“Growing up as a young kid, there was no guarantee that we could get 3 meals in a day. I used to depend on the school meal. It was a challenge that many people are facing,” Greg Kimani, the CEO of City Shamba, says in the Food 2050 film, which premieres January 2026 in partnership with Media RED, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Food Tank. “If my neighbor cannot have food, we are not food secure.”

This belief reflects a broader cultural value rooted in Ubuntu, an Indigenous African philosophy of interconnectedness. 

“When I was growing up, sharing food was a common thing that we did. It’s about the value of Ubuntu, [meaning] ‘I am because we are.’ It’s the spirit of helping one another. It’s the spirit of sharing,” says Dr. Elizabeth Kimani-Murage, a Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). 

“But the world is urbanizing, and we are losing that culture of Ubuntu,” says Dr. Kimani-Murage.

Nairobi’s population is projected to triple by 2050 to more than 10 million people. Historically, the city relied on rural communities for food, but those areas have increasingly urbanized themselves, reducing agricultural production. Dr. Kimani-Murage, who has conducted research on nutrition and food security among the urban poor for more than two decades, has seen firsthand how these shifts have deepened inequality. Today, she promotes agroecological urban farming across socioeconomic divides to “ensure that people can produce safe food for themselves and feed themselves with dignity.” 

In Nairobi, affordability—not availability—is often the core problem, according to Dr. Kimani-Murage. Because many residents cannot afford market prices, the food supply can exceed demand. “A lot of the food finds itself in the dump site, and people go to scavenge on that food,” either feeding it to their families or selling it to others, says Dr. Kimani-Murage.

City Shamba was founded to challenge the assumption that dense urban areas cannot produce food. The organization trains residents in vertical farming techniques to maximize productivity in limited spaces. It provides seedlings and soil, which are often difficult to access. Kimani’s team also prioritizes nutrient-rich Indigenous vegetables, helping households improve nutrition while reducing costs.

According to David Osogo, a Research Officer at APHRC, City Shamba shows that urban areas themselves can be part of the solution to food insecurity and malnutrition.

“Urban farming almost gives you instant results,” says Osogo. “We have seen communities in the informal settlement feed off their tiny kitchen gardens…school children eating lunch and eating hot meals that are directly from vegetables from the farms…chicken from the poultry farms within the schools.”

These community-led efforts are supported by Dr. Kimani-Murage’s vision, “A Place of Cool Waters”—the translation of the Indigenous name for Nairobi—which was named a Rockefeller Foundation Top Food System Visionary in 2020 and featured in the Food 2050 film. It provides grants to grassroots organizations including City Shamba that are rethinking food production and access in urban spaces. This work is also advancing what Dr. Kimani-Murage describes as a “right to food movement” in Kenya.

“It is important that people can take charge of what they’re eating,” says Dr. Kimani-Murage. “We really want to promote the spirit of Ubuntu, encouraging people to share any excess food…so that food is not just seen as a commodity, it is seen as a common good and a human right.”

Since the Food 2050 filming, the initiative has expanded to cities throughout Kenya and gained international attention: In 2023, King Charles III visited City Shamba’s facilities. But Dr. Kimani-Murage’s long-term vision has expanded beyond food—she sees climate action as critical to food systems transformation.

“We have embraced climate action as a key driver of this work,” says Dr. Kimani-Murage. “Food security and nutrition are very heavily impacted by climate change. By encouraging climate action, you are also promoting food security and optimal nutrition.”

The post Food 2050 Visionaries: Nourishing Nairobi with Ubuntu appeared first on Food Tank.

2025 was a year marked by immense uncertainty. Cuts to nutrition assistance and climate smart agriculture programs in the United States, the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and declining Official Development Assistance from countries including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have raised hard questions about what the future holds.

But around the world there is so much resilience and excitement as organizations prove food and agriculture systems can be a solution to our most pressing social and environmental challenges. They are establishing models that nourish children and support local farmers. They are creating more opportunities for women and young farmers to become leaders in their communities. And they are cultivating new and innovative partnerships to fund and scale the solutions already working on the ground.

As we enter 2026, here are 126 organizations and initiatives to learn about, engage with, and support as they work to build a more equitable, regenerative, and delicious future.

1. African Population & Health Research Centre, Kenya

APHRC is an African-founded, African-led research-to-policy institution driving evidence-informed decisions on health and development. Headquartered in Nairobi, they work across 35+ countries to strengthen African research leadership and advance sustainable progress across the continent. They are also behind the award-winning initiative Restoring Nairobi to “A Place of Cool Waters,” to transform Kenya’s capital into a greener, food secure city.

2. Agroecology Fund, International

Since 2011, the Agroecology Fund has pooled resources to strengthen grassroots agroecology movements advancing fair, biodiverse, climate-resilient food systems. Guided by civil society advisors, it supports community-led organizing, learning, and policy advocacy. With US$41 million granted in 100+ countries, the Fund helps build food systems where producers and consumers govern locally—and where agroecology, not industrial agriculture, shapes a just future for people and planet.

3. AKADEMIYA2063, Africa

AKADEMIYA2063 equips African governments with the data, analysis, and technical capacity needed to achieve Agenda 2063’s vision of prosperity and sustainability. Based in Rwanda with a regional office in Senegal, it leads core initiatives to strengthen knowledge systems, empower African experts, and accelerate evidence-based agricultural transformation across the continent. Together with GAIN, they recently launched a toolkit to help governments align policies across sectors to accelerate food systems transformation.

4. Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Africa

AFSA unites a powerful network of 48 member alliances across 50 countries working to secure food sovereignty rooted in agroecology, traditional knowledge, and community rights. Representing small-scale food producers, Indigenous Peoples, and environmental defenders, AFSA amplifies African-driven solutions and resists industrial agriculture that threatens land, culture, and biodiversity—mobilizing a strong, unified voice for just and resilient food systems.

5. American Farmland Trust (AFT), United States

American Farmland Trust is safeguarding the future of U.S. agriculture by protecting farmland, restoring soil health, and keeping farmers on the land. From advancing smart land-use policies to supporting new generations of producers, AFT links food, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. Amid rapid land loss, AFT’s No Farms No Food message continues to spotlight farmland as the foundation of our food system.

6. Annie’s Project, United States

Annie’s Project empowers women farmers, ranchers, and growers with the business skills and confidence needed to lead thriving agricultural operations. Through peer networks, practical training, and locally tailored learning environments, participants strengthen decision-making across financial, legal, and risk-management challenges. Honoring a legacy of women as equal partners on the land, Annie’s Project is helping shape stronger farms, families, and communities.

7. Aragón Agri-Food Institute, Europe

Based at the Aula Dei research campus in Spain, CITA drives scientific innovation to strengthen sustainable agriculture, forestry, and rural economies. Its teams advance agroecology, climate resilience, and the bio- and circular economy through collaborative research and living labs. From conserving genetic resources to improving livestock and plant systems, CITA helps shape a more competitive and sustainable agrifood sector across Europe.

8. Arrell Food Institute, Canada

Based at the University of Guelph, the Arrell Food Institute connects scientists, policymakers, industry, and communities to advance sustainable, equitable food systems. Its work spans reducing waste in supply chains, supporting climate-smart production, and improving nutrition access. Through initiatives like ag-tech innovation and net-zero food system challenges, AFI helps Canada lead in resilient food futures.

9. Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA), Asia

AFA unites small-scale farmers, fishers, Indigenous Peoples, and pastoralists across Asia to advance food sovereignty and resilient rural livelihoods. Through advocacy, cooperative development, youth engagement, and farmer-to-farmer learning, AFA strengthens secure land rights and agroecological production. With members in 20+ countries, the alliance amplifies community voices in policies that shape a just farming future for the region.

10. Australian Conservation Foundation, Australia

For nearly 60 years, the Australian Conservation Foundation has mobilized people across the country to protect wildlife, forests, rivers, and reefs. From securing World Heritage protection for the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu to advancing clean energy and stronger nature laws, ACF challenges harmful industries and empowers communities—driving bold action so nature and people can thrive together in Australia’s future.

11. Agroecology & Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA), Australia

AFSA is a farmer-led alliance working to democratize Australia’s food system through agroecology, land justice, and First Peoples’ sovereignty. From legal support for smallholders to campaigning for scale-appropriate regulation and local processing infrastructure, AFSA empowers producers and communities to reclaim control of food and land. Connected to La Via Campesina, the Alliance drives policy reform and grassroots solutions for just, local, climate-resilient food systems.

12. Better Food Future, International

Better Food Future brings industry, government, and civil society together to build resilient, transparent, and climate-smart food systems. By aligning sustainability goals with global data standards, the initiative strengthens traceability in seafood and cattle, expands fair market access for small-scale producers, and eliminates deforestation from supply chains—driving measurable progress and shared prosperity from source to shelf.

13. Black Feminist Project, United States

The Black Feminist Project advances food and reproductive justice for Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people in the South Bronx. Through Black Joy Farm, sliding-scale community meals, and youth programs like Guerrilla Girls and Sis, Do You!, the organization combats food apartheid, builds leadership, and cultivates joy and autonomy—placing MaGes and mother-led families at the center of community power.

14. Broadway Green Alliance, United States

The Broadway Green Alliance mobilizes theatre-makers and audiences to shrink the industry’s environmental footprint—from switching 100,000 marquee bulbs to efficient LEDs to diverting tons of textiles and electronics from landfills. With 1,600+ Green Captains on Broadway and campuses nationwide, BGA equips artists with practical sustainability tools and uses the power of storytelling to inspire climate-positive action.

15. Buğday Association, Turkey

Born from a grassroots ecological movement in the 1990s, Buğday Association works to build a culture of ecological living in Turkey. Through projects spanning seed exchange, pesticide-free farming, composting, agroecology education, and Turkey’s 100 percent Ecological Markets, Buğday strengthens links between rural producers and urban consumers while championing nature-friendly production and traditional knowledge.

16. C40 Food Systems, International

Part of a global network of 97 cities, C40 Food Systems helps mayors transform urban food into a powerful climate solution. The program supports cities to cut emissions from production to waste, improve food access and nutrition, and build resilience through circular, plant-forward, and equitable food policies—advancing a fair, green transition that protects people and the planet.

17. CARE International, International and CARE USA, United States

For 80 years, CARE has worked alongside communities to confront crises, defeat poverty, and advance dignity. Centering women and girls, CARE delivers lifesaving assistance, strengthens local leadership, and drives long-term change—from emergency response and food security to health, education, and economic opportunity. In 2024, CARE and partners reached 58.7 million people across 121 countries, proving that hope and equality can thrive even in the hardest places.

18. CGIAR, International

CGIAR is a global research partnership transforming food, land, and water systems through science and innovation. Its network includes the Africa Rice Center, CIFOR, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT, IFPRI, IITA, ILRI, CIP, IRRI, IWMI, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICRAF, and WorldFish. Together, these centers advance climate-resilient crops, equitable food policies, regenerative land management, and sustainable aquatic and livestock systems—delivering research and partnerships that strengthen nutrition, farmer livelihoods, and environmental stewardship worldwide.

19. CORAF, West and Central Africa

CORAF unites the agricultural research systems of 23 countries to drive innovation, boost productivity, and strengthen food and nutrition security across West and Central Africa. Through regional centers of excellence, technology scaling, market access initiatives, and policy support, CORAF helps family farmers adopt climate-smart solutions and fosters a future where communities prosper through resilient, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.

20. Charlie Cart Project, United States

With its mobile kitchen classrooms, the Charlie Cart Project brings hands-on food education directly into schools, libraries, and community centers. Their integrated curriculum helps children and adults learn cooking skills, nutrition basics, and the origins of their food. In the last decade, they have reached over 500,000 children and families through our 500 community partners across the country.

21. City Harvest, United States

For more than 40 years, City Harvest has led the food-rescue movement in New York City—recovering over 86 million pounds of surplus food each year and delivering it, free of charge, to 400 pantries, soup kitchens, and Mobile Markets® across all five boroughs. With a focus on fresh produce, culturally responsive foods, nutrition education, and community partnerships, City Harvest fights hunger, reduces waste, and strengthens local food systems so every New Yorker can thrive.

22. Climate Group, International

Climate Group accelerates urgent climate action by mobilizing powerful networks of 500+ multinational companies and 180+ state and regional governments. Working across high-emitting systems—energy, transport, heavy industry, and food—it drives commitments, enforces accountability, and turns ambition into measurable progress. Its global collaborations push organizations to act now and help steer the world toward net-zero by 2050.

23. Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), United States

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a worker-led human rights organization transforming U.S. agriculture through organizing, enforcement, and consumer power. Since 1993, CIW has exposed and helped prosecute major forced-labor rings, liberated over 1,200 workers, and pioneered the Fair Food Program—a worker-driven model that raises wages, prevents abuse, and sets enforceable standards across farms in multiple states and crops.

24. Conflict Cuisine Project, International 

The Conflict Cuisine Project explores the deep links between food and war, using culinary traditions as a lens to understand conflict, diaspora, and peacebuilding. Through gastrodiplomacy, education programs, and collaborations with chefs and policymakers, the project shows how recipes, foodways, and shared meals can foster dialogue, integration, and a more nuanced understanding of global insecurity.

25. Community Kitchen, United States

Community Kitchen is a pilot sliding-scale restaurant at the Lower Eastside Girls Club, where chef Mavis-Jay Sanders serves multi-course, locally sourced, plant-forward dinners priced at US$15, US$45, or US$125 based on income and wealth—no questions asked. Co-founded with Mark Bittman, the project aims to prove that dignified, high-quality dining can be accessible, community-centered, and a model for policy change.

26. Crop Trust, International

The Crop Trust safeguards the world’s crop diversity by funding and strengthening genebanks and backing global seed reserves like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Its Food Forever strategy aims to permanently secure key collections and make them more accessible to researchers and farmers. Through long-term partnerships, technical support, and capacity building, the organization helps ensure agriculture can adapt to climate, conflict, and biodiversity loss.

27. Culinary Institute of America, United States

The Culinary Institute of America prepares future food leaders through its longstanding commitment to excellence, research, and innovation. CIA co-founded and leads the  Menus of Change University Research Collaborative, a worldwide partnership of universities leveraging campus dining to study behavior change and bring plant-forward, climate-smart menu innovation into practice. 

28. Cultivemos Network, United States

Cultivemos—meaning “we cultivate”—links Northeast farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers to mental-health resources, culturally relevant support, and community-driven education. Through partnerships with Farm Aid and others, the network provides bilingual materials, resilience trainings, and a growing service-provider community designed to reduce stress, strengthen well-being, and ensure agricultural families can access the care they need.

