DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change announces “Feeding Better Futures” in partnership with General Mills. Feeding Better Futures looks to address hunger relief and sustainable agriculture issues by championing the ingenuity of today’s youth. The new campaign launches today with a PSA starring actress, AnnaSophia Robb, who steps into “The Anti-Food Waste Kitchen” to show how thoughtful food consumption choices today can solve food access issues now and in the future.
Today, 842 million — nearly 12 percent of the world’s population — struggle with hunger, including 13 million kids and teenagers in America. By 2050, it is projected there will be 9.2 billion people on the planet and recent estimates suggest food production will need to increase by 70 percent to feed everyone. These alarming facts are why DoSomething.org is activating it’s over 5.6 Million young members to help make a change.
“At DoSomething, we know that young people are more aware today than ever before, and we also recognize how important it is for young people to have a voice in the creation of long-lasting change,” said Aria Finger, CEO & Chief Old Person, DoSomething.org. “We’re thrilled to partner with General Mills for the launch of Feeding Better Futures. Together we will empower young innovators and encourage them to showcase new perspectives on ways we can address the global issue of food security, starting in their own backyards.”
General Mills has been active in hunger relief and sustainable agriculture for years, as a leader in promoting environmentally and socially responsible practices across its supply chain, as well as providing resources to food insecure communities. With the launch of the General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholar Program, the company seeks to elevate the fresh thinking of today’s young innovators.
“General Mills’ mission is to serve the world by making food people love, and to do that for another 150 years, we must protect the resources we all depend on,” said Jerry Lynch, chief sustainability officer for General Mills. “We’ve seen it time after time, small steps lead to big ideas and even bigger impact. We believe hunger is something we can solve for — if we work together.”
Actress and social activist AnnaSophia Robb is supporting the initiative by filming a PSA. Robb steps into the “Anti-Food Waste Kitchen” where she shows how to use one simple ingredient in multiple ways. The fun video encourages young people to think about how we consume foods and offers solutions for how to repurpose food beyond the kitchen.
“Almost 13 million young people don’t have access to the food they need,” says actress AnnaSophia Robb. “I’m excited to be partnering with DoSomething.org to build awareness around this topic and encourage other young people to take action. It’s my hope that through Feeding Better Futures my generation can create real solutions that can turn this issue around!”
Young people can sign up for the campaign at Dosomething.org/food or by texting FOOD to 38383. Those who take a photo of a food issue, upload it to the site, and suggest a solution their community could use will be entered for the chance to win a $5,000 scholarship from DoSomething.org.
Young people also have the opportunity to amplify their impact by applying for the General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholars Program, where they will be asked to share a short video that explains a solution for an issue they have identified in one of two categories: hunger relief and sustainable agriculture. A General Mills panel of hunger relief and sustainability experts will review the video submissions and select five finalists. From these five finalists, General Mills will engage the public’s help in selecting a grand prize winner who will receive $50,000, as well as a mentorship with an industry leader and the opportunity to share their program at the 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival. The remaining four finalists will each be awarded $10,000 each to grow their programs.
For more information about the General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholars Program, visit www.feedingbetterfutures.com.
