By Taylor Thigpen

After months of emails, obtaining security clearance and filling out paperwork, I officially accepted my invitation to represent the United States at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy. On October 13th, I boarded a plane from South Bend to Rome, a country I had never been to. I did not speak the language and knew nobody, but I had one simple goal: contributing my voice to help build a more food-secure world.

The United Nations shares that over 700 million people around the globe suffer from food insecurity, yet at the same time the amount of food waste continues to rise around the globe. I have always been passionate about addressing the inequalities in our society and have worked on several projects geared toward ending food insecurity and food waste. One example is the “share table” concept I developed at a young age. It began in public schools in Clay County, Florida, where I designated a table where students could put leftover, sanitary foods for other students to take home. I later connected schools with organizations that provided grants for refrigerators, and transportation equipment, and other supplies needed to preserve food.

As this idea began to take off across Florida, I had to challenge and address our state's food safety laws. I even spoke to the Florida Senate about the change needed for our schools’ food programs.

The World Food Forum brought together leaders and government officials from over 100 countries to promote “good food for all, today and tomorrow.” The event took place in the heart of Rome, at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As I arrived, I was blown away by the diversity of flags and stories represented all across the building. I was a part of a small cohort representing North America and focused in particular on representing the work of the U.S Department of Agriculture and the 4-H program.

In addition to my role at the World Food Forum, I work directly with the United States 4-H Board of Trustees, continuing to build programs for 6.5 million youth, preparing them to address food security and serve as leaders in their communities. The 4-H network’s mission of youth development is extremely important to me, as I personally have benefited from the program's offerings and experienced its impact on young people during my past role as state president of Florida 4-H, which reaches more than 200,000 youth.

At the World Food Forum I spoke as a representative of the United States about my work running a social venture, my experience leading a prominent youth development program and the importance of preparing young people to be leaders and address issues related to agriculture and food security. Food security is directly related to national security and it is important to create opportunities for diverse voices on topics including nutrition, food waste and hunger. One of the biggest highlights of the World Food Forum was meeting a diverse group of leaders who are changing our world for the better, including the U.S ambassador to Rome, the U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, all of whom discussed their new initiatives for moving countries forward for building sustainable food productions.

I was excited to discuss Notre Dame at the conference, especially my fellow students' work abroad, Notre Dame's sustainability efforts such as the Grind2energy project, collaborations with South Bend nonprofit organizations and the Keough School’s mission of integral human development — upholding the dignity of each person and the whole person. Now back at Notre Dame, I look forward to promoting sustainability and reducing food waste in our community and continuing to learn through my global affairs major.

When I wasn’t attending the World Food Forum I spent some time seeing the sights of Rome, learning about architecture and history, visiting the Vatican and trying new foods — especially tiramisu! I highly recommend leaving the Notre Dame “bubble” to take advantage of the opportunities offered at the Keough School and beyond.

Originally published by Keough Insider at keough.nd.edu on November 12, 2024.