29. Dion’s Chicago Dream, United States

Dion’s Chicago Dream advances health equity by redesigning food access through last-mile logistics. Founded in Englewood, the nonprofit delivers fresh, pre-measured produce directly to households through Dream Deliveries, community Dream Fridges, and networked Dream Vaults—collectively providing millions of pounds of healthy food. By pairing nutritional philanthropy with workforce development and neighborhood partnerships, the Dream builds community, stability, and hope across Chicago.

30. Edible Schoolyard Project, United States

The Edible Schoolyard Project, founded by Alice Waters in 1995, transforms public education by integrating organic gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias into academic learning. Its Berkeley demonstration site anchors a national movement where students cook, garden, and study food systems as part of their core curriculum. Through free classroom resources and the Alice Waters Institute, the organization advances edible education, climate action, and community well-being.

31. EAT, International

EAT works at the intersection of science, policy, business, and civil society to accelerate the shift toward healthy, fair, and sustainable food systems. Through science-based initiatives like the EAT–Lancet Commission report, global convenings such as the Stockholm Food Forum, and city-level efforts advancing the Planetary Health Diet, EAT works to transform evidence into collective action and partnerships that support people and the planet.

32. EiT Food, Europe 

EIT Food brings together innovators across Europe to accelerate the shift toward a healthier, more sustainable, and consumer-centered food system. Backed by the EU, it invests in research, education, entrepreneurship, and public engagement to advance three core missions—healthier diets, resilient and transparent supply chains, and a net-zero food system—linking startups, industry, and communities to drive system-wide change.

33. European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), Europe

The European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA) is a farmer-led coalition advancing ecological, economic, and social regeneration across Europe’s agrifood system. Rooted in diverse farming contexts, EARA elevates farmer expertise in EU policy and builds broad alliances through its Regenerating Europe Tour—a series of strategic dialogues, farm visits, and workshops across Member States designed to accelerate a soil-centered, regenerative agricultural transition.

34. FAIRR Initiative, International

FAIRR is an investor network mobilizing more than US$90 trillion in assets to address the financial and systemic risks tied to intensive animal agriculture. Through rigorous research, company benchmarking, and coordinated investor engagement, FAIRR equips members to navigate climate, biodiversity, labor, and antimicrobial resistance risks while identifying opportunities across the protein value chain to accelerate a more sustainable and resilient global food system.

35. Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC), United States

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC) is a union and social movement advancing farmworkers’ rights across the Midwest and South. Founded in the 1960s by Baldemar Velásquez, FLOC pioneered tri-party bargaining—bringing corporations, growers, and workers to the same table—to secure fair wages, safer housing, and grievance protections, while mobilizing broad public support to shift power toward those who labor in the fields.

36. Feeding Change, United States

The Milken Institute’s Feeding Change program works to build a more nutritious, sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system by activating the necessary social and financial capital needed to drive this transformation. Some of their recent policy briefs and reports have called for employer-led nutrition strategies, expanded access to pharmacy-based care, and natural capital solutions. 

37. First Nations Development Institute, United States

First Nations Development Institute strengthens the economic, cultural, and ecological well-being of Native communities by supporting Tribal sovereignty and investing in Native-led solutions. Since 1980, its national grantmaking program has directed thousands of awards to projects advancing land stewardship, food systems, economic justice, and Native arts—reinforcing community assets, uplifting Indigenous knowledge, and sustaining self-determined futures across Tribal nations.

38. Food is Medicine Institute, United States

The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts advances the integration of nutritious food into healthcare by generating evidence, training clinicians, and supporting patient care models such as medically tailored meals, groceries, and produce prescriptions. Through interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and community partnerships, the Institute works to embed FIM into clinical systems, reduce health disparities, and strengthen a more equitable, prevention-focused healthcare system.

39. Food Recovery Network (FRN), United States

Food Recovery Network mobilizes thousands of student leaders, food businesses, and farms to keep surplus food out of landfills and redirect it to community organizations fighting hunger. Launched in 2011 at the University of Maryland, FRN now operates nearly 200 campus and community programs, recovering millions of pounds of fresh food and expanding local food access while reducing waste and emissions nationwide.

40. Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), United States

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) advances policies that ensure every person in the U.S. can access nutritious food. Through research, advocacy, and support for a nationwide network of anti-hunger partners, FRAC strengthens federal nutrition programs, expands benefits, addresses racial inequities, and tackles the root causes of poverty-related hunger to build a healthier, more food-secure nation.

41. Food Security Leadership Council, International

The Food Security Leadership Council unites leaders from science, agriculture, industry, and global development to reimagine U.S. engagement in global food security. Guided by evidence and nonpartisan analysis, the Council elevates the impacts of U.S. policy, advances a strategic blueprint for international action, and convenes emerging leaders to address rising hunger driven by climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

42. Food Systems for the Future (FSF), International

Food Systems for the Future advances market-based, nutrition-focused solutions to build equitable and sustainable food systems. Led by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, the organization works across the U.S. and Africa to expand access to affordable, diverse, and nourishing foods through policy engagement, research, coalition-building, and partnerships that strengthen local capacity and drive systemwide change toward a malnutrition-free world.

43. FreshRx Oklahoma, United States

FreshRx Oklahoma partners with local growers and clinicians to help North Tulsa residents manage Type II diabetes with nutrient-dense, regeneratively grown produce and yearlong support. Launched in 2021 after evidence showed food access was undermining diabetes care, the USDA-funded program provides biweekly produce, cooking and nutrition classes, and regular health screenings—advancing health equity through a Food is Medicine model rooted in community.

44. Friends of the Earth, International

Friends of the Earth mobilizes a nationwide network to advance bold, justice-centered environmental action. Since 1969, the organization has pushed for transformative policies that confront the climate and biodiversity crises head-on—rejecting half-measures, challenging corporate power, and championing systemic solutions. Through advocacy, coalition-building, and movement organizing, they work to protect people and the planet while building durable political power for long-term change.

45. Full Plates Full Potential, United States

Full Plates Full Potential works to end childhood food insecurity in Maine by strengthening and expanding the child nutrition programs that reach students every day. The organization helped lead the passage of School Meals for All and continues partnering with schools and communities to ensure every child has reliable access to nutritious meals that support learning, equity, and long-term well-being.

46. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International

GAIN works to improve access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food by transforming food systems alongside governments, businesses, and civil society. They focus on availability, affordability, desirability, and sustainability of healthy diets—especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups—through programs that strengthen markets, advance fortification, shape policy, and expand nutrition-focused innovation worldwide.

47. Global Alliance for Latinos in Agriculture (GALA), International

GALA strengthens Latino farmers and ranchers worldwide through regenerative agriculture, conscious capitalism, and alignment with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The organization advances youth leadership, digital and carbon-literacy training, and cross-cultural knowledge exchange to revitalize rural communities, foster family-farm prosperity, and build resilient, sustainability-driven agricultural livelihoods across generations.

48. Global Alliance for the Future of Food, International

The Global Alliance for the Future of Food is a coalition of philanthropic foundations working with partners worldwide to accelerate the transition to equitable, climate-resilient food systems. The Alliance advances systems-level solutions by convening diverse actors, generating evidence, and driving collaborative action toward food systems that uphold health, sustainability, and human rights for present and future generations.

49. Global Food Institute (GFI) at GW, United States

The Global Food Institute at George Washington University advances evidence-based solutions across policy, innovation, and community well-being to transform food systems. Through interdisciplinary research, teaching, and convenings, GFI links science to real-world action, shaping how food is grown, distributed, and experienced to improve human and planetary health.

50. Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, United States

Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming advances a resilient regional food system by training the next generation of farmers, promoting regenerative practices, and strengthening fair, community-based markets. Working from the Hudson Valley and sharing lessons nationally, Glynwood aligns ecological stewardship with thriving local economies and equitable access to nutritious food. 

51. Gönül Mutfağı, Turkey

Launched by chefs Türev Uludağ and Ebru Baybara Demir, Gönül Mutfağı served over 17 million meals to earthquake survivors in 2023 through the work of 4,000 volunteers. The initiative strengthens long-term recovery by employing local residents through the From Soil to Plate cooperative and supplying 10,000 breakfasts each day to Hatay students.

52. GrowNYC, United States

Since 1970, GrowNYC has helped New Yorkers access fresh food, vibrant green spaces, and environmental education. Through producer-only Greenmarkets, community garden support, and education programs, the organization uplifts regional farmers and empowers residents—particularly frontline communities—to shape a healthier, more resilient city.

53. Guyra Paraguay, Paraguay

Focused on protecting Paraguay’s natural wealth, Guyra Paraguay brings together civil society, Indigenous communities, farmers, and scientists to conserve species, restore forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through projects in the Atlantic Forest, agroforestry initiatives, and innovative monitoring and climate-finance programs—such as their shade-grown yerba mate program—the organization works to build a resilient landscape for people and wildlife. 

54. Green Bronx Machine, United States

Green Bronx Machine transforms classrooms and communities through a K–12+ model that weaves urban agriculture into core academics. Students grow and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh produce while improving attendance, engagement, and achievement. Through food education, workforce development, and community partnerships, the organization builds healthier schools and stronger, more resilient Bronx neighborhoods—proving that healthy students help grow healthy communities.

55. Good Food Fund, China

Good Food Fund drives China’s transition toward healthier, more sustainable, and more humane food systems. Through chef training, youth programs, policy-aligned partnerships, and the Good Food Summit, GFF advances plant-based innovation and elevates animal welfare. Its Good Food Academy and incubator programs build knowledge and support emerging leaders working to shift production, consumption, and public awareness toward a better food future.

56. Harlem Grown, United States

Harlem Grown cultivates healthy kids and resilient communities by engaging Harlem youth in hands-on urban farming, nutrition, and sustainability education. Since 2011, the organization has expanded access to fresh food and learning opportunities by operating 14 urban agriculture sites, from soil-based farms to hydroponic greenhouses, while mentoring elementary-aged students to become advocates for their health, community, and environment.

57. Helen’s Daughters, Caribbean

Helen’s Daughters strengthens rural women across the Caribbean by using agriculture as a pathway to broader economic and social opportunity. Working at the grassroots level, the organization provides training, mentorship, micro-investment, and market access while advancing gender equity through public advocacy. Their programs—from an all-female agri-apprenticeship to FarmHers Markets—position women farmers as leaders of sustainable development across the region.

58. High Atlas Foundation, Morocco

The High Atlas Foundation advances community-led development across Morocco by helping rural families build sustainable livelihoods rooted in fruit-tree agriculture, clean water access, and women’s empowerment. Through 15 nurseries producing millions of saplings, carbon-offset programs, and post-earthquake recovery, HAF supports communities to restore land, preserve cultural heritage, and create long-term, locally driven pathways to economic resilience.

59. IndigeHub, United States

IndigeHub strengthens Indigenous self-determination by creating shared resource hubs that fuel entrepreneurship, food sovereignty, and community resilience. Through coworking spaces, commercial kitchens, and emerging food hubs, the organization expands access to tools, training, and local markets. Their culturally grounded model reduces barriers on tribal lands, supports small businesses, and equips communities to build sustainable, long-term prosperity.

60. Instituto Regenera, Brazil

Instituto Regenera works to advance regenerative food systems by co-creating applied knowledge that drives transparent, fair, inclusive, and sustainable practices. Rooted in the idea that food is climate, biodiversity, and culture, the organization partners across sectors to strengthen emerging models that restore ecosystems, uplift communities, and embed regeneration at every stage of the food system. During COP30, the organization helped secure a commitment from the Brazilian government to source at least one third of food served at the conference from local family farmers.

61. Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Americas

IICA is the Inter-American System’s specialized agency for agriculture, working with 34 Member States to strengthen rural well-being and agricultural development. Through technical cooperation spanning innovation, family farming, trade, digitalization, and agricultural health, IICA supports countries in building competitive, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems resilient to climate shocks and aligned with long-term regional development goals.

62. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Africa

icipe advances insect science for sustainable development across Africa, pioneering environmentally safe tools to manage pests and disease vectors while conserving biodiversity. Through its 4Hs approach—Human Health, Animal Health, Plant Health and Environmental Health—the Centre strengthens food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. As the continent’s only international arthropod research institution, it also builds scientific capacity through extensive training and partnerships.

63. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International

IFAD works to end rural poverty by investing in small-scale farmers and strengthening food systems. A U.N. agency and international financial institution, it provides grants and low-interest loans that expand market access, boost production, and build climate resilience. IFAD’s people-centered approach ensures women, youth, and Indigenous communities shape and benefit from rural transformation.

64. International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), International

IPES-Food unites 25 leading researchers and practitioners to accelerate food system transformation. From analyzing power dynamics to proposing concrete policy reforms, the panel produces influential reports and builds alliances that center equity, sustainability, and health. Rooted in science and informed by frontline realities, IPES-Food provides a clear roadmap for fixing failing food and agriculture systems.

65. International Potato Center, International

Headquartered in Lima, Peru, the International Potato Center (CIP) supports science-based solutions to improve root and tuber agri-food systems. They do this to ultimately enhance nutrition security, support sustainable business, and improve communities’ livelihoods. CIP leads the project Lima 2035, which aims to make the city of Lima’s food and agriculture systems regenerative and human-centered.

66. James Beard Foundation (JBF), United States

The James Beard Foundation strengthens the independent restaurant sector by recognizing excellence and equipping chefs and culinary leaders to drive a more equitable, sustainable food system. Through its awards, training programs, and national initiatives, JBF champions Good Food for Good—supporting an industry that enriches American culture and empowers the people who shape our food future.

67. John Hopkins University Center for Health Security and Center for a Livable Future, United States

At Johns Hopkins University, the Centers for Health Security and a Livable Future are working to reshape our systems in support of human and planetary health. The Center for Health Security works to protect communities from epidemics, biological threats, and public health emergencies while the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) advances alternatives to industrial food systems. CLF also recently launched a program to support the next generation of food and agriculture journalists. 

68. Kiss the Ground, United States

Kiss the Ground advances the regenerative movement by elevating healthy soil as a solution for human and planetary well-being. Through films, digital storytelling, education, and direct farmer support, the organization has inspired millions and helped transition more than two million acres toward regenerative agriculture—mobilizing public awareness toward a tipping point for systems-scale change.

69. La Via Campesina, International

Formed in 1993, La Via Campesina brings together 200 million small-scale food producers in 81 countries to defend land, water, seeds, and territory. The movement centers food sovereignty—healthy, culturally rooted food produced sustainably—and trains members in agroecology and peasant feminism. Its sustained mobilization shaped major global governance spaces, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants.

