Teenagers gather to tackle growing US food crisis: 'It just doesn't match up'

Some Texan teens are tackling food insecurity and sustainability in an impressive way, according to the Fort Worth Report. 

The Fort Worth Sister Cities worked with the FunkyTown Food Project to bring young people from around the world together to discuss important food supply issues. 

The two-week Global Leaders in Action event included students from Indonesia, China, Italy, and Eswatini. Alongside students from Dallas-Fort Worth, they shared perspectives on food availability, equity, and sustainability.

As a part of this program, teens toured a local farm with five discussion zones, each supported by an intern with relevant data on the topics. Much of the focus was put on how America subsidizes processed food rather than healthier alternatives, which left many in disbelief. 

"It just doesn't match up," said FunkyTown Food Project chief operating officer Kent Bradshaw, per the Fort Worth Report. "Other countries are not like that."

Diabetes has become a nationwide epidemic, but eating more plant-based foods is a way to reduce the risks.

Food security is increasingly becoming a challenge. As destructive weather patterns like floods and droughts are exacerbated by atmospheric pollution, farming has become more tenuous, and grocery prices have been on the rise. This pressure can even lead to climate migration.

Those interested in donating to the cause can pitch in to the FunkyTown Food Project here. 

Armed with new knowledge, event organizers are hoping to equip youth to meet the challenges of the future. 

"Part of it is getting to know someone as a person, not just where they're from," Fort Worth Sister Cities youth and education manager Paige Collins said, per the Fort Worth Report. 

"They can take what they learned here and put those skills to use in their country or their communities back home."

Why do you eat plant-based foods? The health benefits 🥗 It's cheaper 💰 It's good for the planet 🌎 I prefer the taste 😋 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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