14-15 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Congressional Hunger Center and Food Systems Collaborative, gathered young people studying and working around the United States for two days of dialogue, training, and action on local and global food security.
- hunger
By Maria DiGiovanniAugust 11, 2026
Key takeaways
- Youth participation is essential for lasting food security progress. Gen Z leaders are helping shape policies and programs that address hunger and strengthen food systems.
- Successful advocacy blends evidence with personal experience. Data and real-world stories can make a stronger case for policy action.
- Hands-on engagement builds confidence and leadership skills. Direct conversations with policymakers helped participants turn advocacy training into action.
According to the latest FAO Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems, 85% of the world’s young people live in low- and lower-middle-income countries where agrifood systems dominate the economy. These youth face rising food insecurity and unemployment rates amid economic volatility, extreme climate events, and other interconnected shocks. To create a future that addresses these urgent problems, global youth must have an active role in shaping the policies and programs that aim to enhance their skills, opportunities, and resilience—a key focus of International Youth Day (August 12).
The fourth annual Gen Z Food & Hunger Summit, held July 14-15 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Congressional Hunger Center and Food Systems Collaborative, gathered young people studying and working around the United States for two days of dialogue, training, and action on local and global food security. I joined nearly 170 of my Gen Z peers in gaining practical experience as emerging leaders advocating for a food-secure world.