70. Local2030 Islands Network (L2030IN), International

This global network amplifies the leadership of island communities working toward the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Members share knowledge, strengthen public-private partnerships, and implement initiatives in support of a circular economy to create solutions that are locally driven and culturally informed.

71. McKnight Foundation, United States

The McKnight Foundation is working toward a more just and creative future through investments that celebrate culture bearers, strengthen farmer-centered agroecological research, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and more. Taking a silo-breaking approach, they also blend their program areas to bring food and the arts together. 

72. Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, International

Launched in 2015, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact unites over 250 cities in a mayor-led commitment to build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban food systems. As the leading global framework for municipal food policy, the Pact drives action through a shared 37-point agenda, peer learning, capacity building, and annual Milan Pact Awards showcasing innovative city solutions.

73. Naandi Foundation, India

The Naandi Foundation works across 438 districts in 21 states of India to create a better future for farmers and girls. In support of farmers, the organization encourages knowledge-sharing and the use of sustainable agricultural inputs, finding innovative ways to bring a regenerative and profitable agriculture system. Their goal in the coming years is to support 10 million girls with schooling and employment and 100 million farmers by planting 1 billion trees.

74. National Farm to School Network, United States

The National Farm to School Network builds equitable farm to school systems that support children, farmers, and communities. Through policy leadership, hands-on training, and a nationwide coalition spanning all 50 states, NFSN helps schools serve local food, integrate gardens and food education, and strengthen regional economies—advancing a vision of a racially just and community-driven food system.

75. National Farm Worker Ministry, United States

The National Farm Worker Ministry brings together denominations, congregations, and advocates to back campaigns led by farm workers seeking fair pay, safe conditions, and basic rights. Grounded in faith and racial justice, NFWM organizes actions, educates supporters, and builds solidarity networks that help transform the systems shaping life and labor in U.S. agriculture.

76. National Farmers Union, United States

The National Farmers Union (NFU) represents more than 220,000 family farmers and ranchers, advancing policies rooted in grassroots decision-making. NFU works to strengthen rural economies through farmer-driven advocacy, cooperative solutions, and education, promoting fair markets, resilient communities, and a future where family agriculture can thrive. In response to the increase in political and economic uncertainty farmers are facing in the last year, NFU has continued fighting to put growers first. 

77. National Young Farmers Coalition, United States

The National Young Farmers Coalition is a farmer-led network shifting power and transforming federal policy to equitably resource a new generation of growers. The Coalition centers BIPOC leadership and organizes young farmers nationwide to secure land access, climate resilience, and structural change so farming can remain viable, just, and community-rooted.

78. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), International

Since 1970, NRDC has paired legal action, scientific expertise, and grassroots advocacy to safeguard people and the planet. With offices across the U.S. and in Beijing, its attorneys, scientists, and policy experts tackle climate pollution, toxic exposures, biodiversity loss, and environmental inequity while advancing durable protections for communities and ecosystems.

79. New York Botanical Garden, United States

Each year the New York Botanical Garden reaches tens of thousands of families through exhibitions, botanical experiences, art, music, and events. Their scientists work around the world to find actionable, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity loss crises, striving to create a green future for all. 

80. Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, United States

Rooted in Niman Ranch’s commitment to smaller-scale, humane farming, the Next Generation Foundation supports young producers through scholarships and targeted grants. With over US$2 million distributed since 2006, the Foundation helps new farmers pursue education, adopt regenerative methods, expand their operations, and build resilient rural livelihoods.

81. North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS), North America

Founded by Chef Sean Sherman, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) is rebuilding a regional Indigenous food system through education, enterprise, and access. From its Minneapolis-based Indigenous Food Lab—combining a professional kitchen, market, and training center—NATIFS supports tribal communities in restoring Native foodways, expanding Indigenous culinary businesses, and advancing Indigenous food sovereignty across North America.

82. NOW Partners Foundation, International

For over three decades, NOW Partners Foundation has collaborated with businesses, investors, and institutions to advance regenerative land use, equitable leadership, and new industry logics. Their global partnership guides companies through transitions that integrate profitability with positive impact, demonstrating how Regenerative Value Creation can scale solutions that restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and build resilient economies.

83. ONE Campaign, International

The ONE Campaign unites activists, data experts, and trusted messengers to influence global decision-makers and secure investments that strengthen opportunity and health across Africa. Strictly nonpartisan and independently funded, ONE pairs hard evidence with public pressure to drive lasting policy change—amplifying millions of voices for a world where dignity and equity are shared by all.

84. One Fair Wage, United States

One Fair Wage unites service workers, employers, and allies to confront the legacy of subminimum pay and win lasting wage justice. By driving research, mobilizing voters, and advancing bold state and local reforms, the organization works to guarantee every worker—tipped, gig, youth, disabled, or incarcerated—a full, fair minimum wage with tips as a true supplement.

85. OzHarvest, Australia

Australia’s largest food-rescue network, OzHarvest saves quality surplus food from thousands of donors and delivers it free to charities nationwide—over 300 million meals so far. Alongside rescue, they run national education programs, innovate with projects like OzHarvest Market and Refettorio, and push for systemic change to halve food waste and strengthen food security.

86. Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), East, Central, and Southern Africa

PELUM unites civil society organizations from 12 African countries to scale ecological land-use management with smallholder farmers. Founded in 1995, the network drives agroecology training, collaborative learning, and farmer-centered advocacy, expanding sustainable practices and strengthening food sovereignty. Its regional chapters support programs that improve livelihoods while regenerating ecosystems and boosting community resilience.

87. Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN), International

PAN is a global medical nonprofit working to reduce diet-related deaths by making nutrition central to clinical practice. Through medical education, hospital partnerships, and national branches across four continents, PAN equips health professionals to champion healthy, sustainable diets and drive food-system changes that address chronic disease, climate impacts, and pandemic risk.

88. Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), United States

PFI is a farmer-led network advancing resilient agriculture in Iowa. Members—conventional and organic, large and small—share knowledge through field days, research trials, and peer learning to strengthen stewardship, profitability, and community well-being. United by a land ethic and a commitment to welcoming all, PFI helps farmers build operations grounded in sustainability and shared experience.

89. Project Dandelion, International

Project Dandelion is a women-led global campaign uniting movements, leaders, and communities to demand a climate-safe world. Rooted in climate justice, it mobilizes millions to act, elevates women’s leadership, and advances seven core demands—from ending fossil fuel subsidies to scaling fair, renewable energy—building a powerful, shared symbol for urgent, collective action.

90. Project Drawdown, United States

Project Drawdown is an independent nonprofit advancing bold, science-based climate solutions. Through cutting-edge research, strategic engagement with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, and powerful storytelling, it shifts resources and public narratives toward effective action. Its work guides climate strategies worldwide, elevating solutions that cut emissions, protect ecosystems, and expand human well-being.

91. ProVeg International, International

ProVeg International accelerates food-system transformation by replacing animal products with plant-based and cultivated alternatives. Active across five continents and holding consultative and observer status with key UN agencies, ProVeg works with companies, investors, and communities to tackle climate, health, and hunger challenges through diet change—aiming to halve global animal-product consumption by 2040.

92. Rainforest Alliance, International

Working across over 60 countries, the Rainforest Alliance mobilizes market power and community leadership to protect forests, restore biodiversity, and improve rural livelihoods. Its global alliance advances regenerative production, responsible sourcing, and climate action, ensuring that farmers, companies, and consumers all contribute to—and benefit from—a future where people and nature thrive in balance.

93. ReFED, United States

ReFED uses data, research, and cross-sector partnerships to drive measurable impact on food loss and waste. In collaboration with the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC), they are working with foodservice operators to repurpose surplus food and reduce food waste across college campuses. Their recent toolkit is now helping more chefs implement solutions in their own dining halls. 

94. Regen Places Network, Australia

Across Australia, the Regen Places Network brings communities together to combat people’s disconnection from the environment and one another by developing climate-smart, place-based food and land use strategies. By 2030, they aim to develop 2,030 leaders committed to restoring ecosystems and building resilient food systems, who will make up a far-reaching network of conveners and communities.

95. Regen10, International

Designed as a global multi-stakeholder platform, Regen10 is working to mobilize farmers, companies, researchers, and governments to scale regenerative agriculture. The initiative works to transform how food is produced by improving soil health, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing climate-resilient systems. 

96. Resilient Cities Network, International

Resilient Cities Network works with nearly 100 cities in over 40 countries around the world to future-proof urban centers. Their work is organized around three pillars—climate resilience, circularity, and equity—as they bring together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to support member cities.

97. Rodale Institute, United States

For decades, the Rodale Institute has pioneered research in organic agriculture research, education, and farmer training. Their long-term field trials provide some of the world’s most influential data on soil health and climate impacts. The organization continues to expand knowledge and support farmers transitioning to regenerative organic methods.

98. Rooted East, United States

Rooted East, a Black-led food collective is fighting food apartheid and working to advance food justice in East Knoxville, Tennessee. Their recent documentary “Roots of Resilience” tells the story of the organization and how they’re using garden education and land partnerships to create a self-sustaining food system.

99. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), India

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Ryss is working alongside farmers to scale the adoption of chemical-free, climate-resilient farming practices. After demonstrating success in India, Ryss collaborated with NOW Partners to bring the model to communities in Zambia. Projects are also underway in Sri Lanka, and Brazil, with nine additional countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been identified for future implementation as funding is secured.

100. Salesian Sisters’ Valponasca Learning Farm, Zambia

The Salesian Sisters’ Valponasca Learning Farm provides hands-on agricultural education to promote regenerative practices while empowering women and youth. Together with Rythu Sadhikara Samstha and NOW Partners, they are working to facilitate a pilot project that adapts the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming model to the local environment.

101. Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, International

Active in more than 60 countries, the SUN Movement works with governments to prioritize nutrition in national policies and investments. It unites civil society, donors, and the private sector to strengthen systems that support maternal and child health. The movement accelerates coordinated action to end malnutrition in all its forms.

102. SDG2 Advocacy Hub, International

The SDG2 Advocacy Hub drives coordinated global action to achieve SDG2—ending hunger, advancing food security and nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Bringing together NGOs, civil society, UN agencies, and private-sector partners, the Hub strengthens campaigns, supports country-level efforts, and equips advocates with shared tools to maximize collective influence across the Global Goals.

103. Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), India

Founded by Elaben Bhatt in 1972, SEWA represents 3.2 million self-employed women across India’s informal economy. As the country’s largest women-led trade union, SEWA advances full employment and self-reliance by organizing workers, strengthening cooperatives, expanding social protections, and building women-owned enterprises that enhance economic security and collective bargaining power.

104. Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Development at the Base (Asprodeb), Africa

Established in 1995, Asprodeb advances sustainable rural development in Senegal by equipping farmer organizations with technical support, professional training, and financial management tools. Born from collaboration between government and peasant movements, it helps family farms strengthen their services, implement development programs, and build productive partnerships across the agricultural sector.

105. Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative, United States

Based on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, this initiative works to restore traditional food systems and strengthen community health. Programs include seed saving, gardening, and educational workshops that reconnect youth and families to cultural food practices. Their work centers Indigenous knowledge as a foundation for food sovereignty and resilience.

106. Slow Food International, International and Slow Food USA, United States

Slow Food promotes local, sustainable, and culturally meaningful food systems around the globe. From grassroots chapters in the U.S. to international networks, the organization supports farmers, chefs, and communities in preserving biodiversity and culinary traditions in an effort to champion good, clean, and fair food for all.

107. Solid’Africa, Rwanda

Solid’Africa aims to empower smallholder farmers in Rwanda to access markets, improve yields, and adopt more sustainable practices. The organization offers free medically tailored meals to patients in public hospitals and delivers affordable, nutritious meals to students in public schools. Their approach prioritizes local sourcing from smallholder farmers, and they operate clean cooking kitchens to create a healthier food ecosystem. 

108. Soul Fire Farm, United States

Located in Upstate New York, Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm and training center working to end racism and advance food sovereignty. Their programs include farm tours, multi-day immersive programs for growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage, and youth-focused workshops. 

109. Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, United States

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation works with young eaters to encourage healthy habits that will stay with them throughout their lifetimes. By partnering and investing in nutrition education and hands-on gardening programming, they support efforts that teach children how to grow and prepare nutritious food while making connections between what they eat and the natural environment. 

110. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, United States

Stone Barns Center is a nonprofit farm and educational hub dedicated to regenerative agriculture and local food systems. Visitors and participants learn sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and culinary skills through hands-on experiences. The center serves as a model for farming that nourishes people and the planet.

111. Sustainable Food Trust, United Kingdom

Sustainable Food Trust works to accelerate the transition to sustainable food and farming systems for the benefit of climate, nature and health. Their focus areas include sustainable livestock, a food secure Britain, measuring sustainability, true cost accounting, supporting local abattoirs. 

112. Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University, United States

The Swette Center takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to facilitate research, education, public engagement, community-strengthening and policy reform in support of sustainable food systems. Their strategic priorities include cultivating the next generation of leaders, advancing organic research and policy, enabling true cost accounting of food, empowering Indigenous foodways, and engaging the private sector.  

113. Terepeza Development Association, Ethiopia

Working across rural Ethiopia, Terepeza Development Association supports smallholder farmers through programs in climate-smart agriculture, livelihoods, and community development. Their initiatives help families build resilience to drought and food insecurity while improving soil and water management. The organization also invests in youth and women’s empowerment to strengthen long-term sustainability.

114. The Common Market, United States

By connecting regional farmers with institutions like schools and hospitals, The Common Market strengthens local economies and expands access to nutritious, sustainably grown food. By advancing forward purchasing commitments for small and mid-scale farms, the organization hopes to rebuild regional food systems in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, and Great Lakes region of the U.S.

115. The Land Institute, International

The Land Institute is reimagining how grains can be grown in harmony with ecosystems. Their work on crops like Kernza aims to reduce soil erosion, improve biodiversity, and cut carbon emissions. Through science, partnerships, and global advocacy, they hope to advance a regenerative future for agriculture systems.

116. The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, International

Focused on the intersection of data, technology, and social impact, the Patrick J. McGovern foundation supports initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, food security, and community well-being. Their investments help organizations scale digital tools that improve agricultural forecasting, resource management, and humanitarian response. 

117. The Rockefeller Foundation, United States

For more than a century, The Rockefeller Foundation has worked to advance global health and food and nutrition security. Through investments in regenerative school meals, they are working to scale regenerative agriculture, connect students to healthy food, and improve educational outcomes. And with their Food is Medicine work, they are supporting programs and research to better understand the potential of produce prescriptions, medically tailored meals, or healthy grocery programs.

