Peer-to-peer session connects young activists

On November 28, an inspiring  and intimate session brought together FAO-WFP’s nine School Food Advocates and a seasoned young food activist from the UK. Organized in collaboration with Bite Back, the virtual session provided an engaging platform to share insights, strengthen connections, and enhance advocacy efforts.

The highlight of the session was a passionate intervention by Alice, an 18-year-old Bite Back Youth Activist, whose remarkable achievements and personal journey left participants moved and eager to take action. During her talk, Alice emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of food systems and shared valuable tips for effective advocacy, urging participants to remain persistent and authentic in their efforts. The session's interactive Q&A allowed the FAO-WFP school food advocates to engage directly with Alice and deepen their understanding of how to advocate for meaningful change.

Participants left the session feeling empowered and equipped with practical tools to strengthen their advocacy efforts. Linda from Ghana reflected: “Empowered by the advocacy session, I remain resolute in my pursuit to ensure every child in Ghana and globally has access to a healthy and nutritious meal. Undeterred by the challenges ahead, I am reinvigorated by the collective passion of fellow young advocates, and will continue to amplify my voice until meaningful change is achieved.”

Nancy from the USA found the session insightful and shared: “I very much enjoyed hearing about Bite Back and the youth-led work they’re engaging in. It was especially inspiring to hear about advocacy in other countries, and the experiences of others in the session. Since their food systems and cafeterias operate so differently, it was intriguing to hear about the differences in advocacy approaches. Overall, I thought the session was a great way to connect and learn from peers about creating more nutritious and sustainable food systems.” 

Feedback highlighted Alice’s relatability, as well as her impressive ability to juggle multiple roles—from Co-Chair of Bite Back to serving as Media Spokesperson for the British Youth Council—while continuing her education and volunteer work. Reflecting on the session, Alice shared: "I found the session incredibly inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to hear from young activists across the world".

This session was a valuable opportunity to unite School Food Advocates around a shared mission to create positive change. By exchanging ideas and hearing other’s experiences, School Food Advocates are better prepared to take steps toward making a meaningful impact.

Stay tuned for more training opportunities and follow-ups to this inspiring session!