Join the Fight: How the Future Hunger Fighters Program Equips Students to Combat Food Insecurity

Walter Suza, an associate professor of agronomy, teamed up with Erin Todey from the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program to run the George Washington Carver Future Hunger Fighters Program. This initiative invites high school students in Iowa to write essays about hunger challenges in their communities and propose solutions. The winning teams will receive funding to bring their ideas to life.

Collin Reichert, a science teacher at Ames High School, leads the Students Helping to Eliminate Poverty and Hunger Club (SHEPH). He noticed that some students felt nervous about actually implementing their ideas. Despite their apprehensions, many realized the significance of their projects and appreciated the funding offered.

Reichert said, “This opportunity gives their work a new level of seriousness. They usually present their projects within the school, with little real-world impact. Now, they’re excited to connect with the community and make a difference.”

Students are coming up with various solutions, like starting educational campaigns and enhancing food collection at local grocery stores. Many also volunteer at Food At First, a soup kitchen in Ames. Some SHEPH members are working with Food At First to improve their operations by identifying challenges and suggesting solutions.

Recently, Suza visited Ames High School and hosted a dinner featuring rice and beans. He shared his experiences working on hunger issues with the United Nations in Africa, which inspired many students. Reichert noted that collaborating with the George Washington Carver Foundation has broadened their understanding of hunger.

“Hunger isn’t just an international issue,” Reichert emphasized. “The Future Hunger Fighters Program focuses on local food insecurity, helping students see the reality of hunger in our community.” Many students volunteer regularly at Food At First and witness firsthand the needs of those who are food insecure.

Beyond just addressing hunger, the program helps students grow as individuals. Reichert believes it promotes character development by encouraging students to connect with diverse communities and recognize their shared humanity.

Academically, the program goes beyond theory. “Students learn about the complexities of hunger and poverty. Real-world problems require creative solutions and perseverance,” Reichert explained. This hands-on approach helps students apply their knowledge meaningfully.

As part of the program, students have already raised $10,000 to reduce lunch debt for classmates at Ames High School. Reichert hopes this will inspire even more schools in Iowa to participate in the Future Hunger Fighters Program.

He envisions more involvement in the future, asserting that hunger will remain a pressing issue. “I’m eager to troubleshoot ideas with students and help them take action,” he said. It’s important for the students to lead the way, with teachers guiding them in their efforts.

Reichert values the learning experience for both himself and his students. He hopes to foster more collaboration between Ames High School and Iowa State University faculty. “Working together can create wonderful outcomes,” he said, highlighting the importance of community involvement in addressing hunger challenges.

Check out this related article: Unlocking Value: Why Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO) is the Top Food Stock to Buy for Under $20