118. UJAMAA Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA), United States

UCFA works to bring greater diversity and equity to the seed supply by supporting BIPOC growers and connecting them with buyers seeking culturally significant crops. The Alliance strengthens markets for heritage varieties while investing in farmer training and cooperative development. Their efforts help preserve biodiversity and uplift historically marginalized growers.

119. United Nations System, International

The U.N. System includes principal bodies, specialized agencies, funds, and programs working to improve food and agriculture systems, protect the environment, better health outcomes, and promote gender equity. These institutions include U.N. Development Programme, U.N. Environment Programme, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and FAO North America, U.N. Global Compact, UN Women, the U.N. World Food Programme and World Food Program USA, and the World Health Organization.

120. Urban Growers Collective, United States

Urban Growers Collective operates sustainable urban farms across Chicago, using food production as a vehicle for community empowerment. Centering racial equity, they provide job training, youth leadership programs, and food access initiatives that center. Their work helps strengthen local food systems while supporting health and economic opportunity.

121. Wellness in the Schools, United States

Wellness in the Schools partners works to improve students’ health. By partnering with public schools, chefs, and coaches, they aim to shift the culture of schools to prioritize well-being. Over the last year, the organization has gathered leaders in the food and agriculture policy sphere to develop recommendations to guide the Trump-Vance administration’s overhaul of school meals.  

122. Wholesome Wave, United States

Wholesome Wave works to make fruits and vegetables more affordable for families experiencing food insecurity. Through nutrition incentive programs and produce prescriptions, they help households access healthier food while supporting local farmers. 

123. Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA), United States

Through training, education, and advocacy, WANDA is cultivating a thriving community of Black women leaders across food and agriculture systems. They hope to see more women and girls gain the skills they need to improve their lives and transform their communities from farm to health.

124. World Central Kitchen (WCK), International

In moments of disaster and crisis, WCK, founded by Chef José Andrés, delivers fresh, culturally relevant meals to those who need them most. In the last year, WCK has provided food to communities affected by war and natural disaster, including in Palestine, Ukraine, Haiti, and the Philippines.

125. World Resources Institute (WRI), International

The World Resources Institute works to advance sustainable development through rigorous research and partnerships across government, business, and civil society. They serve as the Secretariat, founding member, and core partner of the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), which works to rewire food systems to solve the climate crisis. 

126. World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International

WWF is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, addressing the climate crisis, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Recognizing the impact that industrialized food and agriculture systems have on the environment, they work to create more regenerative and efficient production systems while encouraging dietary shifts among eaters. 

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“Lima is in fact green. It’s just not green for everybody,” Parsa says in the Food 2050 film, which premieres January 2026 in partnership with Media RED, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Food Tank. “There are two Limas,” and many remote, isolated, and low-income communities in the city pay as much as ten times the price that wealthier residents pay for water.

Parsa founded Lima 2035 with a vision to transform Lima by first enabling equitable access to water. Simple sheets of mesh, called mist catchers or fog nets, have been used for years in hillside communities that lack access to running water. The nets intercept fog as wind blows it through, causing tiny water droplets to stick to its fibers and drip into storage tanks, capturing 200 to 400 liters (53 to 79 gallons) of fresh water per day. 

“Although we do not have rain, the water that evaporates from the Pacific Ocean gets captured in dense fog that becomes somewhat of an airborne aquifer. When fog meets the Andes, the landscape is turned green,” says Parsa. “How do we unlock that water? How do we make it freely available to people?”

With a new “harvesting tower” design by Alberto Fernandez, Lima 2035 is working to expand the surface area that captures fog, reclaiming up to 10,000 liters (more than 2,600 gallons) of fresh water per day for remote and isolated communities. “Once we are able to bridge the water access gap, then many more opportunities become available,” says Parsa.

Lima 2035’s second innovation promotes local food sovereignty. Alison Anaya, farmer and founder of Huertos En Azoteas, creates compact, efficient farming units that transform underutilized city rooftops into flourishing garden spaces. This not only provides fresh, locally grown vegetables and herbs to city residents but also a source of income and employment.

“The majority of the people, they do not have the resources to pay for one vegetable,” says Anaya. These rooftop gardens are “diversifying their diet, teaching them to sow, to have their own garden from which they can feed. And they can also generate extra income for their family.”

Huertos En Azoteas has installed rooftop gardens across Lima’s most underserved neighborhoods, prioritizing schools, community centers, and households led by women. The system uses recycled materials and focuses on water-saving techniques to minimize waste. Since winning the Food System Visionary prize in 2020, Anaya says her team has also developed an app that allows customers to scan a QR code and see detailed information about growing practices, inputs, and harvest timelines.

Today, the model is helping to restore a sense of dignity and self-reliance within the urban food system.

“When you step inside [the rooftop garden], despite being in the middle of the city, there is a surprising color,” says Anaya. “It feels like a small green room suspended above the urban chaos. A place where you can work, observe, and also just pray for a while.”

Lima 2035’s third innovation builds on this by recognizing the city’s rich food culture spanning thousands of years. Lima’s network of 350 archaeological sites, which were sacred in ancient times, is in danger of disappearing amid dense urban development. Architect and Urban Designer Jean Pierre envisions turning these spaces into community hubs, where people can visit a farmers’ market, exchange seeds, or take a gastronomy tour. 

“The only way to preserve these places is by activating them,” says Pierre. “And the answer is food.”

This model has archeological sites participating in urban life, rather than slowly and quietly eroding into neglect, says Pierre. Together with Lima 2035’s other innovations—capturing water from fog, growing food on rooftops—it offers a blueprint for how cities facing deep inequality can build resilience using simple tools, community leadership, and food as a unifying force.

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The researchers, representing interdisciplinary and international collaborations, suggest that conventional agricultural research has skewed too heavily in support of staple crops including rice, wheat, and maize. They argue that this approach has overlooked factors of nutrition, climate resilience, and cultural relevance.

A “Crops that Nourish” approach shifts the focus on commercial crops to crops that “promote the soil fertility to nutrition pipeline,” Kate Schneider Lecy, Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability tells Food Tank.

The researchers frame traditional yet underutilized crops as opportunity crops, uplifting their health and environmental potential. Amaranth, for example, is rich in protein, fiber, and iron, and generally resilient to climate variations, which ultimately benefits neighboring plants and habitats.

To inform more holistic farming decisions, the article calls for transdisciplinary collaboration between areas of expertise. This means incorporating the perspectives of agricultural researchers, nutrition scientists, farmers, and the local communities who consume or utilize the crops. To foster stakeholder engagement along the value chain, from growers to chefs, authors emphasize the value of Participatory Action Research (PAR), which encourages collaboration on everything from seed breeding to market development.

“This is one of our key themes,” Sieglinde Snapp, co-author of the article and Program Director at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, tells Food Tank. “It requires engagement with farmers and farming communities to ensure that modern crop development is oriented towards goals of families, such as nutrition for their children.”

On-farm experimentation, in order to test how a new crop will behave and interact with its surroundings (such as providing soil fertility), is a key part of PAR. And in semi-arid parts of West Africa, researchers are seeing the results: collaboration between seed breeders and small-scale farmers to develop new seed varieties have brought about “markedly increased adoption of millet and sorghum varieties,” says Snapp.

But market demand remains one of the greatest challenges to scaling opportunities crops, Lecy tells Food Tank. She says that if more eaters are interested in eating — and purchasing — these foods, it will incentivize farmers to grow them. The lack of infrastructure to produce and sell at scale is another hurdle. According to Lecy, it is often prohibitively expensive without the help of private sector funding.

Millet and sorghum are two opportunity crops traditionally consumed in African diets and highlighted in the paper. But they tend to be traded in small-scale markets and are not currently sold at scale in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

“It’s partly an exercise in rebranding,” Lecy tells Food Tank, noting that these crops should be presented as “aspirational” for consumers. “How do we make these healthier, more environmentally [beneficial], more prosocial decisions, the cool things to choose?”

The researchers also urge the importance of leveraging policy instruments to support farmers who grow crops that nourish. Subsidies and federally funded crop insurance for farmers need to be realigned “to favor a diverse set of nutrient dense, climate-adapted, resilient crops” Lecy says.

The article, fundamentally, calls for systemic, locally driven transformation of African food systems that requires collaboration between farmers and researchers, investments in sustained research and development, and supportive government policy.

“We should be prioritizing crops that become foods that are nutrient dense so that people start eating diverse, nutrient-dense diets and send market signals back that prioritize these resilient farming practices,” Lecy tells Food Tank.

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As I pack my bags each year for New York, friends and family ask me what Climate Week it is about and how it helps address the climate crisis. Absorbing an enormous amount of resources, it’s an important question. Climate Week began in 2009 as a side event to the U.N. General Assembly’s (UNGA) annual meeting to deepen climate commitments. Today, the two events are largely separated with limited opportunities to influence the UNGA. Its organizers describe it as a “world-leading global climate event” of leaders “that have the means, the scale and the ideas to take bold action.” Although policies are not forged at Climate Week, relationships are. While the larger environmental NGOs tend to be well-represented, grassroots civil society movements are generally not, which left me concerned as to whether the bold actions hatched there will be sufficiently grounded in community leadership.

Nonetheless, the conversations offered inspiration. Traffic was predictably awful, black Suburbans ushering heads of state about. To arrive at venues from Columbia University to Tribeca, I weaved on a bicycle between taxis. In one midtown session, a slide tracked how, over the past decade, the links between climate and food systems have gained momentum in deliberations at the COPs. It was good to see a general trend I’ve observed—of growing interest in this link—confirmed by the data. At the Agroecology Fund, we’re convinced that there is no climate solution without a redesign of food systems along agroecology principles.

In a session on Indigenous-Led Climate Finance hosted by the Collective Action for Just Finance, NDN Collective and Oweesta, a speaker noted that an investment in Indigenous-led funds providing blended capital for alternative energy and traditional food systems isn’t “concessional” in the conventional  sense—which can be  unappealing to investors seeking higher returns—but rather offers a “restorative” return on a broken planet. A fund manager, Vanessa Roanhorse, said, “I’m not here to pass down debt, rather to pass down opportunity.”

Truly harrowing was a session organized by ClimateWorks and others on “A Philanthropic Path to Collective Action on Agrochemicals and Fossil Fuels.” There, we heard about the fossil fuel industry’s agile footwork. As fossil fuels decline as an energy source, companies double down on petroleum-based agrochemical inputs. Seeking a more resilient horizon, Tonya Allen, President of the McKnight Foundation, shared, “the more we farm with nature, the more we solve problems.” She cited examples of agroecological innovations in Tanzania, including non-fossil fuel bio-inputs that fortify soil health.

On the other side of the Atlantic, I joined the Milano Urban Food Policy Pact’s Global Forum. More than 300 municipalities worldwide have joined MUFPP to share experiences in strengthening sustainable and equitable food systems. I served on a jury to recognize cities’ outstanding food policy innovations; all tied to climate resilience. From Jericho’s use of treated wastewater to irrigate a greenbelt of dates to Choné’s reforestation with cacao trees which has generated employment along the value chain, it was a wealth of creativity and political commitment carried out in partnerships with civil society. In these moments of cruel and neglectful national politics, gestures to guarantee livelihoods and the most basic of rights—the right to food—seemed just the right medicine.

Further south in Rome, the Agroecology Coalition convened donors of diverse stripes—from multilateral development agencies to philanthropies—to explore how to deepen investments in agroecology. Development banks joined the conversation. Were they to finance principles-based agroecology, it would be a significant investment flow.

Immediately after the donor gathering, the Committee on World Food Security’s (CFS) annual meeting took place at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). CFS has a special place in my heart. It celebrates multilateralism amidst its generalized collapse, exacerbated by the U.S. retreat. The U.N. Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Michael Fakhiri, stated that “the U.N. died in Gaza” when food was used as a weapon and the U.N. stood by. Perhaps CFS can be a space for multilateral resurrection.

In a vivid representation of the links between the global and local, Anna Scavuzzo, Vice Mayor of Milano spoke at CFS and the CFS chair H.E. Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile spoke at the Milano forum. The next High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) report—a previous one articulated the 13 principles of agroecology—will be on Resilient Food Systems and present research findings on strategies to safeguard food security in a changing climate.

CFS’ governance is unique. In the reform of 2009, the Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples Mechanism (CSIPM) was born a space in which many Agroecology Fund grantee partners participate. One has to admire the CFS as a forum in which the private sector and philanthropic foundations both have seats, the CSIPM delegation advocates for Indigenous land rights and in a plenary session, the U.S. asks to be dissociated from policy recommendations on Urban and Peri Urban Food Systems due to a series of “red lines” including climate change, equity, and diversity that are “not actionable given their lack of focus and expensive scope.”

Of course, CFS has plenty of problems, not least of which is that recommendations and guidelines are non-binding. The CSIPM advocates hard for these products to be taken up by governments. Some are rankled by CFS’ inclusive nature. Over recent years, a new forum has appeared, the World Food Forum, in which the food and agriculture industries have a heavier hand. It could siphon interest away from CFS.

A common thread tying together these diverse fora is that they are moments in time. While CFS stands out as the culmination of consultative processes from territories to parliaments, all three are primarily places to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and pledge joint commitments. The hard work occurs both before and after, in communities across landscapes. In nearly every session I attended, grassroots actors were lifted up as essential landscape leaders, wonkily described as the secret sauce to scaling resilient food systems up and out. Their underfunding was noted. May action follow discourse. May funding for these community-driven food and climate solutions be abundant and may agroecological food systems grow like corn after a summer rain!

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At Instacart, our mission is simple: to create a world where everyone has access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together. For too many families, though, nutritious food remains out of reach. As U.S. food insecurity rises and chronic diet-related diseases become more prevalent, the connection between nutrition and health has never been clearer.

Since launching Instacart Health, we’ve worked to bridge the gap between food access and health outcomes by leveraging our technology, partnerships, research, and advocacy. Along the way, we’ve seen two powerful opportunities for the private sector to partner with governments: first, through direct, innovative collaborations that deliver tangible results — and second, by leveraging our learnings to help inform public policy.

On the former, for example, we were proud to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help bring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online and become the first online grocery marketplace to expand it to all 50 states and Washington, D.C., making it easier for millions of families to access nutritious food. We’ve since expanded to offer EBT SNAP payments across nearly 180 retail banners and more than 30,000 stores nationwide. And last year, we introduced a SNAP eligibility screener directly on our platform, allowing anyone to easily check if they could qualify for SNAP and find relevant state resources to enroll. 

