As Americans, we can often take for granted the luxury in having an abundance of food. When we typically think of where and how to get food, many can simply go to their nearest grocery store or order to have their food delivered directly to their homes. Food as we think is not as simple as it seems. There are a multitude of layers that come with having food, from accessibility, health of the food, abundance and where it is derived from that makes food a variable to people.
According to the World Health Organization, "food safety, nutrition and food security are inextricably linked." Just as it is as vital for humans to have food that is safe to eat, it is as equally as important needing that food to be beneficial for our health and having reliable access to food.
Programs such as the UN Food System Hub is a group of youth who are committed to raising awareness of food safety and health, supporting climate reforms and fair wages for those who work within food systems. Youth through this movement are empowering themselves to do what they can to inform and support food safety while calling on larger companies to do their part to make food systems more accessible.
Organizations like the School Meals Coalition are empowering because they advocate for communities who have often been left out of larger nutritional movements. Particularly, they advocate for these meals to be reached for students who qualify for free or reduced lunches in schools.
Groups like Teens for Food Justice work to inform and implement farming habits to grow food, educate youth on food advocacy and how to spread the message through communities. This organization allows youth to get involved in many ways, whether that be through planting techniques, educational teachings or community organization, youth here can create a lasting impact in communities that don't have food security.