Student Summit for Improved Food Systems

Sometimes young people think that due to their age, they will not be taken seriously when it comes to real policy issues. However, that is not the case with the food movement and college students around the world. They seem to recognize that policymakers are not the only ones that have power when it comes to the food movement. Students have been involved in the food movement since it began, and they are adamant when it comes to building a more sustainable future whether it is on their individual campuses, throughout their communities, or around the world.

The National Student Food Summit, which is organized by Meal Exchange brings together students and various food movement leaders for a three day conference (this year it is August 16th to August 18th) where they engage in discussion, develop strategy, and work in conjunction with food leaders all with the common goal of food system improvement.

The National Student Food Summit has been in existence for ten years, and it consistently provides a platform to equip students with leadership development, connection networks, and ideas and strategies for change. This year the theme of the conference is “Cultivating Change on Campus,” and it will focus on the evolution of food system changes thus far by students.

Four student speakers along with numerous chefs, activists, writers, etc. will present their work during the conference. This will hopefully give insights to those in attendance about getting campus food projects started. Some of the projects that are to be discussed include: increasing availability of sustainable foods in campus cafeterias; collaborative initiatives between students, professors, and dining services; non-profit open cooperatives of students and community members; dedication to providing affordable, local, fresh, and healthy food to the largest amount of people possible.

It is amazing to see so many students dedicated to making true and sustainable changes to the food system. Their commitment and initiatives on their campuses and in their communities are an inspiration to me and to many students across the country.

http://foodtank.org/

http://foodtank.org/news/2013/08/national-student-food-summit-2013-food-system-change-begins-with-students

http://www.studentfoodsummit.ca./

Written by Stacey Terlik