At the local level, programs like our Grocery Access Program Pilot in Columbia, South Carolina, and the Montgomery County Groceries Program in Maryland—both of which leverage Instacart Health technology to unlock grocery delivery for families facing food insecurity — are delivering measurable impact, including evidence of improved food access and healthier food choices. In DC, our latest and largest government partnership with the city’s Department of Health is helping families put more fruits and vegetables on their tables by giving 1,000 D.C. households access to monthly online grocery stipends through Fresh Funds, a program that allows providers to fund category-specific stipends, like fresh and frozen produce. Together, these initiatives show how public-private partnerships can expand food access and give every family the dignity and convenience of choice through online grocery.

The insights we’ve gleaned from these and other programs can be powerful in shaping public policies to combat hunger and nutrition insecurity. That’s why we recently released our new Instacart Health Policy Agenda, outlining our top policy recommendations and advocacy commitments in two focus areas: strengthening and modernizing food assistance programs and integrating nutrition into healthcare. This new agenda serves as a roadmap for how policymakers, private companies, and nonprofits can work together to expand access to nutritious food for all and improve health outcomes in communities across the country. 

Among the nation’s first large-scale food access and nutrition programs, SNAP and Women, Infant, and Children programs (WIC) laid the foundation for nationwide food as medicine initiatives, ensuring millions of families could put healthy food on the table. That’s exactly why we’re advocating for their modernization. These programs remain as vital today as ever, and they deserve the tools and infrastructure needed to maximize their impact.

During the pandemic, online grocery shopping became a lifeline—saving time, reducing stress and perceived stigma, and even encouraging healthier purchases. Research from No Kid Hungry and the University of Kentucky found that families shopping online with SNAP bought an average of $5.24 more in fruits and vegetables without increasing their total grocery bill. By bringing programs like WIC online, we can help more families shop with dignity and flexibility while improving health outcomes. It’s also why our agenda calls for making the online SNAP pilot program permanent. 

We’ve also seen firsthand how that food access can serve as a powerful form of preventive care. Across the country, states are incorporating food as medicine interventions into Medicaid and Medicare, with promising early results. Medically-tailored groceries and produce prescriptions are helping patients manage chronic conditions and improve key markers of health while reducing overall healthcare costs. To scale these solutions, we’re calling on legislators to enact clear policy guidance, streamlined waivers, and efficient billing systems that make nutrition-based care easier to implement at scale.

Finally, no conversation about nutrition security is complete without the consideration of children’s needs. We’re calling for expanded universal school meal programs and encouraging states to opt into the Summer EBT program, ensuring every child has access to healthy food year-round.

We’re proud to play our part in improving health outcomes. Our new Instacart Health Policy Agenda and growing network of public-private partnerships reflect our belief that expanding access to nutritious food is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen communities and advance public health. That’s because everyone deserves access not only to the food they love, but to the nutrition they need to live a healthy life.

Photo courtesy of Annie Spratt, Unsplash

The post From Checkout to Checkup: Reimagining the Role of the Grocery Aisle in Public Health appeared first on Food Tank.

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK), a nonprofit combating hunger and poverty, operates Healthy Corners to deliver fresh and affordable produce to corner stores in D.C.’s low access communities. When the organization decided to help stores expand their offerings, they felt that Stanton Supermarket was best fit for the project.

“Their consistent participation, their vision for creating increased access to produce in their community…and their proximity to residential areas, schools, and public transportation,” made Stanton a top candidate, Yael Reichler, the Director of Healthy Corners, tells Food Tank.

The new department is “an investment in our community’s health,” store owner Yonas Haile tells Food Tank. Haile says the expansion responds to a need for more “visible and convenient” healthy food options in the neighborhood.

Stanton Supermarket is situated within a neighborhood of Washington D.C.’s Ward 8 community, an area home to more than 85,000 residents. For this population—81 percent of whom are Black—there is only one full-service grocery store, according to DC Hunger Solutions’ 2024 Report. Comparatively, on the opposite side of the District is Ward 3, a predominantly White neighborhood with a smaller population size but almost double the income average, and 15 full service grocery stores.

LaMonika Jones, Director of DC Hunger Solutions—an initiative of FRAC—cautions against calling Ward 8 a food desert. “A food desert is a naturally occurring part of our ecosystem,” Jones notes, preferring the term food apartheid, which contextualizes the lack of fresh food in low-income neighborhoods as deliberate, discriminatory policy decisions. “We want to speak to the reason and the cause of the ongoing disinvestment.”

Jones believes that addressing food apartheid is foundational to the Healthy Corners program. Stanton Supermarket is the first of the 56 participating corner stores in the program to expand its infrastructure at this scale. They have grown from one open-air fridge to an additional five full-sized refrigerators, two freezers, and robust shelving – all dedicated to produce. Roughly 30 percent is sourced from local farms.

Jones says the Stanton Supermarket model supports a “community nutrition approach,” enabling customers to meet all their food needs in one place instead of shopping for different types of products, using different benefits, at multiple locations.

Stanton Supermarket accepts both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). They also offer a SNAP Match program—funded by the USDA and run by Healthy Corners—that allows SNAP shoppers to earn US$5 coupons toward more produce when they buy just one piece. Reichler hopes the expanded produce offerings will help eaters better maximize the SNAP Match program, at a time when it is most needed.

Following the end of pandemic-era emergency allotments and a temporary local benefit in 2024, the minimum monthly SNAP allotment for D.C. households has dropped to US$24. And new research from the Urban Institute projects that cuts to SNAP in the reconciliation bill could cost families about 40 meals per month, on average.

A policy brief from the National WIC Association also warns that the Bill may create higher barriers for women with SNAP and Medicaid to maintain eligibility for WIC benefits.

“With food access and benefit challenges increasing, the Stanton Supermarket produce department provides a consistent and reliable place for the community to purchase quality fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables,” Reichler tells Food Tank.

Choice is also important, Jones says, stating that clients consistently ask for a variety of fresh produce, greater access, and high quality.

And Reichler says Stanton is responding to these demands—that’s why it’s a success. One neighbor “felt like we had provided a dignified display, and she proceeded to call her family member to give her a virtual tour of the new offerings,” Reichler recalls, noting that customers frequently report that stores’ investment in their community informs their choice of where to shop.

“Listen to your customers…expanding produce isn’t just good business,” Haile tells Food Tank, “It builds trust and strengthens community relationships.”

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of D.C. Central Kitchen

The post Local Corner Store Expands D.C. Food Access appeared first on Food Tank.

The report traces fishmeal made from small, nutrient-rich fish in Senegal to Turkish sea bass farms, and ultimately to the plates of British consumers. Labels claim the fish is “responsibly sourced,” but research suggests otherwise.

The story begins on the beaches of Senegal, where investigative journalist Hazel Healy met women fish workers whose livelihoods were impacted by fishmeal factories. “These women had been making a good living—their kids migrated by plane to the United States—but now they were reduced to waiting in the shadows, as they put it, and their sons were making dangerous journeys on boats in search of opportunity,” Healy tells Food Tank.

The small fish can be ground into meal that is dried, processed, and sold by women fish workers. The product offers essential micronutrients to local communities.

But Healy began meeting families with malnourished children who could no longer afford the dried fish that used to be sprinkled on porridge. “The scarcity and high price of these fish is being driven, in part, by competition from Senegal’s six fishmeal factories,” she says.

After years of denial from feed and farming companies, Healy and her team spent two years piecing together opaque trade flows, using customs data, satellite tracking, and food safety labels. Their findings linked Senegalese fishmeal to Kilic, a leading Turkish sea bass farmer whose exports feed the UK market.

One of the investigation’s most troubling discoveries was that these practices did not violate the rules of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the certification label attached to the fish, Healy says. “A Turkish sea bass farmer which sourced fishmeal from chronically overfished Senegal did not break the rules of the ASC’s feed standard.”

Healy explains that ASC rules state that feed fish must come only from fisheries that are, at minimum, “reasonably well managed” with healthy stocks. But “all the data available in Senegal shows that target stocks are crashing.”

It’s even more concerning to the investigative team that ASC’s upcoming standards will only require stricter due diligence for fishmeal that makes up more than 1 percent of a company’s feed.

According to Kilic, just 1 percent of its fishmeal comes from Senegal. This might seem minimal, but Healy says that this small amount “has a devastating impact” in Senegal. “We calculated that the amount of fishmeal that disappeared into Kilic’s feed over a four-year period could have met the dietary needs of nearly 2 million people.”

The case highlights the deep flaws in certification and traceability systems, says Mark Kaplan, Co-founder of the traceability platform Wholechain. He believes part of the problem lies in how certification standards are applied without robust, transparent data.

“There’s not an easy answer. You have to do the hard work, collect data, and realize that there might be things in your supply chain that you don’t want to hear,” Kaplan tells Food Tank.

Wholechain and similar technologies are beginning to pilot solutions that directly log the catches of small-scale fishers using ID cards and mobile tools. This ensures that individual fishers can be identified, fairly compensated, and recognized as part of the value chain. “Because of that, they have more visibility and the end buyers have more visibility to the practices at the first mile of the supply chain, which includes equitable compensation,” Kaplan notes.

But while technological tools can improve traceability, retailers remain the final gatekeepers. “The ultimate responsibility lies with retailers, which have huge buying power and the ability to influence the market,” Healy argues. “The label tells UK consumers that they are buying ‘responsibly sourced’ fish. If they advertise these things, they have to be able to deliver them.”

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here. 

Photo courtesy of Dale Gillard, Unsplash

The post UK Sea Bass Market Tied to Senegal Overfishing Crisis appeared first on Food Tank.

For years, medicine and food existed in parallel worlds: one focused on disease, the other on culture and flavor. Dr. Timothy Harlan—a chef turned physician, Associate Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University, and Global Food Institute affiliate faculty member—has spent his career bridging that divide. A pioneer of culinary medicine, he has worked to integrate hands-on nutrition and cooking education into medical training, showing that what we eat is as essential to health as any prescription.

In this Q&A with GFI’s Priya Fielding-Singh, Harlan reflects on how he became involved in culinary medicine, the evidence behind its impact, and what it could mean for the future of healthcare. From teaching medical students to cook nutritious meals to shaping community programs, he explains why food is indeed medicine—and why doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dietitians, and chefs alike must speak the same language of healthful eating.

You are a national leader in bringing culinary medicine into medical education. How did you get interested in this work, and what has changed since you first started in this space?

The original spark came from my Dean at Tulane, Dr. Benjamin Sachs. In November 2009, he convened a group of physicians, chefs, medical students, and business leaders to envision opening a culinary medicine kitchen for medical students to learn how to cook. At the time, I wasn’t a medical educator; I was a clinician and physician executive, though I had a background as a chef and had spent decades writing, doing television, and developing culinary programs.

What really drew me in was when Dr. Sachs said he wanted not only to build a kitchen for students but also to teach the broader community how to cook. It took about two years to organize funding and staff, but by 2013 we opened the world’s first purpose-built culinary medicine kitchen at a medical school.

Fast forward to today: dozens of medical schools—including GW—have kitchens, most tracing their roots to the Tulane model. Culinary medicine has grown from a niche idea into a full specialty across medical, nursing, dietetics, and culinary programs.

Why do you think culinary medicine has gone from a niche idea to a widely adopted specialty?

Part of it comes from the reality of today’s greatest health challenges. Forty years ago, patients with congestive heart failure had a high risk of death; today, outcomes are dramatically better. The challenge is that during the same period of incredible medical advance there has been a concomitant rise in calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods. This has led to significant food related illness driving a dramatic rise in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Food related conditions now drive the majority of what clinicians see, and physicians need tools to help patients navigate and enjoy high-quality food—not just prescribe medications. The rise of culinary medicine reflects that urgent need.

You’ve argued that medical students need hands-on culinary training, not just nutrition coursework. Why isn’t traditional nutrition education enough?

Knowledge alone isn’t enough; people need deliberate practice. A physician can tell a patient to “eat more fiber,” but without practical guidance—like how to choose whole grains, nuts, or vegetables in ways that fit into daily life—that advice often falls flat.

Research shows that patients generally take their doctors’ advice seriously. But when healthcare professionals walk the walk, not just talk the talk, patients listen even more closely. Doctors knowing how to prepare great food that just happens to be great for you is as critical to patient care as understanding pharmacology or pathophysiology. Without that practical grounding, even the best dietary recommendations can feel abstract or unattainable. Culinary medicine bridges that gap.

What evidence have you seen that culinary medicine changes how physicians approach patient care, or even improves patient outcomes?

The research, while still growing, is promising. Observational and cross-sectional studies show that healthcare students who participate in culinary medicine programs feel more prepared to counsel patients. They’re also healthier themselves—they report higher Mediterranean diet scores, they cook more, and they are more confident in the kitchen.

Community-based research supports similar outcomes. At Tulane, we conducted randomized trials showing participants were three to four times as likely to cook most days of the week compared to control groups. One study even collected people’s grocery receipts and found families saved an average of US$5,800 per year by cooking more and relying less on pre-prepared meals. Research such as the investigation by Dr. Nicole Farmer at the NIH Clinical Center, DC Cooks, that the GW team collaborates on is looking at culinary medicine interventions in underserved communities. These types of research show patients’ diet quality improves, which directly relates to reduced morbidity and mortality. Beyond these clinical outcomes, participants gain skills, confidence, and autonomy in the kitchen. It empowers them to take control of their health.

As the Health Meets Food curriculum expanded to new schools and communities, what’s helped it take root and succeed?

The biggest lesson we have learned is that every medical school—and every community—is unique. As Dr. Sachs often said: “If you’ve seen one medical school, you’ve seen one medical school.” Curricula, faculty skill sets, and institutional priorities differ, so programming needs to be flexible and adaptable.

Early on, interest came mainly from students and faculty enthusiasts. Today, requests typically come from Deans’ offices or university leadership. This reflects a sea change: medical school leaders increasingly recognize culinary medicine as essential for training all healthcare professionals, not just physicians. The interdisciplinary aspect is critical: nurses, PAs, dietitians, pharmacists, chefs, and food service professionals all need a shared foundation.

Another key factor is including the community, like chefs and food service staff, alongside students and professionals. The American College of Culinary Medicine now certifies chefs and foodservice professionals in culinary medicine, fostering collaboration and shared standards across healthcare and food sectors. This 360-degree view ensures that education, practice, and community engagement reinforce each other.

Looking ahead, if culinary medicine became standard in medical education, how could it reshape healthcare and public health—and what would it take to make that vision real?

As culinary medicine becomes the standard of care, it will fundamentally change how we deliver healthcare. Imagine every medical school and hospital system with a fully equipped culinary medicine kitchen—training not just physicians, but nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, chefs, and community members. That can transform clinical care, public health, and even how people think about food.

Ten or fifteen years ago, if you’d told me that might happen, I would’ve laughed. Back then, it felt impossible. But now, I actually believe it’s likely that having a culinary medicine kitchen will become the standard of care. We’re already seeing the momentum.

It will take investment, collaboration, and commitment across disciplines, but the benefits are clear: better patient outcomes, empowered communities, lower healthcare costs, and a more food-literate population. Ultimately, culinary medicine is about equipping healthcare professionals and communities with the knowledge and skills to make healthful, delicious food accessible and approachable. It’s a practical, hands-on tool for improving lives—and I think we’re finally starting to treat it that way.

Photo courtesy of Mariana Medvedeva, Unsplash

The post How Culinary Medicine Could Transform Healthcare: Q&A with Dr. Timothy Harlan on Bringing the Kitchen into Medical Education appeared first on Food Tank.

Businesses can be profitable without compromising their values or mission. That belief drives Nishant Roy’s work as Chief Impact Officer at Chobani, one of the world’s fastest-growing food companies. Creating a more sustainable and equitable food system is “not separate from our business—it is our business,” he says. 

Roy joined Chobani in 2017 as Chief of Staff to CEO and Founder Hamdi Ulukaya, later serving as Chief of Strategic Operations before stepping into his current role. Before Chobani, he built a career spanning multiple sectors, beginning in the U.S. Air Force, then holding positions at the Clinton Foundation and Goldman Sachs. In 2009, he joined the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he served as a special adviser during President Obama’s administration and contributed significantly to President Obama’s “Feed the Future” and “Power Africa” initiatives.

In this conversation with Food Tank’s Jessica Levy, Roy discusses Chobani’s work to alleviate hunger, the trust that is needed to build long-lasting community partnerships, and the business case for doing the right thing. 

Chobani has invested in hunger relief and expanding access to nutritious foods. What has driven that focus?

Our founder, Hamdi Ulukaya, has often said “A cup of yogurt isn’t going to change the world, but how you make it can.”

Chobani’s commitment to making natural, nutritious, and delicious foods more accessible has been at the heart of our organization from the very beginning.

When Hamdi came across a shuttered yogurt plant in South Edmeston, New York twenty years ago, he didn’t just see a factory. He saw a chance to create something special, to breathe new life into a community, and to reimagine what food could be.

Back then, the average cup of yogurt in the United States had about 43 grams of sugar, but Hamdi knew there was a better way. He perfected a recipe with 40 percent less sugar, twice the protein, and only natural ingredients. And when the first cups hit shelves in 2007, Chobani didn’t just launch a brand—it transformed an entire food category. It raised expectations for what Americans should demand of their food: healthier, cleaner, and more accessible.

But Chobani’s aspirations have never been just about yogurt—it was always about something bigger. It was about proving that wholesome food can be accessible. Food has the power to uplift communities, set new standards, and serve a higher purpose. That’s why we believe it’s our responsibility to use our resources to better the communities around us, especially when it comes to helping those who are facing food insecurity.

Hunger is not a distant problem–it is here, in our towns and cities. In a world of plenty, hunger is an insult to our common humanity. It’s our burden to share, and we need everyone—government, business, and society—working together to solve this crisis. That’s why we partner widely, advocate boldly, and act locally. We strive to be both a catalyst and convener, bringing together all those who share the vision of a nation where no family goes hungry.

Can you highlight a few projects that you think have made the greatest impact in Chobani’s work to eliminate hunger?

We know that a single meal can make a world of difference. That’s why we approach every effort to combat hunger with immense care and reverence for what it means to nourish our communities.

Much of our work is grounded in our hometown communities in New York, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Because we’ve established longstanding, trusted partnerships with local leaders, businesses, and food pantries, we’ve been able to launch a range of programs designed to bridge food access gaps and support those most vulnerable to food insecurity. This includes our year-round efforts to stock pantries and bring more fresh foods to communities, and more customized initiatives like our Summer Program, which just wrapped in Southern Idaho.

Thousands of children in the region face food and nutrition insecurity. This is an issue that becomes even more urgent during the summer months, especially as Idaho has opted out of federally funded programs that would have provided additional SNAP benefits to families. In response, we’ve stepped up to help bridge the gap by distributing weekend meal kits to families across Twin Falls, Jerome, and Buhl counties. Our weekly distribution events became more than just meal drops—they were joyful community gatherings, complete with games and activities for the families.

Over 13-weeks, we distributed 12,000 plus meal kits to local families this summer. That’s over 48,000 meals in total—meaning 48,000 moments of relief for a parent and 48,000 times a child goes to bed with a full belly.

Another initiative that’s given us more national reach—and the ability to respond to the hunger emergencies we’re seeing as a direct result of the increasing rate of natural disasters—is Chobani Super Milk, a nutritious, shelf-stable milk designed specifically for disaster relief. Access to vital nutrients is critical in times of crisis, and this product helps meet those needs. Since the launch of Chobani Super Milk in July 2024, we’ve distributed more than 1.1 million cartons of this high-protein, lower-sugar milk to food pantries and directly to communities impacted by disasters.

These are just a few steps we’re taking to fight hunger, but victory depends on everyone joining in. Hunger is not unsolvable—lasting change is possible if communities, businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers stand together to ensure every person has enough to eat.

What strategies are key to designing hyper-local hunger initiatives that are scalable across different communities?

We place a strong emphasis on working hand-in-hand with our communities to develop programs that reflect their unique needs—because we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to eliminating hunger. Every community faces different barriers, and by building trusted relationships, we’re better equipped to understand those challenges and respond with solutions that are effective and lasting.

A powerful example of this in action is the origin of our mobile food pantries. Through our work with our local partners, we learned that while many pantries wanted to provide fresh food, they lacked the refrigeration and infrastructure to store or transport it. That gap led us to launch our very first mobile food pantry back in March of 2024, making more fresh foods available throughout Oneonta and Chenango counties in partnership with the Community Cupboard of Edmeston in New York.

The model worked—and we successfully expanded this effort in Idaho a few months later by partnering with the Idaho Food Bank on a second mobile food pantry that serves the Magic Valley community.

Since their inception, our mobile food pantries have distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of nutritious food to communities where it’s needed most in New York and Idaho. It’s just one example of the impact that can be achieved through careful listening and close collaboration—an approach that, if embraced broadly, could fuel a movement of lasting, transformative change.

What advice would you give to companies that want to build effective community partnerships but don’t know where to start?

It starts with showing up. A lot of companies donate money or products and call it a day. But what truly strengthens community partnerships is having boots on the ground—and that begins with your people.

At Chobani, we’ve built a culture where employees at every level step out of the office, roll up their sleeves, and lend a hand. We have ongoing impact events and activations across our offices and plants, involve employees in on-the-ground efforts, and put community engagement at the forefront of everything we do.

When your people experience firsthand what it means to provide a meal or support a neighbor in need, the work becomes personal. And that builds trust—not just within your team, but with the community itself. Whether it’s packing meal kits, helping with distribution, or simply sharing a smile—that human connection on the ground matters. That’s where real change begins.

At the end of the day, we aim to be the support our neighbors can count on when other societal pillars fall short, and hope more businesses adopt the same approach: standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their communities to confront these challenges together.

What lessons can you share with other businesses trying to balance long-term impact with financial performance?

At Chobani, we’ve learned that long-term impact and financial performance aren’t at odds—they’re actually connected. Through our impact efforts, we’ve shown that it’s possible to grow a strong, profitable business without compromising on our values or losing sight of our mission.

We treat the positive outcomes we create for our communities and employees as essential measures of business health. Today’s consumers are increasingly values-driven—they want to see brands taking real action and moving the needle on the issues that matter. In that sense, doing the right thing isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a business advantage. People want to support brands that reflect their beliefs and take real action.

Our impact is a key driver of trust. It’s what’s enabled us to build deep, lasting relationships with our consumers and communities. Because when people believe in your mission, they’re more than customers—they become advocates. And that kind of connection has the power to create a movement.

At the end of the day, we all have a stake in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. That’s not separate from our business—it is our business. We measure our success not only in what we sell today, but in the future we leave behind. A future where food is natural, accessible, and abundant—for our children and for theirs.

Photo courtesy of Chobani

The post Doing the Right Thing Is Good Business: Q&A with Nishant Roy appeared first on Food Tank.

Of those surveyed by Citymeals, 65 percent live on US$15,000 a year or less and 32 percent do not receive social security. “These numbers demand national attention,” Shapiro tells Food Tank. “Federal policies must move beyond outdated models to ensure consistent, comprehensive nutrition programs for older adults.”

But Shapiro says the federal government is only adding strain to the organization’s meal recipients and anti-hunger partners across the country. “This federal bill will push more of our older neighbors into poverty and increase long-term healthcare costs,” she says.

The cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid as a direct threat to the safety net that communities rely on, according to Shapiro. “There is a misunderstanding that long-term care is funded through Medicare,” she says. “But once older adults run out of money—and we see that every day—they’re on Medicaid. And that’s what’s being cut.”

Shapiro says she sees the impacts on a regular basis, recounting the story of Julia, a 75-year-old stroke survivor who depends on a fragile network of services to survive. “Julia already has to choose between food, rent, or important medicine. These federal decisions don’t exist in a vacuum; they ripple through every part of the elder care system.”

Since 1981, Citymeals has expanded beyond daily deliveries to include weekend, holiday, and emergency meals, as well as pilot programs such as Mobile Grocery deliveries and Breakfast Boxes. The organization’s reporting shows that these services offer significant stability to older adults, with 87 percent reporting that home-delivered meals help them remain in their own homes.

Citymeals also runs programs that offer nutritional benefits and social connection. Their partnership with Life Story Club, for example, brings older adults together through virtual and in-person storytelling sessions. And their Social Calls program ensures no one spends holidays alone.

But Shapiro insists that while philanthropy plays a vital role to address hunger, it is not the solution to long-term systemic underfunding. “It is the obligation of our elected representatives to fight for the population’s needs,” she tells Food Tank.

“There should be policy that helps the older generation,” says Gladys Harvey, an Overseer Elder with the Morning Star Christian Center. “There should be a policy to help them keep there food. There should be a policy to help them keep their homes. There should be a policy to help them keep their medication.”

The Older Americans Act, passed in 1965 to provide federal funding for congregate and homedelivered meal programs across the country, offers some support. It mandates one meal each day, five days a week. “That’s not enough,” Shapiro says. “We need seven-day-a-week support and a societal shift that values older adults and provides for their specific needs.”

Following the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, Shapiro urges lawmakers to modernize the legislation to reflect current economic and social realities. She also calls for increased utilization of programs like SNAP, which is heavily underutilized by older adults, who aren’t sure if they’re eligible.

“At this time, more older adults live in New York City than school-age children,” Shapiro tells Food Tank. “The increased need has been with us for a while. It is here now, and it will only grow in the future.”

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of Citymeals on Wheels

The post A Hidden Crisis: The Growing Threat of Food Insecurity Among Older Adults appeared first on Food Tank.

Food is deeply personal. That’s what so many of us love about it: What we eat is directly linked to our daily social lives and economic livelihoods, our family traditions, and our cultural values. But this truth also means we cannot ignore politics, because food makes politics into something inescapably personal.

Because Food Tankers put food and agriculture systems front-and-center, we cannot afford to tune out what’s happening in legislatures and Capitol buildings, even during federal budget negotiations or shutdowns. Tense political debates hit close to home when they force us to question whether parents can afford to feed their families; how climate change will hurt farmers’ livelihoods; whether students can access nourishing school meals; or whether health care systems will be able to truly care for us.

That’s why now feels more urgent than ever to convene our inaugural annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., alongside the Global Food Institute at GW, the Culinary Institute of America, and acclaimed chef José Andrés and in collaboration with Driscoll’s, Meatable, and Oatly, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, and Instacart.

The Summit is on October 28, and you can find more info HERE and plan to join via livestream HERE.

“Food is so much more than the calories we eat. It’s about creating empowerment, strengthening communities, and building a better future,” says chef José Andrés, Founder of the Global Food Institute at GW. “Now is the moment to be building longer tables where we put food at the center of solving our greatest challenges.”

We’re going to explore practical and actionable policy ideas focused on driving change through procurement, industry innovation, nutrition as health, climate resilience, addressing food loss and waste, reimagining global food aid, and much more.

Following a welcome performance by acclaimed Cuban-American actress and singer Ana Villafañe, we’ll be joined by a lineup of speakers and facilitators including: Casey Aden-Wansbury, Instacart; José Andrés, World Central Kitchen; Allison Aubrey, National Public Radio; Mchezaji “Che” Axum, University of the District of Columbia; Christa Barfield, FarmerJawn; Charlie Basa, George Washington University; Jackie Bertoldo, Eat Better by Design; Marcia Brown, Politico; U.S. Congresswoman Shontel Brown; Shante Bullock, DC Central Kitchen; U.S Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski; Hank Cardello, Georgetown University’s Business for Impact; Tim Carman, The Washington Post; Zacharey Carmichael, World Bank; Stacy Dean, Global Food Institute at GW; Jenet DeCosta, Driscoll’s; Leah Douglas, Reuters; Jennifer Duck, Novo Nordisk; Tope Fajingbesi, Dodo Farms; Abby Fammartino, Culinary Institute of America; Sara Fletcher, Oatly North America; Bruce Friedrich, The Good Food Institute; Maria Godoy, NPR Science; Ellen M. Granberg, The George Washington University; Gladys Harvey, Meals on Wheels Recipient; Robert E. Jones, Culinary Institute of America; Tami Luhby, CNN; Lauren Lumpkin, The Washington Post; Gerardo Martinez, Wild Kid Acres; Anne McBride, James Beard Foundation; U.S Congressman Jim McGovern; Dariush Mozaffarian, Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University; Anna Nelson, Food Security Leadership Council; Marion Nestle, New York University; Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute; Shaun Sawko, Fairfax County Public Schools; Frank Sesno, Former CNN Correspondent; Chloe Sorvino, Forbes; Roy Steiner, The Rockefeller Foundation; Amanda Stephenson, The Fresh Food Factory; Johan Swinnen, International Food Policy Research Institute; Jason Tepper, Alexandria City Public Schools; Michael W. Twitty, James Beard Award-winning culinary historian; Johanna Hellrigl Wilder, Ama; Kia Williams, Shaleafa’s Kitchen; Katie Wilson, Urban School Food Alliance; and Raigon Wilson, Garfield Elementary School.

You can find more info—and learn how to register for tickets or join virtually from your home community—by CLICKING HERE.

We’re bringing together chefs, farmers, elected officials, economists, business leaders, doctors, journalists, and other experts. We’re not all on the same side of the political aisle. We won’t agree all the time—and that’s the point. Durable, positive, long-lasting food systems transformation requires us to come together, find common ground and shared goals, and work in good faith to nourish our communities.

Food policy questions are not hypothetical, they shape our lives—which is why we need to replace abstract, partisan-talking-point-filled debates with productive, action-oriented dialogue.

Need some ideas for where to start, or success stories for inspiration? Check out “Growing Forward,” an editorial series presented alongside the Global Food Institute. Each week, we spotlight innovative approaches to the most pressing food and ag challenges, in stories told by thought leaders and on-the-ground advocates who are building a better food system day in and day out.

So read an article, grab a ticket for the Food and Agriculture Policy Summit or join us via livestream, and let’s get to work!

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

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Federal Shutdown Jeopardizes SNAP Benefits for 42 Million

As the U.S. government shutdown continues, concerns are growing that nutrition assistance benefits currently provided to around 42 million people under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may soon disappear.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced that if the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will not be issued for November. “We’re going to run out of money in two weeks,” she said during a press briefing. Many states already warned that benefits may be delayed or suspended if the shutdown is not resolved.

Crystal FitzSimons, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), describes SNAP as a lifeline supporting health and food dignity. According to Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, if SNAP shuts down, the U.S. will face the most mass hunger suffering since the Great Depression.

The USDA has a contingency fund that allows the agency to use emergency reserves to maintain operations. While the contingency reserves would not cover the full amount needed, the agency could legally transfer additional funds, as they’ve done for the WIC nutrition program according to Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

FRAC argues the shortfall is a policy choice. “Allowing hunger to deepen during a shutdown is not an inevitability,” says Gina Plata-Nino, FRAC’s Interim SNAP Director. She notes that previous administrations maintained SNAP during past shutdowns in 2013, 2018–19, and 2023 using carryover funds and short-term budget measures.

Obesity Rate Declines in U.S. States for First Time in a Decade

For the first time in more than a decade, the number of U.S. states with adult obesity rates of 35 percent or higher has declined. According to the State of Obesity 2025 report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), 19 states reached that threshold in 2024—down from 23 the year before.

“It’s too soon to call it a trend,” said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of TFAH. While the drop is encouraging, she warned the progress is fragile and under threat due to recent federal funding cuts, layoffs of chronic disease prevention staff, and limited access to nutrition support.

Obesity continues to affect Black and Latino adults, rural communities, and low-income groups at higher rates—populations with limited access to affordable healthy food and safe spaces for physical activity. Childhood obesity is also rising, with 21 percent of U.S. children and adolescents affected.

TFAH warns that the president’s FY2026 budget proposal would eliminate the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, which funds many local obesity prevention programs. The report urges lawmakers to restore funding and expand support for proven public health interventions.

“It is vital that government and other sectors invest in — not cut — proven programs that support good nutrition and physical activity,” Gracia says.

Scientists Warn of Irreversible Climate Tipping Points

Rising greenhouse gas emissions have pushed the planet past a critical threshold, according to a new Global Tipping Points report authored by 160 researchers from 23 countries.

The report finds that warm-water coral reefs are headed toward irreversible decline. In the past two years alone, marine heatwaves have stressed 84 percent of coral reefs to the point of bleaching or death, according to the International Coral Reef Initiative. Coral reefs are home to roughly 25 percent of all marine species, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, making them as biodiverse as tropical rainforests.

The report also warns that Earth is nearing several other major tipping points, including the collapse of the Amazon rainforest, disruption of major ocean currents, and the loss of polar ice sheets.

While the findings are stark, the authors note that the same science identifying ecological tipping points also points to “extraordinary potential” for positive change. Triggering so-called “positive tipping points” in food and fiber supply chains, for example, could halt deforestation and ecosystem conversion.

The researchers say such shifts are possible at a global scale—with strong policy signals, enforcement, coordination across supply chains and markets, and investment to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices. “The race is on to bring forward these positive tipping points to avoid what we are now sure will be the unmanageable consequences of further tipping points in the Earth system,” says lead author Tim Lenton.

U.N. Climate Chief Urges Urgent Adaptation Finance

At the recent launch of the National Adaptation Plans Progress Report, U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell called for immediate financing to support global climate adaptation. Speaking from Brasília, he emphasized: “Finance must flow right now.”

National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) outline countries’ medium- and long-term responses to climate risks. Stiell reports that nearly all developing countries are working on their plans, with 67—including 23 Least Developed Countries and 14 Small Island Developing States—already submitted to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The report highlights growing integration of adaptation into national development strategies and increased engagement across sectors, including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and the private sector.

But Stiell warns that progress is too slow, primarily due to funding shortfalls. He cited burdensome approval processes, fragmented support, and overreliance on external expertise. “Investors and financial institutions can no longer say they don’t know where or how to invest in adaptation,” he said. “These plans make it clear.”

Looking ahead to COP30 in November, Stiell said adaptation will be central—particularly efforts to close the finance gap and mobilize a US$1.3 trillion roadmap. He stressed that climate finance is not charity, but vital to global economic stability, food systems, and supply chains. “Before this report, we faced two adaptation challenges: direction and speed,” Stiell said. “Now there’s just one. We know where to go—now we need to get there faster.”

Nestlé to Cut 16,000 Jobs in Global Restructuring Effort

Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, recently announced plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs globally over the next two years as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The cuts represent about 6 percent of the company’s workforce.

Roughly 12,000 white-collar positions will be eliminated, with an additional 4,000 jobs impacted in manufacturing and supply chain operations. The company says the changes aim to increase operational efficiency and leverage automation.

“The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster,” says newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil in a statement.

Investors responded positively. The Wall Street Journal reports the company’s share value surged following the announcement, marking one of Nestlé’s largest single-day stock gains since 2008.

However, the decision has drawn criticism. In the U.K., Unite, the country’s largest private-sector union, condemned the move. “Nestlé is a profitable company, selling billions of produce every month. Job losses are simply unacceptable,” says Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham.

In the U.S., Nestlé operates 112 plants. It remains unclear how individual facilities will be affected, but facilities in Iowa, Washington, and South Carolina are bracing for possible impact.

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Loss and Damage Fund to Open Call for Proposals at COP30

The Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) will launch its first call for project proposals to provide financial support to vulnerable countries hardest hit by climate impact during COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The call follows the Board’s seventh meeting, where members adopted interim operational procedures to govern funding decisions until permanent rules are finalized.

First agreed upon at COP27 and formally operationalized at COP28, the FRLD aims to support vulnerable communities facing irreversible harm caused by the climate crisis, including sea level rise, extreme weather, and prolonged droughts. In doing so, the FRLD integrates response to loss and damage as a core pillar of climate action, alongside mitigation and adaptation.

According to the Board, US$250 million is currently available for this initial round of funding and Co-Chair Richard Sherman says the Board intends to adopt the first proposals within six months.

Board member Elizabeth Thompson of Barbados is optimistic that the fund will be a real source of support, but points to the growing pressure to match the Fund’s ambitions with available resources. “[T]he need and scale of the crisis far outstrip the monies in the fund to date,” says Thompson.

Governments have pledged approximately US$768 million to the FRLD but around US$400 million has actually been deposited. Once the US$250 million from this funding round is spent, the FRLD will have approximately US$150 million. The FRLD’s estimated funding needs for the year 2025 is around US$395 billion.

Longer-term replenishment planning is expected in 2027, but discussions on how to raise future funds remain unresolved. These debates will continue at the Board’s 10th meeting in October 2026.

Meanwhile, a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion affirmed that international law requires states to prevent “transboundary environmental harm,” act with precaution, and take due diligence measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. The ICJ confirmed that states violating their international obligations can face a full range of legal consequences.

African Union Commits $100 Million to Transform Agri-Food Systems

The African Union (AU) has adopted a ten-year strategy and action plan to transform Africa’s agri-food systems and improve food security. As part of this effort, the AU has pledged to mobilize US$100 million in public and private sector investment by 2035.

One in five persons in Africa is faced with hunger, according to The National Focal Person for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Onijighogia Emmanuel. And African continent’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050.

The strategy, referred to as the Kampala Declaration, aims to reduce post-harvest losses by 50 percent, triple intra-Africa trade in agrifood products and inputs, and raise the share of locally processed foods to 35 percent of the sector’s GDP by 2035.

The strategy identifies ten key levers of change, including scaling up agroecological practices, strengthening land governance, building resilience to climate change, and increasing intra-Africa trade in agricultural products. It also emphasizes reforms to public procurement systems to benefit small-scale producers, along with expanded support for women and youth in agriculture.

AU leaders stress that successful implementation will require political commitment, national coordination, and inclusive governance. “This strategy cannot succeed unless we break down silos,” says H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.

Internal Turmoil at the CDC as Layoffs and Reinstatements Unfold

Hundreds of employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were recently terminated as part of the Trump Administration’s broader effort to downsize the federal workforce during the ongoing government shutdown. The rollout quickly descended into confusion and prompted legal intervention.

Originally, more than 1,300 CDC staff received notices that their jobs had been eliminated. Many of those affected—already furloughed by the shutdown—learned of their dismissal only after Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced on social media that “the RIFs have begun,” referring to reductions in force (RIFs).

The next day, roughly 800 employees received emails revoking their termination notices due to “data discrepancies and processing errors,” according to Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Assistant Secretary Thomas Nagy Jr. in a court filing. HHS acknowledged that nearly half of the 1,760 RIF notices were issued in error but indicated it still planned to proceed with 982 layoffs.

The cuts hit core CDC functions, affecting staff in statistics, chronic disease programs, and units that brief Congress, drawing condemnation and concern from union leaders and public health experts. Yolanda Jacobs, a health communications specialist at CDC and president of AFGE Local 2883, called the firings callous and illegal and argued they threatened public health and workers’ livelihoods. “With the staff cuts we’ve had, with the budget cuts that are proposed, as well as the lack of stable leadership at CDC, the nation is in trouble,” former CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry says.

In 2025, the CDC has lost an estimated 3,000 employees, about a quarter of its workforce, increasing strain on its capacity to monitor public health threats.

Shortly after the layoffs and reinstatements, a federal judge’s order blocked Trump administration officials from “taking any action” to issue RIF notices to employees in any federal program or activity that includes workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, the country’s largest federal employees’ union. According to U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, the administration isn’t following legal requirements for conducting RIFs, officials have exceeded their authorities, and the layoffs appear to be unlawfully targeted at Democrats.

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The Commission, co-chaired by Shakuntula Thilsted, Walter Willett, and Johan Rockström, convened 37 scientists from 16 countries with the goal of setting universal scientific objectives for the food system. The Commission’s report includes targets with substantial ranges to maximize flexibility and choice, Willett tells Food Tank. But feeding the expected population of 2050 will not be possible if only part of the global population achieves something close to the targets, Willett says.

Building on its 2019 report, the Commission again recommends what it calls a “planetary health diet”—a flexible eating pattern designed to reduce environmental harm while improving nutrition worldwide. According to the report, food is the single most powerful tool for improving both planetary and human health.

Without action, the Commission warns, the world risks failing to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The Commission estimates that transitioning to healthier diets and more sustainable food systems could help avoid approximately 11 million deaths each year.

The report sets out five core strategies to enable this transformation including international commitment to implementing updated dietary guidance, coordinated global governance of land use and ocean management, prioritizing nutrition rather than volume in agriculture, and action to reduce food loss and waste. Packages of strategies are likely to be more effective than the sum of the individual strategies, Willett explains.

The updated dietary guidance remains largely consistent with the 2019 framework. It recommends doubling global consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, while reducing red meat and sugar. It suggests modest amounts of animal products and emphasizes flexibility across cultures and individual preferences.

The latest analysis has also an added emphasis on food system equity. “The most distinctive advance” of the report, according to EAT–Lancet Commissioner Jessica Fanzo, “is its centering of justice.” It aims to account for cultural acceptability, nutritional adequacy, and accessibility of the recommended dietary patterns across diverse communities.

The 2019 EAT–Lancet report faced pushback from the livestock industry, friends of the industry, international organizations, and some governments. Some industry experts questioned the strategy’s affordability and whether diets limiting or excluding meat would be appropriate in many parts of the world. Others raised concerns regarding the data and modeling used to calculate estimates.

However, a recent Changing Markets Foundation investigation points to evidence that some of the backlash was fueled by coordinated disinformation campaigns. These efforts, according to the investigation, used social media tactics, misleading health claims, and targeted messaging to discredit the Commission’s work and influence policymakers.

In response to renewed criticism from groups like Quality Meat Scotland, which argue that meat-reduction messages may harm nutrient intake, the Commission emphasizes that the planetary health diet is not intended to be prescriptive but to serve as a global reference point, highlighting the need for dietary transitions that are aligned with local contexts. The Commission report includes targets broad goals to ensure a versatile and agile framework, Willett says.

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At the “Food is Medicine and Eating for Health” summit during Climate Week NYC 2025, which Food Tank hosted in partnership with the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, leaders in food, health, policy, and culture spoke about how food can strengthen communities and support a healthier future despite these challenges.

“It is baffling to me, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, that we would force people to choose whether they are going to eat or get healthcare, have dinner or pay their rent, and that’s really what [these SNAP cuts are] going to do,” says U.S. Congressman Daniel S. Goldman. “But this actually provides us with a unique opportunity to reimagine how we want to provide healthcare and food assistance.”

Goldman adds that “the impact of all of this on our small businesses is exacerbating significant problems.” But according to Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and food historian, a food-is-medicine approach can also help sustain those small food businesses that need support now more than ever, as inflation and tariffs create economic uncertainty. 

“One of the great hidden secrets is to shop in Chinatown, where the quality is so high and the prices are so low, because Chinese customers are very frugal,” says Young. “You can find everything in Chinatown, and the fruits and vegetables are generally local. This is an opportunity to eat local and support mom and pop restaurants.”

Panelists agreed that food insecurity is a multidimensional issue, one that requires a multidimensional approach to solutions. 

“It’s no one discipline’s job to solve food insecurity,” says Dr. Christine Going, Senior Advisor at the Food Security Program Office within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “It’s rare for food insecurity to exist in isolation; if you’re food insecure, there’s probably something else happening.” 

For example, issues like “poverty [are] inextricable from this food as medicine conversation,” says Brandon Lombardi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sprouts Farmers Market.

A‑dae Romero‑Briones, Vice President of Policy and Research at the First Nations Development Institute, also emphasized the systemic factors at play when it comes to health and food security. America is a highly individualized society, but health is a collective issue to solve.

“Health is not only dependent on what one person does, it’s dependent on what the community around you does and how healthy the environment is,” says Romero-Briones. “In America, when everything becomes an individual action or an individual fault, we really lose sight of all these other impacts that create a healthy person in a healthy community and a healthy environment.”

And any conversation about health in the U.S. must include gender and race, says Tanya Fields, Executive Director at The Black Feminist Project. 

“The medical system is invested in keeping Black women and children sick…we sterilize these conversations and make it seem like these discrepancies and disparities don’t exist,” says Fields. “This is happening because people are profiting from it.”

Fields sees food as a form of radical resistance. She works to uplift stories of successfully using food as medicine within her own community: “I’m so sick of people coming to the Bronx and only talking about us through the lens of pathology. There are good things happening in the Bronx,” says Fields, who urges the audience to fund organizations like The Black Feminist Projects and others led by women, immigrants, people of color, and members of the queer community. 

Finally, Lyndsey Waugh, Executive Director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, challenged the audience to engage with the next generation about the interconnected issues discussed at the summit—and empower them to take action.

“What would it look like to pick out one thing from this panel that inspires you and talk to a young person about it?” says Waugh. “People are becoming more connected with how food makes them feel…Future voters, the kids who are out there seeing this swirl around them, they care, and I think it’s our responsibility to play a role in helping them see themselves as part of that work.”

Watch the full livestreamed event on Food Tank’s YouTube channel.

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“School meals are a very powerful connector. They can really connect the plate, production, and everything that comes with it,” says Aulo Gelli, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute. “For every US$1 spent [on school meals], you’ve got a US$4 return…It’s a very good investment.”

School meals are a social safety net that improves attendance, academic performance, and critical nutrition for children. With regenerative school meals, these benefits extend far beyond the classroom: Locally and regeneratively grown crops produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional crops by enhancing soil carbon sequestration, reducing synthetic fertilizer use, and limiting shipping distance and storage time. This supports local economies while providing more nutritious meals to children.

“It’s human dignity and respect, everyone has the right to food, but it also makes good economic sense, to develop these communities, you have to start there,” says Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever and co-author of Net Positive.

Anna Lappé, Executive Director of The Global Alliance for the Future of Food, says that the return on investment speaks for itself: “One of the key messages is not to think about this transition [to regenerative school meals] as a burden or cost but an investment that will pay over and over again.” 

However, panelists stressed that school meal programs are at risk amid limited financial resources and a changing global climate.

“We are losing meals today, and we will be losing more meals tomorrow,” says Sara Farley, Vice President, Global Food Portfolio, The Rockefeller Foundation. “So what we’re really talking about here is how we future-proof our food system.”

Jennifer Burney, Professor of Environmental Social Sciences & Earth System Science at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, presented data on how regenerative school meals offer a win-win opportunity for students and farmers. According to Burney, across Africa alone, 2.62 million more children could be fed in the current climate with regeneratively grown grains, and “for almost every country in the world, a switch to regenerative agriculture means higher yields.” 

However, speakers emphasized the complexity of building the infrastructure to grow, transport, prepare, and serve regenerative school meals so communities can reap these benefits. According to Tufts University, one in four school meals is of poor nutritional quality, with school kitchens relying on imported foods and ultra-processed snacks. There is a need for investment in regional supply chains as well as education around preparing and serving fresh, locally grown dishes at schools.

Mariana Mazzucato, a Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London, argued for tackling these challenges the way the United States tackled reaching the moon—with deep investment and involvement across numerous government agencies and sectors. 

“Imagine if the mission was to make sure that every child in the world had access to at least one, maybe two, meals a day from regenerative food, generated with local manufacturing,” says Mazzucato. “Imagine if we actually took the idea of school meals as an opportunity to do exactly what we did to go to the moon? As long as we just see school meals as part of the social safety net of the government, then it ends up being, by design, not taken seriously.”

Gerardo Martinez, Founder and Owner at Wild Kid Acres, presented a powerful case study of what’s working from Edgewater, Maryland. In 2019, Martinez bought five acres of cheap land—an “unofficial dump”—and set out to become a first-time farmer. He invested in regenerative agricultural practices and opened the farm up to the community, bringing children in to work and help build the strategic vision of the farm. Last year, the farm saw 50,000 children in total and fed the local school using donations. 

Several children from Wild Kid Acres took to the stage to discuss the questions that arose once they connected with the land: “I wonder why the food in my school tastes different from the farm’s food. Why aren’t there farmers who look like me? How do we grow food ethically and still care for our planet?” And finally, “Why isn’t anyone helping the farmers?”

Panelists agreed that producing healthy school meals is an incredibly complex challenge that requires participation across sectors, significant investment, and deep systemic changes. But Adam Met, a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated musician with AJR and Founder of Planet Reimagined, argues that significant strides could be made—especially in reaching across political aisles—with simple tweaks to language.

“The language of climate change—of 1.5 degrees, sustainability, or even something like regenerative agriculture—that is not resonating with people,” says Met. “Effective policy is just as much about the policy itself and the implementation of it as the language that we’re using when we’re talking to people on the different sides of the political sector…We need to be creating more collaboration and talking to people who disagree with us.”

Watch the full event on Food Tank’s YouTube channel.

Articles like the one you just read are made possible through the generosity of Food Tank members. Can we please count on you to be part of our growing movement? Become a member today by clicking here.

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“Things are incredibly tough for farmers and ranchers,” says Jenny Lester Moffitt, Senior Fellow at American Farmland Trust and Former Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA. “Now is the time to reinvest in agricultural communities.”

Watch the full livestreamed event on Food Tank’s YouTube channel.

Throughout the morning, conversations returned to the challenges resulting from U.S. federal funding cuts and uncertainty around future federal support for farmers—in addition to the impacts of a changing climate. 

“A year ago, no one really could have predicted what would have happened…we’re increasingly seeing farmers deal with extreme weather events, pollinator disruptions, and a number of economic events,” says John Piotti, CEO of the American Farmland Trust.

In Maine, farm viability is the top concern for U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree: “[I’m hearing] panic, total panic…There’s tremendous worry about programs that were there to help small and medium-sized farmers.”

But speakers also saw reason for hope.

“There have been some really good signs,” says Piotti. “I really feel there’s still common ground around many of these issues…Even in these crazy times, there’s still common sense, common ground policies.”

Despite federal funding cuts, farmers themselves are leading positive changes in fields across the U.S.

“Farmers by their nature are innovative,” says Bryan Hurlburt, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. “They have got to be responsive. Farmers are working on soil health…they’re trying different seeds, doing little things that make a big, big difference for these extreme weather events. They’re also changing their mindset.”

Many of the changes focus on cultivating soil health, which provides a range of benefits for farmers, including improving plant growth and yields, increasing water retention and quality, reducing erosion and nutrient runoff, lowering costs by reducing the need for inputs, and providing habitat for wildlife.

“Whether you’re experiencing drought or flooding, so much of the key is soil health,” says Tim Fink, Vice President of Policy at the American Farmland Trust. 

But “if it were easy, it would be done,” Fink adds. It costs money to transition to these practices, and there is more demand for farmer assistance programs than there are resources, especially at the government level. Panelists agree that cross-sector partnerships have a critical role to play.

“It’s one thing to have land access, but how can you have a sustainable and viable business on the land? Partnerships are really key to being able to help the farms. Regional planning commissions, municipalities, nonprofits, and farming organizations are important,” says Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle.

Panelists presented a powerful example of such partnerships through agrivoltaics, or the co-location of solar panels and agricultural activities on the same land, creating a dual-purpose system that generates both renewable energy and food, fiber, or forage.

“This is energy being harvested from the sun, but we’re also going to continue to maintain the farming that has been here in these thriving communities. Agrivoltaics is a way to create community resilience,” says Anna Toenjes, Associate Vice President of Impact & Business Development at Sol Systems, which partners with American Farmland Trust to deploy its solution. 

Lucy Bullock-Sieger, Chief Strategy Officer at Lightstar Renewables, says that she has seen agrivoltaic advocates emerge from those who were previously “anti-solar,” as they see it can benefit agriculture, energy, and communities alike. In the arid Western United States, for example, solar arrays can be designed to preserve soil moisture, allowing farmers to maintain their production using less water. 

“The farmers are excited, they came hip to hip with us, this is enabling them to invest in their family. Now the next generation sees a viable enterprise,” says Bullock-Sieger. “It’s a different way of farming, but farmers have pivoted from time immemorial…This is not a partisan issue. This is about farmers, food, energy, issues that we are all dealing with.”

Conventional agriculture needs to rebuild its reputation and regain the trust of eaters, according to Bianca Moebius-Clune, PhD, Climate and Soil Health Director at the American Farmland Trust: “We need the face of agriculture to change…a new conventional agriculture that everybody respects.”

Caitlin Leibert, Vice President of Sustainability at Whole Foods Market, agrees, adding that the movement toward regenerative agriculture must be inclusive: “When we talk about a new conventional, I want to strip out the elitism of regenerative agriculture and get back to the joy, beauty, and importance of farming.”

When everyone is invited to the table of holistic and regenerative farming, farming is more fun. Jay Goldmark, Farm Manager at Stone House Farm, describes connecting to a dynamic local farming community when he first learned about cover crops and other practices to boost soil health: “When you add diversity and cover crops and start to add your own nutrients to the farm, that’s self-reliance, and you become an artist. Being a farmer is an art. There’s an artistry in growing food, and I think we need to get back to that,” says Goldmark.

Alice Waters, Chef, Author, and Founder of Chez Panisse and the Edible Schoolyard Project, also sees artistry in growing food, and she finds hope in the opportunity to cultivate biodiversity and edible landscapes. 

“We don’t see the potential of an edible landscape…this opportunity that we have is delicious. Everywhere in this country, there are amazing food possibilities,” says Waters. “We have this opportunity to collaborate across the country and around the world.”

For U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, the government has a lot of work to do to address the interconnected challenges that panelists discussed on stage. Rep. Espaillat, who advocates for a U.S. Climate Fund to support climate action projects globally, shared a call to action for legislators:

“We must lead by example [in the United States]. We cannot continue to point fingers to other countries for polluting the planet…You cannot be great if your people are starving.”

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Photo by Ryan Rose for Food Tank.

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Recent events in Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan remind us that famine and starvation remain harsh realities, not just distant threats, even in our modern world. In 2025, more than 295 million people across 53 countries faced crisis levels of acute food and nutrition insecurity—the highest number since global tracking began in 2017*. And the threats are only growing: conflict, climate change, and economic instability are all projected to increase the frequency and severity of these crises.

For those of us in high-income countries, it can be difficult to fully grasp the toll these crises take. When food becomes scarce or inaccessible, families often sell their few remaining assets to survive. The poorest—those with little or nothing to sell—are hit the hardest. In the worst scenarios, malnutrition and mortality rates surge, particularly among children.

Despite the complexity of these crises—and the constraints that conflict imposes on humanitarian and development assistance—there is still much we can do to prevent the worst from happening. Acting early saves lives and livelihoods and is far more effective than responding once a crisis is well underway.

In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition of the need for more proactive responses. But early action depends on early warning—and that’s where data becomes critical. Food security crises have many moving parts and drivers. Tracking them requires timely, reliable information and the ability to detect real signals amidst the noise. When data is missing, mistrusted, or disconnected from decision-making, we lose valuable time—and opportunities to prevent suffering.

Efforts to build comprehensive early warning systems began in earnest in the mid-1980s with the creation of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). Since then, the standard approach for food security analysis has involved conducting field surveys, analyzing the results, projecting future trends, and circulating published reports to guide decisions about aid.

This approach has been invaluable, but not without challenges. Conducting household surveys in person is expensive and slow. By the time results come in, the situation may have changed—like driving while looking in the rearview mirror. Projections can also be inconsistent, inaccurate, and difficult to replicate–undermining their reliability for decision-making. And despite all these efforts to collect data and project scenarios, warnings are not always acted upon in time.

Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of leading a team at the World Bank Group working to close critical gaps in the availability, quality, and frequency of food and nutrition security data–and to better connect this information to timely, evidence-based decision-making. One area we’ve focused on is building data-driven models to help identify early signs of food crises. The idea itself isn’t new—but making it work at scale has always seemed out of reach, largely due to the multiple, interacting drivers of these crises and the limited historical data available on them. 

Still, the appeal of a modeled approach has been too enticing to ignore. With a good model, we can generate more frequent updates quickly and at much lower cost than traditional methods. We also gain transparency—so anyone running the model gets the same results—and we open the door to more reliable, longer-range projections. Of course, a model does not replace our traditional toolkit, but it significantly enhances it.

With support from United Nations agencies like the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Programme, UNICEF, and World Health Organization, international NGOs, and major tech companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, we launched an ambitious agenda. We tested everything from basic econometric models to machine learning and deep neural networks.

I’m proud to say that we’ve now successfully deployed this first-of-its-kind model in Somalia and Yemen. It’s able to capture past crisis conditions with about 80 percent accuracy, and recent improvements—developed in collaboration with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification—are improving accuracy even further. We’re preparing to expand deployment to five countries this year with the goal to reach 15 by 2026. You can follow this work in real time through the Global Food and Nutrition Security Dashboard.

What excites me most is not just that this effort enhances how we detect crisis risks—it’s changing how decisions are made. From the outset, we’ve emphasized transparency, technical rigor, and practical relevance by ensuring our data  connects directly to decisions about funding and programming. This work is now helping shape the development of national preparedness plans with governments and their partners to systematize earlier, more impactful, and better coordinated responses to these crises.

We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s technically possible in this space. Looking ahead, advances in higher-frequency indicators–combined with rapid innovations in AI–will provide earlier warnings and greater lead time to respond to emerging crises. The World Bank Group is also deepening its commitment to this agenda through the launch of the new Global Challenge Program on Food and Nutrition Security, which seeks to sharpen our focus on high-impact, high-return interventions that integrate social protection, food, and health measures. We are moving away from siloed approaches toward more integrated solutions—ensuring that the private sector also plays a central role in our engagements. But especially now—at a time when the value of international aid is being questioned—innovations like these feel especially critical. They have the potential to drive smarter, more cost-effective, and more accountable responses—marking a critical step forward in our broader effort to prevent, and ultimately end, food crises for good.

*The international community relies on a range of indicators to assess the severity and duration of food insecurity, based on the widely accepted framework of access, availability, utilization, and stability. While these measures form the foundation of food security analysis, they can be confusing—even for practitioners. The FAO offers a useful overview of the main indicators and their purposes, along with a short quiz to help test your understanding of the differences.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Agency for International Development

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